The Purifying Effect of Christian Faculty

This summer while camping, my daughter and I found large river mussels in a freshwater creek. Although we found no actual pearls inside, we did learn about these amazing creatures, and I found interesting parallels to my own ministry and calling within the university. 

Mussels work by filtering large volumes of water to purify it, ultimately improving the quality of the water for others. Additionally, they provide a habitat for other aquatic creatures like crayfish and algae. When mussels burrow into the riverbed, they aerate and stabilize it.

When mussels reproduce, they utilize a host fish. Fertilized eggs, called glochidia, are released from female mussels into the water and must attach to the gills or fins of a host fish to continue developing. Once the glochidia mature into juvenile mussels, they then detach from the host fish and settle into the riverbed themselves, where they grow into adults.

Purity by Obeying the Truth

Like mussels, Christians can bring a purifying and cleansing effect to an often dark and toxic world. 1 Peter 1:22 reminds us that purity comes from obeying the truth, and this will result in deep love for the people around us. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

I also am challenged by this analogy to consider how I might serve as a “host fish” for others that I encounter at work to help them grow spiritually.

Being a Host

At Kent State, our faculty-staff fellowship started in 2022, and a few of us have been prayerfully considering how we can be a host for others who desire to fall deeper in love with Jesus.

We started small groups last semester based on the book Sent by Ashley and Heather Holleman. Although we had grand ideas of many people eagerly joining small groups, God led enough people for three small groups of 2-5 people to form: one online and two in person.

Encourage and Empower

It was a small beginning, but we had many thoughtful, fruitful conversations about how we might each live out our calling with a missional mindset wherever God has placed us in the university. 

It has been beautiful to see our small beginnings of staff and faculty working together to encourage and empower each other to boldly live out our gifts and step out in faith.

This kingdom work is strenuous. It has taken extra effort in the midst of my often hectic schedule. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with responsibilities at home and work. I must remember I have been given the privilege of joining God in helping others mature in Christ which ultimately brings me more joy and satisfaction than the daily responsibilities which often consume me.

Like river mussels, we as Christians at Kent State can stabilize the riverbed for others- coworkers and students. We can serve as “host fish” for a time, meeting with others who are seeking to grow, offering ourselves to the Lord as a living sacrifice with our time, gifts, and talents.

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Janet M. Reed

College of Nursing

Kent State University