Brewton-Parker College had a special “Get Connected” chapel service Tuesday, September 5. Representatives from local churches spoke short pitches to students encouraging them to visit local churches so that they could have a church to belong in while away at school. Eleven churches were represented from areas such as Mt. Vernon, Ailey, Higgston, Vidalia, Lyons, and Alamo. The church representatives shared about their respective services and special opportunities they have for college students. Emphasis was placed by several churches on the importance for students to search for a church by looking to serve, not looking to be served.
Following the speeches from the church representatives, Dr. Steve Echols, President of Brewton-Parker College, gave a short message from Acts 2 about the importance of being a part of a local church. “The very idea of the church is not a ‘go it alone’ kind of thing, but a gathering together,” said Echols. He then explained that there are a staggering number of people who claim to be a Christian, but do not regularly attend church. “Being a Christian means being a part of the local body,” Echols stated.
Echols concluded his brief message with a story about a trip he made to Africa, where he was amazed by the faithfulness of the people in going to church. Despite people literally living in holes in the ground, they were committed to attending church. Echols concluded his sermon by urging students to be as committed as these faithful Christians.