Student Ministry Council on their fall retreat. Photo from DWU Campus Ministry Facebook page.

Student Ministry Council is the home away from home for many students on the Dakota Wesleyan University campus. It is led by campus pastors Rev. Taryn Ragels and Rev. Anthony Purcell. SMC meets at Pastor Anthony’s house every Sunday night to enjoy a home-cooked meal, worship, and plan for the coming weeks. 

SMC is a community that welcomes students from all walks of life at DWU. As Malorie Mattke, a sophomore, shares, “SMC is a highlight of my week, where I relish in the home-cooked meals and the warm embrace of my peers.”

SMC is open to all college students looking to deepen their faith and grow in community with one another.Members include athletes, students involved in the arts, and academically driven students, all with various experiences and perspectives. Pastors Taryn and Anthony constantly show the students on campus that they are loved. SMC’s motto this year is “It’s Better When You’re Here.” What a great reminder.

The Student Ministry Council is divided into three teams: teaching, outreach, and worship. Each team focuses on one of these three key aspects of campus ministry. 

Anna Mutzenberger, a sophomore, explains, “The teaching team helps organize small groups and communicates with them about their needs. Each week, we write devotion material about the chapel service for small groups to utilize if they would like. We also prepare weekly devotions for SMC on Sunday night.” 

Audrey Koesters, a senior on the worship team, states, “The worship team strives to create a space through music, instruments, and community together.”

Ben Harms, a junior and a part of the outreach team, says, “SMC plans events on campus and throughout the community. We want to spread God’s love throughout Mitchell and make a positive impact.”

Campus Ministry experienced a change in leadership this year. Two new pastors were appointed as the campus pastors at DWU. While this process involved some learning curves, Pastors Taryn and Anthony have embraced the program and its challenges in many ways.

SMC has had many great moments this year. 

Pastor Taryn states, “SMC brought Fellowship of Christian Athletes back to campus, hosted many events, and won an award for most successful fundraiser.”  

Overall, it has been a spirit-filled year for SMC!