Summit 2010 promises to provide more than just extra Chapel credits for students.
The 103rd year of the event will be September 19-22 and will for the first time feature six outside speakers, including prominent Christian activist and author, Shane Claiborne.
“This one I just wanted to be a little different and connect more with students and a broader audience,” said Brady Bryce, director of ministry events. “I think students connect with being out in the world, living out their faith.”
This year’s Summit theme, Aliens and Light: Finding God in the Darkness, is based on 1 and 2 Peter. It will explore ways the church and Christians are called to follow Jesus into a dark world, Bryce said.
Author of the bestselling book, The Irresistible Revolution, Claiborne will speak Wednesday afternoon on living a life of holy mischief for God, Bryce said. He will be joined on campus by John Perkins, co-author of his newest book, Follow Me to Freedom: Leading as an Ordinary Radical, which will serve as the 2010 Freshman Common Reading.
Bryce and others involved in Summit preparations hope Claiborne’s participation will provide a thought-provoking message to the ACU community.
“For those of us at ACU who have a pretty privileged position, his message will be very challenging,” Bryce said.
Brit’ny Spain, senior psychology major from Denton, agrees with Bryce that Claiborne’s simple but radical lifestyle will bring something new to Summit.
“I think that Shane Claiborne lives a life that many Christians aspire to but also a lot of the church is uncomfortable with,” Spain said. “I’m excited about having a speaker come that will push the students to think differently.”
Claiborne agreed to leave his yearly sabbatical during the month of September for one day to come speak at ACU.
“We are really beholden to him for doing this,” Bryce said.
Summit 2010 will close with a music concert featuring Derek Webb. Former member of the popular Christian band, Caedmon’s Call, Webb has received 10 Dove Award nominations and released his newest solo album, Stockholm Syndrome, in 2009.
“This is something that is really for the students,” Spain said about the concert. “It specifically feels like something that will appeal to everyone.”
This year’s Summit is intended to not only pique student interest, but the events and speakers featured are also meant to involve students, particularly student art and speakers, Spain said.
“Most students view Summit as a time to get out of class or get a few extra Chapel credits,” she said. “But I think if students challenge themselves, they could view Summit as a mini-retreat to be spiritually energized for the rest of the semester.”
