After the lights dimmed in Allen Arena this Thursday to kick off this week’s unorthodox Gathering, a representative of Lipscomb security announced that they are partnering with the student-led organization You’re Not Alone to offer a self-defense class.
The course will be open to students on April 24 in Swang 108.
This opportunity comes at an appropriate time, since the Green Hills neighborhood was rocked by a local shooting back in February. This, combined with other crimes on Lipscomb’s campus, has led to minor security changes, such as the closing of an entrance to campus after hours.
After the announcement of the free course, The Gathering officially began with worship and a prayer. Brandon Steele then greeted the audience with an anecdote about speaking to a couple on the verge of a divorce.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever had this moment,” Steele said, “where you’re talking to someone, and they get this look that they’ve already made up their mind on what they’re gonna do.”
He explained that in talking to this couple, no matter how desperately he plead for them to fight for their marriage, he could tell that the young couple had already mentally decided they had given up.
Steele asked those in the audience who had already made up their minds about Jesus and rejected faith to suspend that judgment temporarily. He focused on those who might have had negative experiences within the church.
Remember, it’s not Jesus who hurt you,” he said. “It’s people.”
He compared a relationship with Jesus to a first date. No one, he said, goes on one date with someone and immediately commits to marrying that person. He said it’s the same with God; you might just need some time.
He proceeded in his message by reading the parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15. He explained how that relates to people who stray from faith and eventually return. Rather than being disciplined, those people are celebrating, he said.
“You want to know what happens when Jesus comes into your life?” Steele asked. “Rejoicing happens.”
The rest of the time in chapel was spent in individual prayer, during which Steele asked people to return to God. He asked those who felt like they were in a steady place in their faith to pray for those around them.