Convo changes take effect
The Office of Spiritual Progams aims to make gatherings more meaningful
Congregating — Students made their way to the Vines Center for the first Convocation of the fall semester. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
Liberty’s Office of Spiritual Programs decided to make changes to the three-times-a-week gathering that attracts some of the most recognized leaders around the world, hoping to provide an even greater learning experience for the thousands of students that attend Convocation.
According to Daniel Bolton, director of Spiritual Programs, because classes now begin at 8:15 a.m. instead of 7:40 a.m., Convocation will begin later as well. In addition, there is no longer Convocation on the first Monday of each month.
“The Office of Spiritual Programs and the Provost Office have been working together to make everything fit … so that this will be a win for all,” Bolton said. “Because the class schedule has changed, we can have more time for Convocation.”
Convocation will now be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Bolton explained that adding an extra 15 minutes to Convocation will allow students to have more access to speakers and more time to listen to some of the world’s most influential leaders.
“I think that lengthening the time slot will be beneficial because the time is already factored into the schedule of our classes, so it just provides more structure for Liberty students,” junior Tyler Bernas said.
The Office of Spiritual Programs is also hoping to make Convocation more interactive, giving students opportunities to connect with the speakers.
“We are planning on having numerous book signings, Q&As and an ice cream reception,” Bolton said. “We want to create multiple avenues for students to meet the guests.”
Bolton also confirmed that Convocation has been given more resources by the university. A new LED wall has been installed in the Vines Center, there is a new creative team working for the Office of Spiritual Programs, and there will be more media use this semester during Convocation.
“Convocation is distinctive to Liberty,” Bolton said. “There is no place like it in the world that brings in (this) caliber of speakers and provides access to the best and brightest in the world.”
Additionally, students will now be allowed to skip one Convocation each semester by notifying their Resident Assistant (RA) in advance, a change brought about by feedback from students.
“Students talk, and we listen,” Bolton said.
According to Bolton, this absence policy simply makes sense. Students can miss a specified number of class periods, so they should have that same freedom in regards to Convocation.
The Office of Spiritual Programs has also made a few changes regarding Campus Community. Bolton said Campus Community will be releasing an app before the end of the semester that will enable students to receive a list of questions and topics to reflect on, called the recap, created by campus pastors. The recap is designed to be used by Prayer and Life Group Leaders (PLGLs) in their small groups on Wednesday evenings at 10 p.m.
Bolton sees the app as framework for PLGLs to use to create conversation within their small group. Ultimately, Bolton hopes all of these changes will lead people to Christ.
“We have a greater responsibility,” Bolton said. “We are responsible for sharing the greater vision, goal and purpose to worship Christ.”
Frost is a news reporter.