Convocation Preview: Resilience
Spring Convocation begins Sunday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. following the same hybrid model as chapel services. This semester, a limited number of seats will be available in the Conn Center while others may view via livestream.
As Lee’s campus is adapting to new standards for worship and prioritizing campus health, Convocation remains a time to refocus on the semester ahead for some students.
“Out of convocation, I am hoping to be challenged and reminded that in Christ, we are called to be people of hope even when we do not enjoy our circumstances,” said junior Bible and Theology major Hannah Kincer. “COVID-19 guidelines have obviously separated our campus a bit, making it a different experience not being with a large group of students, but [it] has been good to still worship and learn together in smaller groups.”
This semester’s Convocation will center around resilience amidst situations students have encountered over the past year.
“Convocation this year will focus on resilience. We chose to go with this theme because we are both inspired and challenged by the response of students to so many issues facing our communities,” said Campus Pastor Rob Fultz in a press release.
President Dr. Mark Walker will be the first speaker, followed by Dr. Carlton Byrd, senior pastor of Oakwood University Church and director of the Breath of Life Television Broadcast on Monday night.
On Tuesday morning, students will have the opportunity to hear from Lee alumna and Sergeant of the Cleveland Police Department’s Community Relations Unit Evie West. West graduated with a bachelor’s degree in intercultural studies with a minor in Bible and has since also published the book “Revolving Choices: Playing Roulette With Life.”
This semester’s speakers reflect Fultz’s decision to strengthen Convocation’s theme through featuring speakers whose stories have reflected resilience.
“We believe perhaps more than any other time in recent history we are being called to live out our faith with integrity, passion, conviction, commitment and consistency,” said Fultz. “To do that, we must learn the art and discipline of spiritual resiliency.”
Lee alum Scott Sheppard will return to campus for Tuesday night’s message. While at Lee, Sheppard served as president for Upsilon Xi and was later named their Alumnus of the Year. Now, Sheppard has spent the past 19 years working as the lead pastor of Cornerstone Church of God in Athens, Georgia.
Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn will speak for the Wednesday evening service.
Thursday morning, Todd Tilghman, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Meridian, Mississippi and winner of the 18th season of “The Voice,” will conclude Convocation.
“It’s easy to feel isolated and hopeless through the difficulties. Our hope is that we can encourage each other to persevere together during these times,” said Vice President of Student Development Mike Hayes.
Students are required to attend three of the four services. To receive credit, students must record two codes in the “iAttended” app.
For more information about Convocation and other chapel events, contact the Campus Ministry office at (423) 614-8420.
