Students connect with neighboring churches on Local Church Emphasis Day

Representatives from 43 churches across the Lynchburg, Va., area converged on Liberty University’s Academic Lawn on Friday to connect with students for Local Church Emphasis Day.

Friday marked Liberty’s fifth year holding the event, which reinforces the university’s commitment to help students grow spiritually as well as academically during their time in college. Every year, Liberty encourages all students to find a local church body they can call home.

“None of what happens on this campus in terms of your spiritual development replaces in any way the priority of you belonging to the local church,” Vice President of Spiritual Development Josh Rutledge told students at the New Student Convocation on Aug. 21. “You are going to be part of this community at Liberty over the next couple of years, and then you’ll leave here. But you will be part of the bride of Christ as part of the local church for the rest of your lives. That is an affiliation that goes well beyond where you go to school.”

“Do not let your time at a Christian university be the time you pull away from being involved in the bride of Christ,” added Chancellor Jonathan Falwell. “It matters. It makes a difference. We’ve got incredible churches in this community. Find one. Get involved. Show up every Sunday. Find a place to serve in those local churches. Let’s make a difference and an impact in our community right here through the bride of Christ this year.”

On Friday, students were able to learn basic information about the churches as well as potential ways they could partner in advancing the Great Commission.

Liberty alumnus and former Urban Ministry Professor James Hobson (’11,’18), who serves as lead pastor at Hill City Community Church, said he appreciated the opportunity to meet with students on campus.

“There is a misconception about church today that it has gotten to be super shallow and that we have gotten away from our roots,” he said. “I consider it an honor to be here as the lead pastor because we care about life-on-life discipleship. This is a great opportunity for students to see that the local church really still cares about the local believer and wants to be involved in people’s lives.”

Hobson urged students to faithfully attend a local church throughout college, so they carry those habits with them for the rest of their lives.

“I encourage students to develop disciplines in their young adulthood to take church serious for themselves by getting off campus,” he said. “Campus Community is great, and Convocation is great. You’re going to experience some great things on this campus. But develop the muscle of getting up on a Sunday morning. …You will be inconvenienced, but the Gospel is something that is worthy of our inconvenience.”

Dan Steele, an elder at Bedrock Community Church in Bedford, said the event helps churches find new members and volunteers for their various ministries.

“The Bible talks about the Church being unified,” he said. “Everybody is out on the lawn together, nobody competing against each other, but we want students to be part of a local church and serve with the gifts we’ve been given. What a great place to do that with other believers.”

Local Church Emphasis Day was facilitated through the LU Serve Office. LU Serve exists to Train Champions for Christby providing meaningful educational and ministry experiences for students. This is accomplished through curated workshops and strategic partnerships with churches and nonprofit organizations.

“Local churches play an integral role in what we do and offer students at LU Serve,” said Chad Nelson, LU Serve director. “From Christian/Community Service (CSER) to Local Church Emphasis Day to the CSER Expo to Serve Lynchburg, local churches are critical partners. Local Church Emphasis Day is an opportunity for us to bring some of our local church partners on campus, providing an opportunity for students to engage and find a local church with which to serve and grow during their time at Liberty. On campus, Liberty provides students with many wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth. This event is aimed to ensure that being a part of a local church is an integral part of their spiritual development.”