“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

DAVIS—This was the message heard by more than 1,600 college students and college ministry leaders at Collegiate Week—a national event hosted at Falls Creek Conference Center in early August.

From the worship led by Ben Halsey of Long Hollow Church in Gatlin, Tenn., to the biblical teaching—each service focused on various aspects of love.  Chad Glover, executive Pastor of teaching and discipleship at Kansas City, Abundant Life, MS, kicked the week off strong with three powerful messages that explored the themes of love for God, love for the church and love for the lost.

Adam Groza, president of Gateway Seminary, and Kylen Perry, executive director of The Porch Young Adult Ministry, shared with the group about loving God with all of one’s mind and in various relationships. Chris Smith, collegiate minister at Sam Houston State University, closed the week out by commissioning students and leaders to return to their campuses this fall with a renewed love for those they encounter there.

Tony Ratiarson, a student at Tulsa University, recognized his need to share the love of God with others.

“I’m from Madagascar, and I felt that Jesus can use international students to minister in their country,” he said. “God is calling me, and I would love to help the world find Jesus.”

Talon Brandon, campus minister at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, notes that the heat and long drive were worthwhile.

“I am already seeing the students I brought reaching and connecting with incoming freshmen,” he said. “Where they were more shy last year, they have come in and are making the meetings happen and seeking to share the Gospel with our campus.”

Biblical teaching was not limited to the main stage, however. Numerous breakouts for students and leaders covered a host of topics throughout the week. A special track for those exploring a call to vocational or bi-vocational ministry proved to be popular with more than 100 students attending, several of whom made a public declaration of their calling during the event.

Collegiate Week also featured a variety of late-night activities, recreation options and countless opportunities for fellowship and growth. Students were challenged to share their testimony publicly—many for the first time. Several others expressed a desire to trust Christ for salvation or recommitted to living their lives for Him.

“What I always see with Collegiate Week is that it’s the best conference to mobilize college students to reach their campus,” said Brandon. “It helps flip that switch that the primary reason they are on a college campus is to reach it for Jesus.”

God is working mightily in the lives of college students across the nation, but the movement is primarily a steady, quiet one. Events like Collegiate Week serve as beautiful reminders of this work and as an encouragement to those on the front lines to continue to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.”

For more information about Collegiate Week, visit https://baptistcollegiatenetwork.com/collegiate-week.

For more information about Falls Creek, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org/fallscreek.