88th Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University

The 88th Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University examined the book of Revelation Feb. 4-8, 2024. The theme for this year's event was "Triumph of the Lamb: Battle with Evil in Revelation."

In addition to the keynotes, chapel addresses and a survey of the book, a total of 14 other series throughout the week addressed the interpretation and application of Revelation.

Christians sometimes consider Revelation to be a difficult book to understand because of its apocalyptic style, use of symbolism and interactions with the Old Testament. However, Lectureship Director Doug Burleson contends that the text is "a Christ-centered study of God's people and His promise that they will be delivered from the threats of evil."

Keynote speakers for the week focused on "The Church's Struggle with Evil." Speakers and their topics included the following: FHU President David R. Shannon, "The Church that Neglects Love"; Chad Brinker, Tennessee Titans Assistant General Manager, "The Church that Gives Everything It's Got"; Andrew Phillips, minister of the Graymere Church of Christ in Columbia, Tennessee, "The Church that Tolerates Wrong"; Jeff Jenkins, co-founder of the Jenkins Institute, "The Church that Loses Its Way"; and TJ Kirk, FHU vice president of student services, "The Church that Sickens Jesus."

Three workshops also took place during the week. The Youth Ministry Workshop was held Monday and Tuesday at Mid-South Youth Camp. Wednesday featured a sexual integrity workshop led by Jonathan Harrison, and special sessions for workers in Hispanic ministries were conducted Friday-Saturday.

Sunday 2/4

David R. Shannon

"The Church that Neglects Love"

Monday 2/5

Chad Brinker

"The Church that Gives Everything It's Got"

Tuesday 2/6

Andrew Phillips

"The Church that Tolerates Wrong"

Wednesday 2/7

Jeff Jenkins

"The Church that Loses Its Way"

Thursday 2/8

TJ Kirk

"The Church that Sickens Jesus"

This year's appreciation dinner honored the FHU Associates, a group of women organized in 1963 to promote Christian education at Freed-Hardeman. Over the years, they have raised approximately $4.5 million for scholarships as well as many campus projects.

Prior to the Wednesday evening keynote address, Freed-Hardeman University presented Roy Johnson an honorary doctorate for his outstanding citizenship and service to the church. Johnson was a top-level executive for the Boy Scouts of America for 23 years before becoming executitve director of Lads to Leaders in January 2003. Johnson has preached for more than 50 years.

Lectureship Director Doug Burleson, FHU Dean of the College of Biblical Studies Justin Rogers, minister-in-residence Bruce McLarty and various guest panelists moderated this year's Open Forum sessions each afternoon.

Dr. Alan Kinningham, a member of the FHU music faculty, even composed a "victory chant" especially for the lectureship. It debuted after the evening keynote on Tuesday when it was performed by the FHU Chorale.

are that kids truly enjoy getting to learn and spend time with FHU students. I also learned how rewarding it is to spend time with kids and how much we can learn from them."

Another volunteer, Emma Guin, a freshman and special education K-12 major, offered respite for parents with babies and toddlers during Lectureship. "I realized how grateful parents were able to attend the lectures and church without having to worry about a crying or hungry baby."

In addition to volunteering at the Kids Lectureship, many FHU students actively participated in other aspects of the annual event as well. From late-night lectures addressing mental health concerns among students to engaging sessions tailored for teenagers and youth ministers, the event offered diverse opportunities for student involvement and growth. Hosted by the University Counseling Center, late-night lectures were held at 10:30 p.m. nightly. Nathan Judd, the director of the UCC, wanted these lectures to focus on normalizing mental health in student conversations.

"I can't emphasize enough how much I love the students on this campus. People do not realize just how much they are struggling emotionally and how many of them are impacted by traumas. I love the idea of having a series devoted to speaking to them directly. I want them to feel seen, understood, heard and ministered to," Judd said.

Once an event primarily for preachers, the lectureship now has events for the entire family and church leaders in many capacities. Special sessions for kids, teenagers and college students supplemented what was already available for attending adults, making sure that everyone received age-appropriate spiritual lessons.

Kids Lectureship provided classes for babies through grade five. Traditionally hosted by the College of Education, the program expanded this year to include help from the Colleges of Behavioral Science and Bible. More than 100 Freed-Hardeman students volunteered at the Kids Lectureship, playing key roles in the event's success. Instructor of Education Ashley Estes said the FHU student volunteers were invaluable.

In addition to helping with registrations, cleaning and classroom supervision, student volunteers led activities including games, crafts, Bible story time, devotionals, Lads to Leaders practice, outside time and lunch for 85-140 kids a day, during the five-day lectureship.

FHU junior Natalie Turner, an education major, said the experience of working with the youth gave her the opportunity to experience her future career as a teacher. "I always enjoy spending time with children in a Christ-centered and fun setting with my peers," said Turner, who led enrichment activities, connected with the youth through games and led lessons on Biblical topics. "Two lessons I learned from Kids Lectureship

are that kids truly enjoy getting to learn and spend time with FHU students. I also learned how rewarding it is to spend time with kids and how much we can learn from them."

Another volunteer, Emma Guin, a freshman and special education K-12 major, offered respite for parents with babies and toddlers during Lectureship. "I realized how grateful parents were able to attend the lectures and church without having to worry about a crying or hungry baby."

In addition to volunteering at the Kids Lectureship, many FHU students actively participated in other aspects of the annual event as well. From late-night lectures addressing mental health concerns among students to engaging sessions tailored for teenagers and youth ministers, the event offered diverse opportunities for student involvement and growth. Hosted by the University Counseling Center, late-night lectures were held at 10:30 p.m. nightly. Nathan Judd, the director of the UCC, wanted these lectures to focus on normalizing mental health in student conversations.

"I can't emphasize enough how much I love the students on this campus. People do not realize just how much they are struggling emotionally and how many of them are impacted by traumas. I love the idea of having a series devoted to speaking to them directly. I want them to feel seen, understood, heard and ministered to," Judd said.

This year's Bible Lectureship also offered sessions for teenagers and a workshop specifically for past, present and future youth ministers.

Teen Lectureship, coordinated by Reed Swindle, focused on teaching and encouraging teens with topics related to the main theme, such as "After Life Questions," "Types of Literature in the Bible," "Understanding the Words in Our Songs" and other issues connected to the ideas in Revelation. The topics were picked to enhance the theme of the week and encourage students to attend other sessions outside of Teen Lectureship. Teen attendance has tripled over the last five years, with this year's average reaching 145 students in attendance.

"I do not want the Teen Lectureship to be seperate from the overall program," Swindle said. "I try to schedule it knowing they are here with their families. We have learned it helps families commit to the Lectureship week if there is something of quality for their children. I think we sell our teenagers short and think they want watered-down, cute lessons. But I have realized they really respond well to challenging subjects and enjoy some harder topics."

The Youth Minister Workshop, however, served individuals who interact with these teens. Coordinated by Philip Jenkins, Ben McGreevy and Jon David Schwartz, this workshop sought to encourage past, present and future youth ministers and helped them grapple with difficult topics. Speakers Lonnie Jones, Chuck Morris and FHU President David R. Shannon gave presentations. Some of the session topics were "How to Handle Conflict," "Ministering to Kids with Special Needs," "Discouragement in Ministry" and many others.

88th Annual Lectureship Examines the Book Of Revelation

Click to learn more about the 89th Annual Bible Lectureship: Promise and Providence: A Faith Journey Through Genesis.