“We are excited to welcome the return of the One Voice Gospel Choir Student Director, Pastor Giles Foster IV, the founding Director of the OMS, Brenda Stevens, and other esteemed alums who are returning to campus to worship with us,” said Andrea Ramsey, current director of the OMS.  “We can’t wait to celebrate the rich history of gospel music, legacy, and impact the choir has had here at Malone.”

The One Voice Gospel Choir’s performance of “Redeeming The Time” is open to the public at no cost, but a freewill offering will be collected.

“We are excited to bring this drama and provocative perspective to our campus,” said Andrea Ramsey, director of multicultural services. â€śIt will prove to be a unique and enjoyable way to learn more about the life and work of Dr. King.”

“Moments With Martin” is open to the public at no cost, but a freewill offering will be collected.  

“We’re excited to bring back Big Day Fest at Malone for a second year in a row after hosting a sold out crowd at our inaugural event,” said Eric Young, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment and marketing. “The energy of 1,100 people worshiping together on our campus was electric—an unforgettable night of joy, music, and praise to the Lord. We can’t wait to experience that same excitement again this year.” 

The festival opens at noon for the outdoor activities, including performances by local worship bands. The evening lineup includes:

is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose joyful sound blends pop and worship. A Belmont grad with a master’s in commercial piano, she’s toured with top Christian artists, led worship since age 12, and now records with Centricity Music.  

is a singer/songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. His talent took him to the quarter finals of “America’s Got Talent” and CCM legend, TobyMac took notice as well, signing him to his Gotee label.

Headliner is one of Christian music’s most exciting new voices. From launching Damascus Worship to charting with his breakout hit “Counting My Blessings,” he’s quickly making an impact. A 2024 KLOVE Fan Award winner, Dove nominee, and Billboard finalist, Seph combines musical talent with a heartfelt desire to point others to Christ.  

Ticket sales are now open, and options include an Early Bird rate of $20 per ticket until August 1, as well as a group ticket option.

Whether you are confused by what you hear in the news or are curious to learn more about the United States’ approach to border security, you will benefit from attending as DeBruhl debunks myths and explores the truth behind southern border issues. Self-described as “a short guy who had to have his Harley Davidson motorcycle lowered three inches to let his feet reach the ground,” he will also share his personal experiences which eventually led him to assume leadership at some of the nation’s largest migrant shelters, including his role as Director of Sacred Heart Shelter in El Paso, Texas. 

Beginning at 7 p.m. on May 1, 2025, in the Johnson Center, Room 106, his lecture is free and open to the public.  

His specialty is the history of Christian thought, with particular focus on Augustine and Luther. He is perhaps best known for his book , along with his lecture series published by The Great Courses, including courses on  , , the History of Christian Theology, and . In addition to numerous articles and reviews, he has published three books on Augustine with Oxford University Press (Augustine’s Invention of the Inner Self, 2000; Inner Grace, 2008; and Outward Signs, 2008). 

Another area of interest is theological exegesis, where he has contributed a commentary on the book of Jonah (Brazos Press, 2008). His most recently published books are The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine, and the Gospel that Gives Us Christ (Baker Academic, 2019), and The Nicene Creed: An Introduction (Lexham Press, 2023).

Lecture One

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2O25

Who is God? The Nicene Creed, Part I

The Nicene Creed is the most important confession of faith in the Christian world.  It is also the gold standard for statements on the doctrine of the Trinity.  The fact that it speaks of One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, without ever using the word “Trinity,” or even the word “three,” should tell us something about what’s important in the doctrine.  

Lecture Two

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Who is Jesus? The Nicene Creed, Part II

Do Christians really believe that the man on the cross, who was once a baby in Mary’s womb, is the eternal God, Creator of all things?  Studying the Nicene Creed means learning why early Christians answered this question with an emphatic YES — and how they could do so without confusing Jesus with God the Father.  

The Woolman Lecture Series is sponsored by The Center for Christian Faith and Culture in partnership with the Office of the Provost. 

Both lectures are free and open to the public. Pre-registration will ensure enough seats for all. 

“Advocacy has always been part of my calling—whether for people, animals, or creation. At times, I have struggled to understand why my Christian peers seemed disinterested in protecting God’s creation, a gift entrusted to us by our loving Savior,” said Rebecca Eagle-Malone, assistant professor of biology. “But in my career, I’ve met countless believers who share this calling by working to protect wildlife and wild spaces. The dedication of these individuals has strengthened me, reminding me that we are not alone in this mission. The events of Sustainability Week are one way we seek to learn, connect, and take action together for the planet.”

Rooted in the peacemaking and equity-centered Quaker tradition, these words of its founder, George Fox, inspire Malone’s collective commitment to learn and lead sustainability efforts alongside our neighbors: 
“Keep in the wisdom of God that spreads over all the earth, the wisdom of the creation, that is pure. Live in it; that is the word of the Lord God to you all, do not abuse it…” (1657-1659).

“In 1970, Malone celebrated the first ever observation of Earth Day in the United States where students across the country engaged in activities that opposed environmental degradation,” said Bryson Davis, assistant professor of sociology. “Today, we continue to be committed to our call to environmental care and sustainability in our efforts to put Christ’s Kingdom First. Sustainability Week is a celebration of our natural environment and an invitation for the Malone, Canton, and Stark County communities to enhance our individual and collective efforts toward cultivating flourishing for people and the planet.”

