Around the State: ETBU observes Spiritual Renewal emphasis

Drew Worsham, an East Texas Baptist University alumnus who uses the art of illusion to spread the gospel message, was the guest speaker when ETBU held its annual Spiritual Renewal emphasis. The Nick Gainey Band from Dallas led in musical worship. This year’s theme, “Still,” was inspired by Psalm 46:10. “Our students can often become frantic in their pursuit of academic, athletic, artistic and relational success. In addition, many face financial challenges, and a large number have experienced significant loss in their families due to COVID,” said Scott Stevens, dean of spiritual life at ETBU. “The encouragement to ‘be still’—cease striving—and to focus on and trust in God is a timely emphasis for our students.”

Ken Starr, former solicitor general of the United States, spoke Feb. 23 at an event hosted by Dallas Baptist University’s Institute for Global Engagement. Starr, former president and chancellor of Baylor University, discussed the theme of his recent book, Religious Liberty in Crisis: Exercising Your Faith in an Age of Uncertainty. “The founding generation knew that without religious liberty, there would not be freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and there would not be freedom of the people peacefully to assemble to petition the government for redress of grievances,” Starr said. He expressed concern about restrictions on religious liberty such as efforts to prohibit voluntary religious clubs from meeting on public school property. However, he expressed optimism in the Supreme Court’s defense of “great principles” enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Jim Denison, co-founder and chief vision officer of Denison Ministries, facilitated the conversation with Starr.

D.Z. Cofield, senior pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, participated in a discussion about “The Continued Plight of the Black Church: Logos, Ethos, Pathos” at Stark College and Seminary. Faculty adviser Fritz Williams moderated the discussion as part of Black History Month.  “Issues of social justice … are gospel issues,” Cofield said. While many American church leaders have focused only on the spiritual realm without regard to social justice, pastors in African American communities have been compelled to address injustice, he noted. “We have been forced as Black pastors to address issues to bring about the survival of our community,” he said. Living out faith demands that Christians engage justice issues, he asserted. The gospel celebrates diversity because all people are created in the image of God, he added. Cofield urged listeners to stay close to the gospel—to be advocates for those in their community because of their faith in Christ.

Howard Payne University’s Spring Family Reunion is scheduled March 26. The event begins with a screening of the family-friendly movie “The Rookie” at 2 p.m. in L.J. Mims Auditorium. Festivities continue at 4 p.m. with outdoor games, bounce houses and food trucks at the J. Howard Hodge Memorial Bell Towers. The reunion will conclude with the Songwriter Showcase at 7 p.m. in L.J. Mims Auditorium, featuring four alumni musicians— David Dewese, James Dunning, Chad Edgington and Brad Miles—who will perform original songs.  All events during the HPU Spring Family Reunion are free, but registration is encouraged. Click here for more information or to register.

Wayland Baptist University students pursuing a degree in cybersecurity are posting a 96 percent pass rate on the TestOut certification exams. The tests—which evaluate a student’s competency in varying areas of cybersecurity—have a 53 percent pass rate nationally. Kelly Warren, dean of Wayland’s School of Business, credited Joe Marnell, who oversees the program, with designing much of the curriculum to meet the national certification standards.