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Dr. Justin Ariel Bailey has been appointed Dean of Chapel at ��͹��Ƶ, starting this summer. In this role, he will oversee Campus Ministries, regularly speak in chapel, and offer pastoral care. He will also teach theology classes and continue to write.

Bailey has spent the past eight years as a theology professor at Dordt, exploring the intersection of contemporary culture and the Christian faith. His work focuses on the intersection of Christian theology, culture, and ministry. He has authored three books, including (Baker Academic, 2022), (IVP Academic, 2020), and (Baker Academic, forthcoming).

Bailey looks forward to serving the ��͹��Ƶcommunity through chapel preaching and teaching.

“I’ve cherished the opportunity to speak and teach in chapel in the past—in fact, my newest book started as a six-part ��͹��Ƶchapel series,” he says. “I don’t take for granted how formative chapel can be for our campus culture and spiritual life. My deep hope is that, through chapel, students will encounter Christ, fall in love with Scripture, and see how faith saturates all of life.”

��͹��Ƶ President Dr. Erik Hoekstra is thrilled to have Bailey step into this role and is equally grateful for the work of those who came before Bailey.

“Nearly 15 years ago, Rev. Aaron Baart came to ��͹��Ƶto revitalize and grow Dordt’s Campus Ministries—and he’s done so in amazing ways,” says Hoekstra. “In recent years, he has taken on more responsibilities as Chief of Staff, leading excellently in this role. Aaron will now be able to focus fully on his effective work with Dordt’s administrative leadership team.”

Bailey “has an important and highly insightful voice, evidenced in his writing, teaching, and preaching,” adds Chief of Staff and Dean of Chapel Rev. Aaron Baart. “He is deeply appreciated for his voice on and off campus and highly trusted to carry the mantle of this role.”

Hoekstra says that Bailey has outstanding preparation and impeccable credentials as a Reformed theologian and pastor—"and anyone who has listened to him preach will realize why we’re so excited about him taking the leadership role for our chapel program.”

“Having come to the Reformed tradition later in life, Justin brings an excitement for the comprehensive nature of how the Christian faith needs to impact every area of our lives. I’m sure our students, faculty, staff, and the broader community will be blessed to have his voice and insights for years to come,” he says.

Dr. Leah Zuidema, vice president for academic affairs, notes that Bailey has been “an exemplary faculty member, and the gifts that make him so talented as a professor will also help him to be effective in this new role.”

“Whether he is at the front of the classroom, in conversation with students, or giving a chapel message, Dr. Bailey faithfully shares the Gospel and encourages Christians to grow in discipleship,” she adds. “His words center on the Good News, inspiring listeners to take his message to heart.”

Bailey notes how well the role of Dean of Chapel aligns with his calling. “As soon as the new role presented itself, I saw all the ways that it fits my sense of vocation, passions, and gifts.”

“Much of my life has been marked by these sorts of surprises: as a Filipino American raised in Kansas and educated in Chicago and LA, I didn’t anticipate serving in a Korean congregation for seven years, becoming an academic, or finding a home in Northwest Iowa these last eight years! And yet here we are.”

He also loves how the role combines “rhetorical leadership (preaching and teaching), reflective leadership (praying, thinking, writing), and relational leadership (pastoral care and teamwork).”

Bailey is eager to bring his experience and vision to this new position, serving the ��͹��Ƶcommunity through worship, teaching, and pastoral care.

About ��͹��Ƶ

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, ��͹��Ƶ equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, ��͹��Ƶis a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.