Gordon in the News: last updated 11/11/2013
Gordon College is pleased to announce the selection of Thomas (Tom) Haugen as its seventh chaplain. The Office of the Chaplain (previously known as Dean of Chapel) is responsible for the development and implementation of the student-focused chapel program, spiritual formation, community service and short-term mission trips. As Gordon’s Christian identity is broadly evangelical—more than 40 denominations are represented by students, faculty and staff—the chaplain must be able to encourage such a diverse community in their faith journey. Haugen will succeed Dr. Greg Carmer, who served as chaplain since 1995. Recognizing a greater need for enhancing the integration of theology and vocation among faculty and staff, Dr. Carmer will be assuming the position of Dean of Christian Life and Theologian-in-Residence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tom Haugen and his family to the Gordon community,” said President Michael Lindsay. “Tom’s diverse ministry experience, impressive educational background, and his love for communicating the scriptures in such a way that young women and men desire to know God and his world more fully make him well-equipped to take the helm of Gordon’s Chapel Office. More than 450 people from around the world applied to be Gordon’s Chaplain, and Tom was the clear standout. I am so excited to see how God will use Tom’s gifts and leadership to make an impact on the Gordon community in the days ahead.”
Haugen is currently an A.J. Gordon Guild Scholar at the London School of Theology and a Ph.D. Candidate in Homiletics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He brings 20 years of experience to this position. Most recently, he served as Associate Pastor for seven years at the International Protestant Church of Zurich, Switzerland, where he oversaw youth, college and young adult ministries of a multi-cultural and multi-denominational international English-speaking congregation of 400 members from over 55 different countries. He has also served as the director of young adult ministries at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, caring for 2500 young men and women.
“It will be a privilege to help students discover for themselves God’s purpose for their lives as they navigate the joys and challenges of the college journey,” Haugen said. “I get excited thinking about the impact 1600 students could have in New England and to the ends of the earth when they embrace God’s love and forgiveness, grow in wisdom and Christ-likeness, commit to lives of service, and in all things give God the honor and glory He deserves. I look forward to building life-changing relationships with the students of Gordon College as we worship Christ together in community. “
Tom Haugen and his wife, Lauri, who also has her M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, are active in the Hamilton-Wenham community. They serve as members of the children’s ministry team at Hamilton Congregational Church. They are parents to three young children, Melia (8), Annika (5), and Jocelyn (1) and enjoy spending their free time exploring the mountains and coastline of New England and fly-fishing with family in Montana.
Haugen received his B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of Georgia, his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his M.Th. from the University of Edinburgh.
Haugen will initially begin part-time on November 11, working alongside Greg Carmer. He will assume full-time responsibilities as Chaplain on January 2, 2014.
Watch the Chapel service in which Tom Haugen is introduced to the campus. Introduction begins at 27 minutes: