Union Students Preach in the Shiloh Baptist Association
Posted Mar 27, 2024
On the first Sunday in February, a group of students from Union University preached at churches in the . There is a tradition of Union students doing this as a service to the community and an exercise of the students鈥� callings. Dean of the School of Theology & Missions Dr. Ray Van Neste (recently named Vice President of University Ministries) was delighted. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great learning exercise for the students and a wonderful way for them to get to know the churches. It鈥檚 a blessing for both the students and the churches.鈥�
This spirit of service, community, and encouragement powers the work of the students in the School of Theology and Missions. Paxton Harwell, a freshman majoring in biblical studies and languages, preached on running the Christian race for the congregation of . Harwell said that it was a tremendous experience that 鈥渢ruly encouraged my soul as I work towards a calling into the pastorate.鈥� He says that the congregation was hungry for the Word of the Lord and engaged in the sermon. For everyone in the School of Theology and Missions, that is one of their foremost goals 鈥� getting the word of God to His people with excellence.
Freshman Isaac Smith preached on Hebrews 10:19-25 at the . In his message, he shared the reasons why we must draw near to Christ. Ultimately, we draw near to God because of what Jesus has done for us. Smith said, 鈥淭he journey of sermon preparation led me through hills and valleys but all of it increased my trust, dependence, and awareness of the faithfulness of God amidst difficulties.鈥� According to Dr. Van Neste, this is another reason they encourage their students to preach in the community 鈥� it grows their relationships with Christ. Smith said that the congregation encouraged him and that it was a blessing for him to preach. Not only do the churches benefit from receiving the Word of the Lord from Union students, but it also helps students in tangible and intangible ways.
Looking at the sermons from these students, there is a commonality in the values of the churches and Union University 鈥� Christians responding to Christ. Our Christian life is shaped by how we respond to the work of Christ. The proper response is a Christ-centered life that reflects God鈥檚 love and does the will of God. The students illustrated this beautifully in their respective sermons. From focusing on drawing near to Christ to five ways to run the Christian race, their words reflect a heart for growing closer to God and a personal obedience to God鈥檚 call to preach. Senior chemistry student Hayden Phillips, who preached at , resonates with this. He said, 鈥淚 am thankful that Union provides opportunities for students of all majors to grow in ministry-related practices as they respond to the Lord鈥檚 calling.鈥�
The faculty of Union鈥檚 School of Theology & Missions heartily encourage their students to take advantage of every opportunity to minister and preach. Associate Dean Justin Wainscott said, 鈥淲hen it comes to ministry training, there is much that we can do in the classroom to prepare students, but there are some things that are best learned by actually doing them in the context of a local church. That鈥檚 why we are so thankful for area churches providing opportunities for our students, and we are thrilled that our students get experiences such as these. We hope that more associations and churches will contact us.鈥