Rich Wilkerson Jr., pastor of VOUS Church in Miami, Florida, challenged students to be vulnerable in pursuit of growing their faith at Convocation on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Vines Center.
Wilkerson emphasized the importance of sharing burdens and secrets with others.
“We keep secrets, but eventually secrets keep us,” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson cited James 5:16, which talks about the healing that believers receive when they are honest with one another.
Sophomore Charley Bourland shared his thoughts on Wilkerson’s message.
“I really liked the idea of confessing. He’s absolutely right — there is a healing in talking about sin and shortcomings,” Bourland said. “That’s really one of the core foundations of the Christian faith.”
Wilkerson shared the story of Adam and Eve, emphasizing that they were created to be in community with one another.
“God looks at Adam and says, ‘you need people around you,’” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson left students with two steps to build community and encourage confession with one another.
“You need to let someone in, confess your sins to one another so that you may pray for each other. Confession is not the destination — it’s the vehicle … to pray,” Wilkerson said. “When someone shares something with you, it is your opportunity to pray with someone.”
Clyde is a news reporter for The Liberty Champion.