Launch Days are the days before classes begin dedicated to welcoming all new students (first-time freshmen and transfers)! These days focus on establishing connections with others and developing an insider knowledge of BU. The new students’ presence is required to give them the best possible start to their college experience.
![[VIDEO] Speak Jesus](https://betheluniversity.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Speak-Jesus-Video.jpg)
Our theme for the 2023-24 school year has been “Speak Jesus.” We asked staff and students to describe what that means to them.
Julie: This move allows each of us to strategically focus on areas of the university experience that deserve primary attention and investment – for Shawn that area is spiritual formation; for me, that area is student success and linking various student support services from residence life to counseling to international students to academic support.
Shawn: Dr. Bellefeuille is committed to maintaining – and even strengthening – our Christ-centered focus at Bethel. While this requires a team of committed faculty and staff, it is helpful to have a dedicated person focused on this goal, keeping it central in all we do. Of course, we desire to help students develop holistically, and we want students to be prepared for successful, God-honoring careers; however, we are also committed to helping them prepare for an eternity with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Shawn: Lord willing, we create a spiritually rich environment on campus as we listen, pray and plan in big and small ways. This includes our chapel services, midweek small discipleship groups, spiritual mentoring relationships and planned and spontaneous experiences across campus that focus on God and bringing about His Kingdom here at Bethel as it is in heaven.
Julie: I think there is a growing authenticity among many in our student body that is evidence of students listening for the Lord. I think John Njihia’s song, “MOSAIC (I Have Decided),” provides a great summary of how many students are experiencing our world. At the same time, it weaves an old hymn into this experience, highlighting the beautiful contrast of a rooted life when we choose to let God lead. I’m listening to this song on repeat now.
Shawn: We have implemented a campus-wide definition of a disciple (of Jesus): One who knows Jesus, is becoming like Jesus, and is on mission with Jesus. We are also focused on identifying various stages of faith of our students so we can purposely help them take their next steps in their faith journey. One of the ways we’ve done this is by creating various levels of engagement for our midweek small groups: 1) Come and SEE, 2) Come and ENGAGE and 3) Come and PRACTICE. Then, based on [these variables], we have created a new discipleship grid for our midweek small group topics/gatherings.
Julie: Our students have grown up in a culture of outrage and division. They especially need us to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit that gives testimony to a life led by God (in contrast to the loud, frenetic world).
Shawn: Generally speaking, this generation is more distracted and overwhelmed than previous generations. Their reality has been deeply impacted by technology, social media and a pandemic. However, like all generations, authentic relationships matter. And where trust can be built and genuine love can be shown, deep relationships can be forged, faith can grow and spiritual maturity can occur. We see this happening every year.
Julie: Nothing compares to the experience of God’s love washed over you through His people. During these years at Bethel, I’ve been shaped by so many people who spoke Jesus to me and received Him from my care as well. Most recently for me, I think of one year ago, when I’d received a cancer diagnosis. I could see the valley in front of me, with unknown depth and width. On my last day of work before beginning treatment, I experienced a tidal wave of His love washing over me from prayers offered, cards written, and hugs given by His people at Bethel. I had this clear sense from the Lord that He was defining that valley for me by the giant-sized wave of His love filling it up.
Shawn: My relationship with Christ and overall spiritual maturity was deeply impacted by the staff and faculty mentors who invested in me during my time at Bethel. I connected with several godly men during my student years who were approachable, wise and encouraging as I sought to understand God, the Bible and my identity as a child of God.
Julie: We can reach them by helping them find and value community with other believers so that they are intentional and discerning about the voices they are inviting into their lives, and demonstrating what wholeness in Christ looks like – not being perfect but embracing humility, commitment and honesty with the Lord, ourselves and others.
Every year God blesses Bethel with a new class of incoming students. The best way to reach them is to know them, love them and commit to investing in them. And the best way to do that is often in one-on-one and small group relationships where trust is built and real-life conversations can occur. This is why Bethel invests a great deal of time and resources in our discipleship groups and spiritual mentoring relationships.
Bethel University’s 34th annual campus-wide Service Day will take place on Tues., Sept. 26, sponsored by Lake City Bank. “Lake City Bank is proud to be part of Bethel University's Annual Service Day," said Kristin L. Pruitt, Lake City Bank president. "As a community...
Bethel University’s 33rd annual campus-wide Service Day will take place on Tues., Sept. 27, starting at 8:45 a.m. Sponsored in part by Everence, Bethel students, faculty, staff will serve together throughout Michiana. The day will start in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center on Bethel’s campus, where individuals will divide into groups and leave campus to volunteer more than 40 sites at various local organizations. South Bend Schools is assisting with transportation by bussing students to the work sites.
There will be a variety of locations served this year, including Center for the Homeless, the Foodbank of Northern Indiana, Transformation Ministries, the City of Mishawaka-Parks Department, Hope Ministries, the Humane Society of St Joseph County, Potawatomi Zoo, and the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County, among others. See the full list of sites below.
“We’re excited to participate in one of Bethel’s favorite traditions – Service Day. In the midst of busy schedules and routines, it’s refreshing to gather as a campus and serve together. On top of that, we get a chance to connect with community neighbors. It’s an all-around great day. We can’t wait,” said Jess Lyons, career development program manager.
The day will wrap up around 1 p.m., with students, faculty and staff returning for lunch in the Dining Commons. All classes before 6 p.m. are cancelled so students and faculty may participate.
2022 Service Day Locations