Absalom Jones Anglican Campus Ministry

Welcome to the Campus Ministry of the Episcopal Church at Jackson State University known as the Absalom Jones Anglican. This Campus ministry is named for the first African American Priest in the Episcopal Church (c.1795) and reflects the fact that as the Episcopal Church we are part of the world wide Anglican Communion.

There have been earlier efforts by St. Mark Episcopal Church to reach the Jackson State community, but beginning with the fall term of 2006, the Episcopal Church has launched a new initiative to engage the hearts, minds, and spirits of the students, faculty, and staff of this special community led by The Rev. Dr. William Ndishabandi, an Episcopal Priest in Mississippi and a native of Uganda. This new ministry will offer a variety
of programs and opportunities to deepen our walk with Christ so that we might be shaped into instruments of history and hope in our world.

We are excited about being present on the Jackson State Campus. We deeply appreciate the support of the President, Dr. Ronald Maison Jr. And his Jackson State Administration. We are most grateful for the support of the Rev. Dr. Richard Middleton III and the congregation of St. Marks Episcopal Church. We look forward to being with you in creative, life giving, and faithful ways.

Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray III, D.D.

MISSION STATEMENT
Absalom Jones Anglican Campus Ministry strives to reach out to a diverse academic, ecumenical, and interfaith campus community of Jackson State University, building and strengthening students faculty relationships, empowering, and fostering all for local and global Christian leadership.

VISION
Our vision is to prepare students/ faculty know Christ better, and so grow in his likeness-that through our lives we will make him known. We are committed to cultivate, train, and develop discipleship groups of students become disciple makers. We endeavor to promote unity among the diverse groups of students. Encourage moral, spiritual, and healthy relationships.

PURPOSE
Absalom Jones Anglican Campus Ministry intends to develop much closer apostolic interaction with students of other religious faith in the work of the Church, witness and serve in a diverse academic, ecumenical, and interfaith context. We intend to build and strengthen the students and faculty relationship with God in order to transform and empower them for local and global leadership.

WHAT IS AJA?
Absalom Jones Anglican is an arm of The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, serving the campus community of Jackson State University. Proclaiming the kingdom of God to all members of diverse culture, denomination, and ethnic background.

We are the newest challenging, innovative, and supportive ministry on the campus of JSU. In addition to our ministry, our office is open for pastoral counseling, pastoral care to all students and faculty members (appointment required for pastoral counseling).

We believe in healthy relationship and exhort each student to apply Christian principles to his/her behavior. We are committed to help those in the process to discern their need for God as the source of all wisdom and power.

We value each one’s time and talents. We are here to help you achieve your life’s dream; broaden your spirituality through worship, fellowship, and discipleship.

We are here to work with students-seeking meaning and direction. God has created us to be creative and the AJA campus ministry reflects this creativity to be achieved collaboratively.

PEER MINISTRY
We are in the process to develop a Peer Ministry for AJA at Jackson State University. This Peer ministry will involve training committed peers responsible to reach out to others. The office of the chaplain is supportive for those aspiring for leadership. A stipend or a gift in kind will be provided as stipulated in the budget. We also appreciate those willing to provide their time and talent in this ministry.

SPIRITUAL MENTORING
The chaplain is more than willing to provide spiritual guidance, nurture students-faculty with biblical literacy; integrate theological insights into knowledge, and create a climate where prayer and worship are practiced and valued. The AJA campus ministry anticipate a strong support from churches in the Jackson area to support us in nurturing and mentoring the young boys and girls aspiring to be future leaders of our Institutions.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The AJA campus ministry's long term goals is to train and develop student leaders in the church. The ministry is working to enhance the ability of making this vision come to pass. Young men and women who are committed to leadership will benefit personally from the most profound discernment program. It’s our purpose to encourage them in their spiritual journey.

The Ministry Leadership Officers
The Rev. Dr. William K. Ndishabandi wndisha@aol.com (Chaplain)
Dr. Richard Middleton (Co-Chair) rtmiii@aol.com
Ms. Iva McCants (Treasurer)
Mrs. Tabeth Jiri (Office Clark)
Advisors:
Mr. Henry Thomas hgtbig@aol.com
Dr. Benjamin Ngwudike benjamin.c.ngwudike@jsums.edu