2010s | Faithe Beam

Minister, counselor, friend, leader and uniter

Her father was a pastor, and when she and her sisters “played church” as children, Beam was always the preacher. She studied music education at Appalachian State University, planning to teach orchestra and work in the church part-time. But soon after graduation, a phone call from Zion Baptist Church in Shelby, North Carolina secured her first job as a minister of music and education.

One of Beam’s greatest joys is walking alongside students as they discover how God is present and at work in their lives. Her confidence that there are endless opportunities to serve — no matter what barriers exist to women in ministry — supported her as she graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 2003.

With a radiant smile concordant with her name, Beam began building personal relationships on campus and encouraging students to lead purposeful lives full of meaningful service. She became campus minister in 2007.

Beam has walked, cried, stayed up all night with and laughed with countless students during her time at Campbell. She has listened to hundreds of stories over thousands of cups of coffee at the campus Starbucks or nearby Creek Coffee. Her students know her as a caring and accessible professor, and all those who engage with Campbell Spiritual Life know her as a compassionate and graceful friend.

As campus minister, Beam counsels students, plans the freshman Connections seminar, leads various ministries on campus and makes missions and outreach opportunities accessible for all students and staff. Her passion for service has introduced many new ways to lend a hand to a neighbor. Students have responded enthusiastically; when Beam first brought Inasmuch Day of Service to Campbell, registration topped 300 in the first year. More community engagement initiatives soon followed: Campbell’s Community Christmas Store, Campus Kitchen, Community Garden and Campus Pantry and Ministry House, to name a few.

Beam began Campbell traditions such as Freshman Worship in Butler Chapel, Lenten worship each spring and intentional focus on Advent each Christmas. She has guided Campbell through a shift in mission trips, sending students to the eastern seaboard and to cities across the country. No matter where they travel, Beam is committed to creating space for students to express their love for God and their neighbors. Her candor, kindness and compassion make her a blessing to the Campbell community.