“We’re watching God bring renewal to hearts – students who are hungry for His Word, eager to serve, and bold about their faith.”


Global Vision, Local Impact


The momentum carried into September as NGU hosted its Global Impact Week, an annual event that emphasizes the university’s commitment to global missions. Throughout the week, students met with representatives from mission organizations and met outside Todd Prayer Chapel to pray for the nations. “I sensed a genuine openness to the movement of God’s Spirit among our students,” said Dr. Allen McWhite, chair and professor of intercultural studies. “There’s a willingness to let go of personal plans and pursuits for the sake of his greater Kingdom purpose.” According to NGU’s ministry leaders, that willingness is translating into action. More than 140 students attended the university’s mission trip interest meeting, and over 100 signed up to connect with mission organizations during the week. “I think God is really burdening our students for the nations,” said Jon Ross Fordree, campus ministry coordinator and BCM director. “And it’s not just Christian Studies majors. I’ve heard business, education, and biology majors talk about living missionally after graduation. They want their careers to be platforms for the gospel.”


The NGU community also participated in 100 hours of scripture reading in September and hosted the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s One Night event in Younts Stadium. The statewide youth gathering drew thousands of middle and high school students from around the area, with many responding to the gospel and making commitments for Christ.


Faith in Community


NGU’s revival hasn’t been confined to large gatherings. It’s showing up in small groups and everyday relationships. The BCM launched new small groups this semester, giving students space to discuss Scripture and share life together.


“I’ve seen a lot of students grow in biblical community,” said Fordree. “Many have deepened friendships and learned how to minister to one another. It’s equipping them to be healthy, active members in their local churches.”


Vandiver said the university’s goal is to see every student connected to spiritual community both on and off campus. “God doesn’t design the Christian life to be lived alone,” he said. “We want students plugged into local churches and surrounded by believers who will walk with them as they follow Jesus.”


Lasting Fruit The Gospel at Work: A Generation Awakens to Faith


The Fall 2025 semester brought renewed faith commitments, a growing passion for missions, and spiritual awakening across NGU’s campus in Tigerville. The trend reflects a broader movement stirring among Gen Z believers across the country, according to campus officials.


“We’ve seen multiple students trusting in Jesus for salvation, increased involvement in Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and a rising number considering missions,” said Dallas Vandiver, assistant vice president for student ministries. “Our staff is receiving requests for mentorship, and we’re seeing great attitudes toward receiving God’s Word in chapel. All of this makes us hopeful that we’ll continue to see the Lord at work by His Spirit in other features of revival as well.”


A Spiritual Spark


In August, NGU hosted its annual Ignite Conference, designed to help students begin the academic year with a focus on spiritual renewal. Guest speaker Marcus Hayes, pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in The Woodlands, Texas, preached from Matthew 7, urging students to “build their lives on the firm foundation of Christ.”


That message seemed to resonate deeply. “From the first session, you could sense that students were attentive in a different way,” Vandiver said. “There was a seriousness about following Jesus – not just in word, but in action.”


Since the beginning of the semester, nearly 30 NGU students have professed faith in Christ, 65 are participating in the Big Little Discipleship program, and 16 are serving through NGU Serve organizations. Ministry leaders say the numbers tell only part of the story.


“What excites us most is not the statistics, but the changed lives behind them,” Vandiver said. “We’re watching God bring renewal to hearts – students who are hungry for His Word, eager to serve, and bold about their faith.


“We’re witnessing God do something beautiful here,” he continued. “This isn’t a passing moment. It’s the beginning of a movement.” ◆


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