By Rick Vacek
GCU News Bureau
Pastor Tim Griffin labeled the Chapel service Monday morning at Grand Canyon University a “call to action,” and that call started with the first word of the first song.
The Northern Transit System, a bluegrass band playing at Chapel for the first time, riveted the crowd’s attention right away with a knee-slapping introductory number. The group includes three GCU students — senior Allie Hill and sophomores Tyler Williams and Ethan Rose.
“How many of you felt your inner hillbilly?” Griffin, GCU’s dean of students, asked the audience as he took the stage.
Griffin then made it clear that this would be a different Chapel, with a message that fell in line with the University’s support of the “It’s On Us” campaign against sexual violence.
The University’s “It’s On Us” video was shown, and Griffin underscored its importance when he said, “Sometimes we find ourselves in pretty dramatic circumstances that call upon us to do something.”
Griffin cited Matthew 4:18-22, the verses in which Jesus’ disciples left behind their fishing nets — left behind their whole lives — to follow Him. Griffin reminded everyone that following Jesus isn’t something you limit to “11 o’clock Christian Standard Time on Sunday morning.”
“There will be things that will happen today that will be your opportunity to connect with somebody and express God’s love,” Griffin said.
Our obsession with social media has pulled us apart rather than brought us together, Griffin said, and he showed this poignant video to demonstrate his point.
● Next week’s Chapel speaker: Preston Morrison, Gateway Church, Scottsdale
Contact Rick Vacek at 602-639-8203 or [email protected].
