Pastor Benny Tate speaks at annual Christian Life Conference

By Joseph Knight and Bob Holmes

Columbia International University celebrated the annual Christian Life Conference Week in September, historically touching on one of CIU’s five core values: the Victorious Christian Life. This year’s conference was led by Pastor Benny Tate, the lead pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia.

Students, staff, and faculty exited the newly renovated Shortess Chapel every morning buzzing with conversation about Tate’s messages. Wednesday was set aside for prayer as CIU gathered to lift up students, faculty, the community, and victims of Hurricane Florence.

Sophomore Joshua Keating, an Intercultural Studies major, said that Wednesday was the most impactful part of the week.

“I enjoyed spending the day in prayer with fellow students,” Keating said.

Tate opened the week with a message asking “what’s your ‘it?’” Quoting from John 14:14, he challenged the audience to ask the Lord for whatever need was on their heart. Wednesday’s message touched on the doubt that many Christians face about their faith and proclaimed the freedom that we receive in Christ from crippling doubtful questions. He concluded the week by discussing four “C”s that describe how Christians should approach gathering with their church family: comforted, convicted, cleansed, and concerned.

Each message concluded with an altar call for students to experience the Lord; either through salvation, answers to specific prayers, or direction for the future.

In an interview on the last day of the Christian Life Conference, Tate reflected on the week saying that from the first day he was left with the impression that CIU students have the potential to change the world.   

“This generation, this group of young people at CIU may turn this world upside down,” Tate said.

Hear Pastor Benny Tate’s messages on CIU’s podcasts.

Excitement is building on the CIU campus with a dramatic increase in enrollment and on-campus renovations. Information on enrollment is available here or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.