March 6, 2018
East Texas Baptist University hosted a series of events for Spiritual Renewal Week on Monday, February 26 through Wednesday, February 28. The week included chapel services, a Men's Event, Women's Night of Worship, and a Concert of Prayer. Guest Speaker Mike Satterfield is the founder of Field of Grace Ministries and currently serves as the Teaching Pastor at Fielder Church in Arlington.
"You have been given an invitation to come home to life more abundant, to fill the void that is a vacuum inside of your heart, and to be at rest," Satterfield said. "Don't follow the distractions. Don't run on the wrong terrain. Don't put on the wrong attire. Don't possess the wrong attitude. Don't take the wrong approach. Do what the Father says and do what the Father does. Only what you do for Him will last."
Satterfield also spoke during the Men's Event on Monday evening, teaching on Ephesians 6:10-14. His message focused on the importance of support and accountability in the pursuit of cultivating godly character. The event served to encourage ETBU men to rise as bold leaders for Christ on campus and in the surrounding community.
"Each event during Spiritual Renewal Week provided encouragement to let the Gospel influence every aspect of my life and allow Jesus to be King in my heart," ETBU junior Business Management major Bryce Hoffman shared. "It was great to hear Mike Satterfield share what he believed God had given him to say. He charged us to be all in for the Lord. I was also impacted by ETBU Visiting Religion Professor Samuel Dennis' presentation of the Gospel. Overall, I felt more connected to the campus community; people were able to let their guard down with fellow believers."
The Women's Night of Worship was led by ETBU Director of Admissions Meredith Palmer, senior Lauren McCollum, junior Meagan Neubauer, and junior Rileigh Welch. Throughout the event, students paused to read and reflect on Scripture and to pray in groups. The Concert of Prayer united the student body by providing creative outlets to communicate with God, such as writing letters and kneeling at the altar. Dean of Spiritual Development Scott Stevens organized the event according to the prayer acrostic A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication).
"The most rewarding aspect of coordinating the event was seeing students be honest and vulnerable with the Lord and each other, seeking to strengthen and renew their relationship with Jesus," Stevens expressed. "I hope students were reminded of the power and love of God as they encountered Him in a variety of settings. Our prayer is that Spiritual Renewal Week served as a catalyst for spiritual impact in students' lives moving forward."
Spiritual Renewal Week concluded with a message from Professor Sam Dennis. Reverend Dennis is a retired pastor from Parkway Hills Baptist Church in Plano, which he planted in 1989. Dennis is currently serving as a Visiting Professor of Religion at East Texas Baptist.
"God not only wants to teach you lessons, but He also wants to help apply them in your life in order to make a difference anywhere the Lord takes you," Dennis commented. "I believe that the Lord brought you all to East Texas Baptist University to experience a life-changing education."