Convocation is the world’s largest weekly gathering of Christian students. Held three times a week in the Vines Center, the event features influential leaders from different spheres of society. Last semester, students were inspired and emboldened to stand for their faith as they heard from well-known figures in ministry, athletics, journalism, politics, and more. Below are some highlights:
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz: Shortly after becoming the first candidate to throw his hat into the ring for the 2016 presidential race, Cruz visited Liberty, inspiring students to “reclaim the promise of America.” Cruz talked about the American dream, using illustrations from his own family history, and explained the pillars of his platform: repealing Obamacare and Common Core, immigration and tax reform, standing with Israel, and defending the unborn, gun rights, privacy, the Constitution, and religious freedom for all Americans. Cruz received several standing ovations.
Sean Hannity: The FOX News personality encouraged Liberty students to consider their ability to shape the future of America and challenged them to be bold and to rise up as influential leaders. “We need your wisdom, we need your brilliance, we need your power, we need your courage. You are all young people; I want you to be courageous in your life. Feel the fear and do it anyway. … I want you to be the leadership that is going to save this country.”
Kirk Franklin: Before hosting a packed College For A Weekend concert in the evening, the nine-time Grammy Award winner took the stage in the morning, encouraging the crowd to shed the weights of pride and bitterness and to run the race of life for the glory of God. Franklin reminded the audience that each person is unique — no one can take anyone else’s place in God’s plan.
Beth Moore: In her first visit to Liberty, the best-selling author explained that people are most motivated not by what they need to do, but by what they want to do. She challenged the audience to not just follow Christ, but to desire Him and to make faith the driving force in their lives.
Ben Watson: The tight end for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, whose Facebook post following the unrest in Ferguson, Mo., put him in the spotlight last fall, addressed the church’s stance on racism, explaining that the Body of Christ should lead society forward by its example of love and unity.
Fun and Fellowship: Students also enjoyed laughter and music during Convocations designed to give them a break from the stress of college life. Comedians Brad Stine and Michael Jr. each took the Convocation stage to share some hilarity with the students, while Christian rock/contemporary band Rush of Fools held an exclusive concert, leading them in worship.
Prayer and Worship: Early in the semester, a dozen pastors from local churches led the audience in prayer for the worldwide community. Before Liberty dispatched several mission teams for destinations across the globe, an entire Convocation focused on praying for the teams, for the nations, and for Christians around the world.
