October 30, 2026
East Texas Baptist University hosted Grammy Award-winning Christian worship artist Chris Tomlin and pastor and author Dr. Mark Batterson for IGNITE: Lighting the Way with Song and Truth on Tuesday, October 27. More than 1,500 people packed the Rogers Spiritual Life Center for the event, which featured worship led by Dr. Tomlin and a message from Dr. Batterson.
Earlier Tuesday, ETBU awarded Tomlin an Honorary Doctor of Sacred Music and Worship in recognition of his contributions to Christian music and worship ministry. An East Texas native, Tomlin is known for writing and performing contemporary Christian worship songs used by congregations worldwide.
“I’ve been fortunate to receive a lot of things over my life, but it’s really special when it comes from home,” Tomlin said. “I’m so grateful for being honored here in East Texas, and when I think about the impact of these songs that were sung here today, I’m just blown away that the privilege of my life is to see them become something I would have never dreamed of. It’s so special when worship songs are no longer the person’s who wrote them, they’re just the Church’s songs. I’ve always prayed that God would take these songs and make them the Church’s songs.”
Tuesday evening’s event brought together ETBU students, faculty, and staff with members across the East Texas community for a concert and message focused on praise, worship, and biblical truth.
“Our hope for the impact of IGNITE extends far beyond one evening, reaching our campus, our community, and the surrounding region,” Dean of Spiritual Life Dr. David Griffin said. “God gave us a vision for this event to encourage people in their faith, strengthen their commitment to Christ, and remind them of the importance of worship and the truth of Scripture in their daily lives.”
Dr. Mark Batterson is the lead visionary and pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and New York Times best-selling author of numerous books on Christian faith and leadership, including Not My Circus, Gradually then Suddenly, and The Circle Maker. Between worship sets led by Chris Tomlin, Dr. Batterson offered a challenging message centered around reflecting conviction and compassion with equal fervor.
“When did we start thinking that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things for nice people?” Dr. Batterson asked. “When did we start thinking we can follow Jesus, become like Jesus, without being denied by Peter, doubted by Thomas, betrayed by Judas, canceled by Pharisees, and crucified by Romans? We are called to non-conformity. To choose truth over trends, character over cliques, and faith over fear. Administrations come and go, civilizations rise and fall, but the Kingdom is forever, and we get to be a part of it.”
On Wednesday, October 28, ETBU awarded Batterson an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity during a special Chapel service in recognition of his contributions to Christian ministry and biblical teaching.
“At ETBU, some of the most meaningful learning happens outside of the classroom,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “Having Dr. Chris Tomlin lead in worship and Dr. Mark Batterson share God’s Word and the life-altering power of the Gospel of Jesus gave our campus and the East Texas community an opportunity to experience the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit. What a joy to see the spiritual giants of our Christian faith share their ministries with us and challenge us all to consider how God might work through our own lives.”