Students celebrated and worshipped during the first Common Ground service this semester. Photo by Jordan Beach
By Jordan Beach
Campus Ministries began the semester at Opening Worship during Eagle Bound, however the leadership team has been planning and praying for this school year since January. With new approaches to serving the campus, their mission is to include everyone on campus in any way they can.
The leadership team includes 13 students led by campus pastor Rev. Jamie Hudgins. Hudgins, however, allows the leadership team to lead the way in terms of execution of ideas.
“Students relate better to other students…so, it makes what we’re doing more engaging when it comes from a peer. The other reason has to do with raising up the next generations of the church,” Hudgins said.
The leadership team selected a Bible verse for the school year to guide thoughts and actions, Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Along with the verse, the team’s trademark is “RU on Fire for God?” – a question they hope to help students answer through the variety of events and mission/service excursions in the works.
Every Tuesday night the Bannister Glasshouse will fill with worship music during Common Ground, starting at 8 p.m. This is a time for students to experience worshipping God and listen to Hudgins or other students talk about their experiences in their walks of faith.
Fall Break in October will bring a fall retreat to Camp Gideon with the purpose to worship, focus on God, build community and relax. There are 50 spots available and the trip is free to students.
A plan for a Spring Break mission trip is also in the works, with a similar trip to last year’s construction assistance in hurricane-stricken homes in Sebring, Florida.
“I’d love for the students to have the opportunity to do something out of their comfort zones and with people that allow them to see folks different from themselves and offer their hands and hearts to better their lives somehow and ‘show them’ Jesus,” said Hudgins.
