Student-led renewal challenges students to know God
Posted by The Skyliner on February 3rd, 2010Rachel Ham
Staff writer
Students join in worship during Thursday night's session of student led renewal. (photo by Gabe Franco)
North Greenville University’s annual student-led renewal ran from Jan. 25-29, 2010, with the goal of challenging students to seek God more intimately. Speakers had a different approach to the theme of “Knowing God” when they addressed the student body.
This semester’s theme was chosen by the Steering Committee, which is made up of campus ministry interns and chaplains. The committee members were responsible for planning, coordinating, leading, and evaluating the student led renewal, Steve Crouse, vice-president for campus ministries, said.
In choosing which students would speak during the week, Crouse said the committee chose students who have a positive influence for Christ around campus and are able to communicate their faith to others.
On Monday, Jan. 25, the first day of the student led renewal, Robbie Hall spoke in chapel. Hall graduated from NGU in December of 2009. Hall spoke on many of the issues that students struggle with, such as laziness and sexual sin.
At the first bonus chapel of the semester on Monday night, Jacob Hardin, senior youth ministry, spoke on spiritual discipline. He stated that many Christians are not truly mature in their spiritual walk because they fail to practice spiritual disciplines. Speaking from I John 3:2 and Philippians 2:5-9, Hardin challenged his fellow students to become more like Christ by being diligent in practicing spiritual disciplines.
At the third service of the student-led renewal on Tuesday night, Tom Jones, junior secondary English education, spoke on the topic of identity. Jones said many people try to find their identity and satisfaction in things outside of Christ, and others think they have to act a certain way for God to love them. Jones challenged those in attendance to let their identity be found in Christ and to let that determine how they act.
In Wednesday’s chapel, Cherie Curtis, senior elementary education, had her turn to speak to her fellow students. Speaking on the topic of spiritual warfare, she referenced a familiar passage in Ephesians 6 in which Paul outlines the armor of God. Curtis talked about the importance of daily preparation to survive the Satan’s surprise attacks.
Students had the opportunity to attend a worship service on Wednesday night. Several students led in worship and in special prayer for the country of Haiti.
During Baptist Student Union on Thursday, students were treated to a special production written and performed by Corie Savage and Bethany Sarazen, both senior theatre. Accepted portrayed the lives of Gomer and Ruth from both a biblical and contemporary perspective.
On Friday, during Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Johnathon Moore, junior business, spoke to the student athletes to finish up student-led renewal week. Moore shared some of his personal testimony and spoke about the need for unity within the body of Christ. He referenced I Corinthians 12 and said that we all have certain gifts that we need to use.
As a result of this semester’s student-led renewal, many students grew in their relationships with God, and approximately six students received Christ.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 2