Grand Canyon University’s fall 2026 Chapel season at Global Credit Union Arena includes some renowned spiritual leaders and newcomers, including Los Angeles Mosaic Church pastor Erwin McManus, Samaritan's Purse Chief Operating Officer Edward Graham, and "Girls Gone Bible" podcasters Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma.
They, along with the rest of the speakers this academic year, will speak on the theme of “Jesus Stories from the Gospels,” which will feature His teachings, miracles and resurrection.
Here's a little more about the newcomers:
- Erwin McManus, an author, filmmaker and pastor of megachurch Mosaic Church in Los Angeles, will take the stage at Global Credit Union Arena on Oct. 5. Mosaic is a global spiritual movement, with its mission to be a church “that lives by faith, is known by love and is a voice of hope to the world.” Over the last 30 years, McManus has sold more than 1 million books.
- Edward Graham, COO of Samaritan’s Purse and grandson of late evangelist Billy Graham, is scheduled to speak on Oct. 12. Samaritan's Purse is a renowned nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to those in need around the world. Edward Graham has led trips with the organization to major world crises, including the Ukraine War, the 2023 Turkey earthquake and several disasters in the United States.
- Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma of the "Girls Gone Bible" podcast are the featured speakers on Oct. 19. The podcast has a following of nearly 2 million on its YouTube and social media platforms. Halili and Reitsma have toured the country multiple times and co-authored “Out of the Wilderness.”
Brian Mueller, who will enter his 18th year as GCU president, will continue his tradition on Sept. 14 of leading the first Chapel of the semester. Last fall, Mueller opened the “Biblical Heroes of the Faith” series by discussing the transformation of Paul the Apostle, who was educated and wealthy and gave up worldly things to spread Christianity.
University Pastor Dr. Tim Griffin, who also serves as dean of students and vice president of Student Affairs, will lead Chapel on Sept. 21. Griffin told students last fall to seek the Lord, especially during challenging times.
Tim Ahlman of Christ Greenfield Church in Gilbert will lead Chapel on Sept. 28 to kick off Missions Week festivities. Ahlman founded the United Leadership Collective, a movement preparing leaders and churches to excel in God's mission.
Terry Mackey of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church returns to GCU on Oct. 26. Mackey referenced Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing”) during a 2021 GCU Chapel service.
Other returning pastors will be Jason Fritz of Illuminate Community Church on Nov. 2 and Des Wadsworth of Grace Community Church on Nov. 16. Fritz earlier this year highlighted Moses and his faith in God.
During Chapel last October, Wadsworth emphasized that “faith is believing God” while citing Gideon following God’s Word to lead a tiny army over The Midianites.
The Alumni Band will perform its annual all-musical worship service on Nov. 9, with fall Chapel concluding with a Christmas music service on Dec. 7.
Chapel is slated for 11 a.m. on Mondays in Global Credit Union Arena.
GCU News senior writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
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Chapel schedule:
Sept. 14: GCU President Brian Mueller
Sept. 21: University Pastor Dr. Tim Griffin
Sept. 28: (Mission’s Week) Tim Ahlman, Christ Greenfield Church
Oct. 5: Ewin McManus, Mosaic Church
Oct. 12: Edward Graham, Samaritan’s Purse
Oct. 19: Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma, "Girls Gone Bible" podcast
Oct. 26: Terry Mackey, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Nov. 2: Jason Fritz, Illuminate Community Church
Nov. 9: All Musical Worship, featuring the Alumni Band
Nov. 16: Des Wadsworth, Grace Community Church
Nov. 23: No Chapel (Thanksgiving week)
Nov. 30: No Chapel
Dec. 7: Christmas Chapel
