September 30, 2024
McDONOUGH, Ga. — More than1,000 chicken sandwich lunches, 2,300 bottles of water, 350 pizzas, 800 juice pouches, 250 pounds of mandarins, and gallons and gallons of coffee. That’s just some of what it took to feed the more than 1000 students, program staff, and volunteers that converged on Eagle’s Landing Baptist Church in McDonough last weekend, Sept. 20-22, for Confluence, the Georgia Baptist Collegiate Ministries conference.
Beverly Skinner, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s collegiate ministry catalyst, reports that’s a 40% jump from last year’s numbers. “We have seen a strong response this fall at all of the BCMs in the state,” she says. “There was record attendance at welcome events and students have connected to small groups and weekly worship events. We have already seen several dozen students come to faith in Christ this fall. When we have that kind of response in early September, Confluence attendance is usually strong as well.”
In addition, she says 13 students prayed to receive Christ at the event, and 83% of students committed to take their next step in discipleship. One student from Gordon State said, "Confluence helped me to learn that I need to be all in with God, no matter the cost.”
Also, Skinner notes, this year differed from recent Confluence events because freshmen entering college this fall are the first group of students to have a normal high school experience post-Covid.
Students heard from Chip Luter, who currently serves as the Senior Associate Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of his father, Fred Luter, Jr. Luter accepted his calling to be a minister of the gospel of Christ at an early age and encourages young people who feel the call to respond in faith. Skinner says 65 students surrendered to a call to ministry at the conference.
A dozen different breakout sessions were offered for students to focus on various aspects of the call to a Christ-centered life. Topics ranged from stewardship to romance, evangelism, ministry, and more.
“Confluence was truly a life-changing weekend,” according to a student from the University of North Georgia. “I went in not having a good relationship with Jesus along with a foot and a half in the world struggling with anxiety. I went to the ‘Called to Peace’ breakout session on Friday night and on Saturday I was able to fully understand that God has a bigger purpose for me in this world.”
In addition to learning and spending time in the Word, students were treated to energetic worship music from the band Edenfield. They also enjoyed outdoor and indoor games and activities.
Though it is an event organized by the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Confluence is not just for students involved in a BCM at school. “Church college groups are invited as well,” Skinner explains. “We had several church groups attend for the first time this year and I am excited about how that will impact their on-going ministry to college students. I am also excited about how those churches will encourage other churches to come to Confluence in the future.”
One student from the University of West Georgia said, “The work of God was so evident in the way that students worshipped, and the conversations had throughout the weekend. Specifically, one of our students shared about a friend she had who was not a believer. She felt convicted by the message to share with her friend. When we got back to school, God provided an opportunity for her to share! He was very open and wanted to know more!”
That zeal among college believers to share the gospel doesn’t surprise Skinner. “All of our BCMs, whether they are led by a full-time, part-time, or volunteer campus minister, are focused on the simple things Jesus calls us to do: sharing the gospel, making disciples, and sending them on mission,” she says. “I believe students are drawn to the good news of Jesus and our BCMs are sharing it daily.”
“Georgia Baptists understand the life-changing importance of ministry to college students and are fully committed to doing what it takes to reach them,” Skinner continues. “With that kind of commitment and investment from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and local churches, there is much to be excited about for the future of collegiate ministry in Georgia.”
“I am so excited to start this journey with God and truly live in Christianity and not using it as a label,” the North Georgia student concluded. “Jesus saves and God is good!”
