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Hurtgen comes full circle at CU Faculty/Staff Recognition By Gerard Flanagan Dr. John Hurtgen summed up his 35 years teaching at Campbellsville University in two words: full circle. "Full circle is my story as I reach the 35-year mark of service at CU," Hurtgen shared during CU's annual Faculty/Staff Recognition Service on May 15, 2025. Hurtgen, professor of New Testament and Greek for CU, quoted a few lines from Christian artist Phil Keaggy's 1981 song, "Full Circle": Looking back I can say"Coming full circle is a part of every good story, of every good song, of every good work, and it certainly is a part of the Gospel story, and it's a part of the mission of a Christian university," Hurtgen told CU employees. The Faculty and Staff Recognition Program was established in 1984 to publicly recognize those who have served Campbellsville University. Hurtgen read from John 21:1-14, when the disciples went out to fish in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was also along the Sea of Galilee, though the disciples did not recognize it was Him. During the account, Jesus asked the disciples to throw their net down for a catch, resulting in a catch so large that they were unable to haul the net in. "Did you hear the full circle?" Hurtgen asked. "Easter, in fact, encourages us to look at the story of Jesus as a full circle. At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, He gathers his first disciples along the shore of the Sea of Galilee... He, Jesus, will meet you there. Full circle. Beginning at the Sea of Galilee and returning to the Sea of Galilee. The story we just heard from John's Gospel is indeed a full circle moment." Hurtgen offered three lessons from this full-circle moment involving Jesus. He first reminded CU's employees that Jesus is always present. "Whenever you're tempted to think the Lord is nowhere to be found, know that Jesus indeed is present," Hurtgen said. "Nowhere can easily become now here. Jesus is already there in Galilee Lake. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. "He's called us not to go alone, let alone with a department of colleagues. We need to know that Jesus is indeed with us." Hurtgen pointed out that Jesus was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee long before the disciples realized it. "With each year of your service here at CU, cultivate this God with us life, that Jesus is always standing on the shore of your life," Hurtgen said. "In His presence is fullness of joy and grace and peace. "The life of the Christian university is ultimately participation in the presence of Christ who is risen and alive." The second lesson Hurtgen shared is that we should listen to the instructions of Jesus. "Whatever He tells you to do, do it," Hurtgen said. "Jesus gives what appears to be counterintuitive instructions. Throw your net on the right side of the boat...but the disciples were obedient." Hurtgen added, "The life of the Christian university is the sum of a faculty and staff who are intent on hearing what Jesus is speaking to us in our greatest struggles, shortcomings and, yes, empty nets." The third lesson Hurtgen shared is that we should pay attention to Jesus' invitation. "That the invitation of Jesus is to a life of sharing with other brothers and sisters the soul-satisfying meal," Hurtgen stated. Ultimately, Hurtgen noted the mission of the Christian university is ultimately the work of God, along with "faithful workers" who work with the God who is already at work. "It's the soul-satisfying meal that Jesus bids us share together," Hurtgen added. "It's for all of us, whatever role we play, to live lives centered in Christ, filled with hope so that we can equip students to shape the world. "With each year of service at CU, cultivate this heart by responding to the invitation, and this involves too most certainly to do life deeply with Jesus, with your colleagues and with students. There's no doubt you'll have more than you've ever had before as you come full circle in your life, joining with others in a rich, soul-satisfying feast." Employees recognized during the ceremony include as follows:
45 Years of Service:
35 Years of Service:
25 Years of Service:
20 Years of Service:
15 Years of Service:
10 Years of Service:
5 Years of Service:
This story was posted on 2025-07-17 09:10:22
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