GREENEVILLE – An evening of spiritual nourishment through song and word awaits attendees of the upcoming Night of Worship at Tusculum University.
Madison Metcalf-Shelton performs during Night of Worship in 2025.
The university’s campus ministries program will hold the uplifting event Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre inside Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. It will include music from Madison Metcalf-Shelton, an inspirational message from the Rev. E.J. Swatsell and testimonials from Tusculum students.
The event is free and open to the community.
“As we begin the academic year, our connection with the Lord is strong at Tusculum,” said Swatsell, the university’s director of spiritual life and special projects. “We seek to build on that desire for closeness with God with Night of Worship and encourage everyone to join us and be fed with God’s word. Whether all is good in your heart or you are struggling in some fashion, this evening together will strengthen you.”
Metcalf-Shelton is a traditional and contemporary gospel musician who has been gifted with a wonderful voice that moves audiences. She also plays the guitar. She performed at Night of Worship at the university in 2025 and has sung at Tusculum’s Old Oak Festival and other venues. She released the album “Right to Jesus” in 2023.
Swatsell has served in his present role at Tusculum for a year and has contributed to additional spiritual growth on campus. In addition to serving as a listening ear for Tusculum family members who need help, he works closely with students who reside in Tusculum’s Discipleship Living-Learning Center. Through Bible studies, mentorship and ministry engagement, the center provides a Christ-focused environment where first- and second-year students are discipled, strengthened in their faith and formed for lives of service and leadership.
The Rev. E.J. Swatsell speaks on campus.
These students live in three university-owned houses – two for males and one for females – and connect regularly with Swatsell as they progress on their spiritual path. The university now also has students who resided in the houses during the last academic year and are now serving as dorm chaplains in three residence halls with guidance from Swatsell.
Many of these students have begun sharing their stories in churches and in other settings.
“We are one with each other in the Lord,” Swatsell said. “All of us benefit when we have a strong relationship with Christ and continue to nurture it as a community and as individuals. We are excited to invite everyone to Tusculum and offer this excellent opportunity to grow stronger in our faith.”
Additional information about Tusculum’s campus ministries is available at https://site.tusculum.edu/campus-ministries/. To learn more about Tusculum, please visit www.tusculum.edu.