Ministry leaders, scholars, and media personalities visit campus
Sadie Robertson Huff
The founder of the women’s ministry Live Original and star of “Duck Dynasty” spoke in Convocation on Feb. 2 about the dangers of compromise and the blessings of conviction. She warned students against compromising their own values even when no one is watching: “Compromise is something that no one else calls you out for or sees, but God sees. Only you know the conviction of your heart, and only you can follow that.” For those worried about being able to follow God daily, she said “the hard part has already been done. Jesus has already paid the price, and now you have the gift of the Holy Spirit, who reminds you of the heart of the Father.” She called conviction a gift. “Conviction is not meant to shame you. There is no condemnation found in Jesus Christ, so be thankful when you feel convicted. God loves you enough to say He has so much more for you.”
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Joni Eareckson Tada
The CEO of Joni and Friends, which works to equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities, shared her testimony in Convocation in an interview recorded from her home in California. As a quadriplegic since age 17, she explained how God has helped her lead the ministry with passion, vigor, and grace for 45 years, citing Romans 8:32: “He who has given us His own Son, gives us all things to be able to persevere and endure.” She compared her life journey to that of a marathon runner who endures to the finish line, noting that Christians should willingly share in the sufferings of Jesus. “It means picking up your cross daily and dying to the sins that He died for on His cross. When you do this, when you’re holy as He is holy, you’re going to discover the peace and joy and satisfaction and sweetness of the Savior.”
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Karen Kingsbury
A New York Times bestselling novelist and Liberty parent who has visited campus many times to share her expertise from the publishing world, Kingsbury shared the Convocation stage on March 25 with members of the cast and crew of “Someone Like You,” the first movie she has produced. The movie, based on her book of the same title, was a true family affair. She wrote the script with her son Tyler Russell, the film’s director. Her son Austin Robert Russell, a Liberty graduate and actor, is part of the cast. Liberty students were among the first to view the film at a special screening and said Kingsbury’s masterful storytelling on the big screen was a special treat, leaving them encouraged in their faith.
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Os Guinness
The theme of love filled the air of the Vines Center on Valentine’s Day, as Liberty welcomed the world-renowned author and theologian. Guinness challenged students to be the “champions and guardians of the highest, richest, deepest view of love that history has ever known and the world has ever seen”: the biblical love of God. Born in China to medical missionaries during World War II, Guinness has traveled the world speaking at universities, businesses, and political conferences. He has written more than 30 books on the intersection of modern culture and Christianity. He cited several examples and characteristics of God’s love throughout the Scriptures. “Think about the wonder and uniqueness that God loves, and as the New Testament says, He is Love,” he said. “There’s nothing like it in any worldview or philosophy of religion in the world.”
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Tony Dungy
At the April 5 Convocation, legendary NFL coach Tony Dungy spoke on living by God’s standard and not the world’s. Citing the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), he said to seek God’s Kingdom, “You’re going to have to do (life and school) in a different way from the people around you … you will be following a narrow path, not the crowd, and not doing the things that everyone else is doing.” He shared some personal examples, such as declining chances to cheat in college or use insider information about an opponent’s trick play in the NFL. He said his coaching philosophy didn’t always open doors in the NFL, that his dedication to servant leadership and keeping his family a higher priority than winning games turned some NFL executives away. “You can’t be a Christian just when it’s convenient. You can’t be a Christian just in certain settings,” he said. “If you really want to represent the Lord and walk on that narrow road, you have to be a Christian all the time. That has been my MO (modus operandi) for the last 40 years.”
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Sage Steele
The former ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor and reporter encouraged students to believe in their God-given gifts and pursue their Spirit-inspired dreams even through trials. Steele was hired at ESPN in 2007 and spent 16 years covering the PGA Masters, Super Bowls, NBA All-Star Weekends, NBA Finals, NCAA basketball Final Fours, and the World Series. She recounted her own struggles in her broadcasting career, from recent controversies where she boldly spoke her convictions on social issues to filing a lawsuit against an employer and being injured during a PGA Tournament when she was hit with a wayward ball and lost eight teeth. Now, she said her greater purposes are putting family first and being a voice for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
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