Just as it has since the very beginning, Liberty University created opportunities in the fall semester for students to become inspired to be Christian ambassadors in their future careers — Champions for Christ — as they listened to pastors and other influential Christian speakers share this unified message.
Dr. Tony Evans preached at the opening Convocation of the fall semester.
Before classes began in August, Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell welcomed incoming freshmen in the Liberty Arena and discussed the upcoming Convocation lineup.
“We are so excited about this brand-new year at Liberty, and we are excited for what God is going to do on this campus as 15,000 students descend on this place to learn, to grow, and to hear the Word of God,” Falwell said.
The Office of Spiritual Development holds Convocation on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. EST. Convocation remains the largest weekly gathering of Christian young people in the world.
The first Convocation of the 2021-22 school year was held on Sept. 3 in Williams Stadium, setting the tone for Liberty’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The day’s special guest was renowned pastor Dr. Tony Evans, who walked students through what it means to be a true disciple of God and representative of His Kingdom.
“(A disciple) is not merely a person who is a Christian on their way to Heaven,” Evans said. “It’s a Christian who has grabbed Heaven, brought it down to Earth, and is living it out as a full-time follower of Jesus Christ. This is what makes Liberty University so great, as you celebrate your 50 years. Young men and young ladies have gone out (from Liberty) into every sphere and discipline, not just in church work but in church life, and have manifested the Kingdom of God in the chaos of man.”
Pastor David Jeremiah spoke in Convocation on Sept. 17.
On Sept. 8, author and pastor Samuel Rodriguez emboldened students to be a light in our dark world, followed by pastor and author David Jeremiah on Sept. 17 with a message about the dangers of socialism and how to stand firm as a Christian in a culture straying from God.
On Sept. 29, personal finance expert Dave Ramsey spoke on the importance of unity in the workplace, and Liberty alumna and Fox News anchor Shannon Bream headlined Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 8.
Other special guests on this semester’s lineup were author and speaker Margaret Feinberg, evangelist Jay Lowder, and pastors H.B. Charles, Gary Hamrick, Levi Lusko, Jim Cymbala, Crawford and Karen Loritts, Matt Barnett, and J.D. Greear, as well as Bible teacher and author Kay Arthur and Liberty alumna and Concerned Women for America President Penny Young Nance. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled for a Veterans Day Convocation on Nov. 12.
Dave Ramsey spoke in Convocation on Sept. 29.
Students attending Campus Community on Wednesday nights have been engaging in a series called “Mementos: Moments that Matter,” which outlines the turning points in the lives of biblical heroes and how God used those major moments to do the impossible. Special guest pastors have included David Nasser, a former Liberty campus pastor, and evangelist Clayton King.
Do You Remember?
1974
While the venue may have changed over the years, Liberty University has always made it a priority to provide special times to gather as a student body for praise and worship and to hear impassioned messages based on the Word of God.
1978
Before the first campus buildings opened on Liberty Mountain, these times were called “chapel,” and students met in the main sanctuary of the original Thomas Road Baptist Church. In the late 1970s, as campus began to take shape, a 3,000-seat tent was set up because no facility at the time could house the rapidly growing student body. Students continued to attend Convocation in the tent through the winter months; a heater was set up, and students brought blankets to stay warm.
1982
From the tent, Convocation was moved to the Multipurpose Center (later called the Schilling Center), a building that once stood near where the Jerry Falwell Library is located today.
In 1990, the Vines Center opened and Convocation had a new home.
2003
Alumni: What are some of the favorite messages you heard as a student that helped shape your life after graduation? Share them with us. Email news@liberty.edu.
