What does it look like to be gripped by the kingdom of God? That was the question put to 885 college students, high school upperclassmen, and leaders from Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) groups and local churches at the 2011 Converge Collegiate Conference, held Feb. 4-6 in Myrtle Beach.
These BCM students from Francis Marion University were among the more than 800 students and leaders who attended Converge 2011.“Jesus talked more about the kingdom of God than any other subject, and we wanted young adults to hear that message and to know what could happen in their lives when they become fully devoted kingdom citizens,” said Ken Owens, collegiate ministry group director for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
Students and leaders were challenged in worship and breakout sessions. Lynn Sargent, college/young adult leader at Siloam Baptist Church in Ninety Six, who has brought a group to Converge every year since it began, said, “I realize the focus is for young adults, but each year I come away revived and refreshed by God’s spirit throughout the weekend.”
Speaker Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee and former pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church, referenced the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman as he exhorted students to recognize how their lives and perspectives will change when they encounter Jesus. In his second message, he encouraged students to be giant killers, referring to the story of David’s defeat of Goliath. Page warned students to avoid giving in to cultural pessimism.
Dean Fulks, pastor of LifePoint Church in Columbus, Ohio, and current vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Pastors Conference, used Peter’s confession of Christ in Matthew 16:16 to urge attendees to recognize the authority and truth of Christ as they move toward a culture increasingly filled with relativism and tolerance. In the final session of the weekend, Fulks spoke about Jesus’ healing of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5, challenging students to follow the example of Jesus in going “to the other side” – places where people are hurting and need to experience the gospel.
Jamie Duncan, pastor of Good Hope Baptist Church in Iva, led a breakout session on being gripped by God’s contentment. “The students in the group were like sponges, soaking in the session,” said Duncan. “It was very encouraging to see these students hungry to understand the word of God.”
Converge attendees donated more than 650 boxes of cereal to the Grand Strand Regional Food Bank. In addition, participants gave to the Emery E. Smith offering for student missions during the final worship service. A record $3,417 was collected in the offering to assist college students who will serve as summer missionaries in South Asia.
More than 70 decisions for Christ were recorded during the Saturday evening response time. “It helped me let down my walls and finally fully accept Jesus Christ,” said Corey Baumis, a freshman from Goose Creek who came with Lander University’s BCM.
Brandon Hall, a freshman involved in Clemson’s BCM, said, “This weekend showed me that I need to put my unconditional ‘yes’ on the table for God.”
Tara Miller, a member of Taylors First Baptist, added her impression of the weekend: “It continues to amaze me to not only feel but also see God’s presence in students, and Converge brings people from all areas for one purpose, which is to spread God’s glory.” – SCBC