Convocation: The Urgency of the Kingdom
Photo by Senior Photographer, Morgan Kiehl.
Lee University’s community comes together as the campus awaits a week of spiritual focus through the tradition of Convocation.
Students can expect this year's Convocation to be centered around the idea of “urgency” according to Rob Fultz, Campus Pastor and Director of Spiritual life.
While this event is required, many students and faculty look at Convocation as a time of spiritual renewal.
“This year we are leaning into the theme ‘urgency of the kingdom,’” said Dr. Brad Moffett, Vice President for University Relations. “Our days on earth are just so long, and what are we doing to engage the culture for the kingdom of God.”
Convocation is also seen as a time of rest.
“I think convocation week is such a great display of Lee’s constant emphasis of faith throughout the year,” said Elijah Patty, sophomore finance major. “Taking time to recollect after break and start the semester on a strong note is crucial to me, so it’s nice that Lee gives me such a great opportunity to do so.”
While Convocation is catered to the student body, its importance spans to campus faculty as well.
“I have attended Convocation for the last 18 years, and I’ve always looked forward to worshiping with the student body and hearing what God has to tell us,” said Fijoy Johnson, Director of Student Hosts and Special Projects.
For each night of Convocation, different speakers are carefully selected in hopes of producing a week of spiritual growth for students.
One alum returning to speak is the well known Casey Cole-Higginbotham, a former Theology professor at Lee University.
“Speaking at my alma mater is always a little unreal and very humbling. I remember what it's like to be in those squeaky orange seats. I could have never dreamed as a college student I'd be on the other side of Conn Center!” said Cole-Higginbotham.
Convocation is one of Lee University's biggest and most impactful traditions.
“Convocation offers a four night pause in our busy lives to focus on our relationships with Christ,” said Moffett.
Convocation is an opportunity for students and faculty across campus.
“It is one of the major events and opportunities we have each semester to unite as a school and focus on our spiritual health, development, and identity,” said Fultz.
Several speakers are scheduled to speak and spread the importance of this year's theme of urgency.
“If students come with open hearts and a hunger to hear from the Word of God, God will indeed speak to them,” said Johnson. “My prayer is that the students will have encounters with God that will lead to personal revivals in their lives.”
Convocation will be held Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in the Conn Center. Overflow in the Dixon Center will be offered on Monday and Tuesday.
Find out more about upcoming events through Lee University’s website and social media pages by clicking here
