A record number of students applied to lead chapel the past two years.

ACU has been strictly a capella, but several years ago, the university decided to branch out and incorporate instruments into the praise and worship in chapel.

David Moses, director of daily operations of chapel, said the university understands the Church of Christ history, but wants to be sensitive to a religiously diverse student body.

“The university has understood over the last couple of years that we are Church of Christ tradition,” Moses said. “For years and years, we have provided a Church of Christ style of worship. About 20-30 percent of our population is Church of Christ, but that means 70-80 percent of our population is not.”

Moses said with the change, he feels the reason there is a boost in applicants to lead chapel is because ACU took steps from primarily a capella worship to incorporating instrumental worship.

“The decision was made to provide different venues for worship,” Moses said. “Since I’ve been here over the last three years, that venue has even opened up into Moody. I think that the exposure of instrumental worship has offered the opportunity for a lot of kids to get involved who want to be involved.”

To be a chapel leader, Moses said students must to be willing to organize their own worship teams, provide a set, rehearse on their own time and provide the worship service.

Moses said two years ago, he would only have 10 to 15 people at the interest meetings, but the last two years he’s had 30 to 40 people show up.

“Most of it is in the instrumental arena,” Moses said. “I really just think the interest is there because the exposure has been broadened.”