The week’s events are being planned by the University’s Sustainability Committee, made up of faculty and staff members, as well as current students. 

“When I was growing up, we didn’t talk much about how science and nature correspond with Scripture, so I never had the opportunity to consider advocating for the planet,” said Mattie Huber ’26, an honors student studying Worship Arts. “Coming to Malone and learning about Creation Care has helped me to understand that science and nature do tie into Scripture. I’ve dedicated my honors thesis to explaining why humanity feels connected to nature, which I argue is a function of God’s creative design.”

Sustainability Week events include: 

Be:Justice Creation Care
Monday, March 31 at 6 p.m. in the Stewart Room of the Randall Campus Center (The Barn)
Presenter: , the Director of Sustainability at the College of Wooster

A special edition Spiritual Formation Opportunity (SFO), event explores the theological foundations and invitation to creation care as a central component of Christian discipleship, as well as practical ways to engage the work of Christian creation care.

Community Worship
Wednesday, April 2 at 10 a.m. in the Worship Center of the Johnson Center for Worship and the Fine Arts
Presenter: Jenney Rice of Vineyard Columbus and (EEN)

2nd Annual Sustainability Fest: An Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the track at Hazen Field

The second annual Sustainability Festival is a day dedicated to celebrating sustainability and environmental stewardship in Stark County! Family-friendly activities include sustainable vendors, live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and more. 

“Whether you are a concerned member of the Church, a community leader, or someone interested in the role faith can play in shaping public policy, this discussion will provide insight, foster dialogue, and promote a deeper understanding of how faith can influence the ongoing conversation about guns in America,” said David Beer, Ph.D., professor of political science at Malone.

The proponents for the evening include: 

Reverend Joyce Penfield, Peace Builders Academy

Rev. Joyce Penfield is a retired Episcopal priest and community advocate who has served in Rhode Island and Ohio. She is the Director of Peace Builders Academy in Akron, working to equip the community with tools of alternatives to violence and Martin Luther King-style nonviolent direct action.

Jim Irvine, FASTER Saves Lives

Jim Irvine has lengthy experience in gun-rights advocacy and organizations, both nationally and in Ohio. He is a board member for the Second Amendment Foundation and chairman of A1S4 Protection PAC, a non-partisan Ohio Political Action Committee dedicated to protecting the rights of self-defense, bearing arms (as codified in Article 1, Section 4 of the Ohio Constitution). He is the co-director of FASTER Saves Lives, a program for Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response or (FASTER).

“At Malone, we strongly believe our current moment calls for more open and civil dialogue among people who differ and disagree, and our Christian faith gives us the very grounding for these conversations,” said Beer, who also serves as director of the Center for Christian Faith and Culture at Malone. “We want to provide healthy models of civil dialogue for our students and our community, and the Worldview Forum series is a wonderful expression of this.”

“I fell in love with LEGO® when I was a kid, and I’m excited to partner with ĚÇĐÄVlog to share that love with the next generation,” said Brown, who has decades of LEGO® -building experience and nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. “Building is a great alternative to online gaming and social media, and I encourage kids of all ages — and their parents — to engage with LEGO® as much as possible. I’m looking forward to seeing all the amazing builds and meeting some aspiring builders in our community.”

Malone was a recipient of an ArtsinStark ArtsImpact Grant for 2025. These grants recognize the need for project-based support for artists and organizations across Stark County. They also support cross-sector partnerships that leverage the creativity of the arts community by funding unique projects which address community challenges and improve individual and overall well-being. 

The theme for Malone’s 2025 Day of Giving is “Building Together,” and the Brick Building Competition will enhance the celebration by engaging the creativity of Stark County youth with innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities. The displayed sculptures will illustrate not only the benefit of individual bricks working together but how the greater Stark County community supports one another, from student participants to supportive teachers and parents and partnership with ArtsinStark, local experts, and others. 

“We set aside the Day of Giving every year to celebrate the history and heritage that has brought Malone to where we are today and the future we are building together through Christ,” said Brian Hollingsworth ’02 ’14, vice president for advancement. “This brick building competition provides a unique and fun opportunity to involve not just the Pioneer community in the Day of Giving, but the greater Stark County community as well.” 

Registration is open until January 31. Open to individuals only; team builds of 2+ people are not allowed.

“We’re excited to launch the Big Day Fest this fall just as the new school year begins,” said Eric Young, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment and marketing. “We are looking forward to the festival as an additional opportunity to connect with regional churches and youth groups as we continue to serve as a hub for Christian education and culture in northeast Ohio.”

The festival opens at noon for outdoor activities and performances by local worship bands. The evening lineup includes:

Joseph O’Brien is a singer/songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. His talent took him to the quarter finals of “America’s Got Talent” and CCM legend, TobyMac took notice as well, signing him to his Gotee label. Learn more about him at

Josiah Queen, at the age of 16, recorded his debut track, “God of Miracles”– a song about witnessing God’s miraculous movements in our ordinary lives. Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram became his stage, and his music resonated deeply with hearts far and wide. Learn more about him at

indie tribe is a Christian hip-hop collective featuring nobigdyl., Mogli the Iceburg, Jon Keith & DJ Mykael V. Learn more about them at