Tusculum University Hosts Night of Worship Featuring Local Talent

Tusculum University in Greeneville will host a Night of Worship on **October 30, 2023**, at **7 p.m.** This event will showcase local gospel music artists and is poised to enhance the community’s spiritual experience. The gathering will take place at the **Marilyn duBrisk Theatre**, located within the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center.

Performing during the Night of Worship will be **Madison Metcalf-Shelton**, a musician known for her traditional and contemporary gospel styles, along with the bluegrass gospel band **Threads of Faith**. This musical event is part of Tusculum’s ongoing efforts to support the **Christian Leadership Institute**, an initiative aimed at nurturing Christ-centered leaders and deepening faith within the university and surrounding community.

Supporting Community and Spiritual Growth

The Night of Worship coincides with Tusculum’s weeklong Homecoming celebration. The Rev. **E.J. Swatsell**, director of spiritual life and special projects at Tusculum, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He stated, “We are delighted to enrich lives with performances by excellent artists who glorify God and bless audiences with their uplifting music.” Rev. Swatsell emphasized the importance of local talent in fostering a deeper connection to faith.

Metcalf-Shelton, recognized for her performances at events like Tusculum’s Old Oak Festival, recently released her album **Right to Jesus** in 2023. Meanwhile, **Threads of Faith** has been performing since 2016, having formed in their East Tennessee church. The band has written several original songs and played at various churches throughout the region, contributing to the local gospel music scene.

Expanding Christian Leadership Initiatives

The Christian Leadership Institute serves as an umbrella for multiple faith-based programs at Tusculum. Earlier this year, the university held its first event under this initiative, the **Christians in Business Dinner**, where **Chuck Bowlin** was posthumously honored with the inaugural Christian Leadership Award.

Additionally, the **Discipleship Living-Learning Center**, which comprises two residences—one for males and one for females—has already launched. The male residence is named **The Bowlin House**. This center aims to create a Christ-centered environment for first- and second-year students through Bible studies, mentorship, and ministry engagement. Older students live in the houses as peer mentors, conducting weekly discipleship sessions and assisting with Bible studies and spiritual resources. Participating students in this program receive a **$2,000 annual scholarship** to help cover their educational expenses.

Looking ahead, Tusculum will also host the **Pioneer Discipleship Weekend** in January, a retreat designed to help high school students grow spiritually and understand what it means to live as Christ’s disciples.

Tickets for the Night of Worship are priced at **$10** and can be purchased via credit or debit card at [Tusculum’s official website](https://site.tusculum.edu/homecoming-2/). Cash tickets will also be available at the door, subject to seat availability. This event promises to be a memorable evening of music and community engagement.