What does it mean to say “yes” to Jesus? This simple question summarizes the theme of Columbia International University’s 2022 Christian Life Conference. Forge Kingdom Building Ministries, which included such notable speakers as Britton Bishop, Charlie Marquis, David Yirdaw, and Dwight Robertson, helped students process what it looks like to truly value God’s Word and fulfill what God has proclaimed for their lives.

Forge challenged the students that if Jesus is their foundation, then from that foundation they should be enlisting in His mission to see the world reached with His message.

Forge CEO Dwight Robertson said that one of the greatest gifts that a Christian has is their minute by minute relationship with Christ and their ability to introduce others to Him.

“The greatest gift you could give to the world is your intimacy with God,” Robertson said.   

Robertson met with CIU student leaders to discuss what it means to live a high impact life for Christ through ministry. He defined ministry as the simple act of pouring into people physically, spiritually, or emotionally for the glory of God. He compared these simple actions to a domino effect with impact creating more impact.

Much of the week was organized by the student body leadership who desired to create a special event for fellow students.

“I think that following this event, campus will be impacted by everyday kingdom laborers who will seek to meet the needs of the student body just as Jesus would,” said Alexis Deason, Forge’s student correspondent, noting that Forge encouraged student leaders “to see, stop, and spend time with those around us.”

“In doing so we are intentionally seeking community within the student body through leadership roles to impact the Kingdom, one conversation at a time,” added Deason.  

Dr. Dan Coy, CIU dean of Spiritual Formation, said that he thinks there is now a deeper awareness on campus that God is always speaking.

“So, it’s important for us just to keep that awareness alive, encouraging one another in the faith as we grow,” Coy said. “We are to have an ongoing awareness of God in our engagement with others.”

Community is at the heart of CIU and consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.