Student Ministry Leaders Attend Kairos Fall Gathering
The Bluefield University Student Ministries (BUSM) team embarked on a Christ-centered journey to Eagle Eyre, October 25-27, to attend an annual gathering of college ministry programs, hosted by the Kairos Initiative.
The Kairos event is a yearly fall gathering that brings together college ministry programs from across Virginia for a time of fellowship and spiritual growth. BUSM has participated in the event since 2019, apart from a pause during COVID-19 restrictions. The gathering allows students to connect with other like-minded young adults, fostering a stronger Christian community within college circles.
BU campus pastor Mason West led the Bluefield team and also guided the Friday night worship. West shared a message that resonated with all attendees, setting a reflective tone for the weekend.
Throughout the weekend, students participated in four group messages, small-group sessions, and various events designed to deepen fellowship and enhance their spiritual relationship. In the small groups, BUSM members connected with students from Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, Mary Washington, and other Virginia colleges, sharing perspectives and building friendships that went beyond the weekend.
The small groups offered attendees an opportunity to dive deeper into the themes of each main message. Guided by discussion questions, students explored topics in ways that allowed them to reflect and engage spiritually with their peers.
On the second day, Kairos hosted several workshops following the morning session and small groups. These workshops, led by leaders from the attending colleges, provided students with new perspectives and skills for approaching their faith. According to BUSM members, these breakout sessions were a highlight of the weekend, offering practical insights and fresh ideas.
Beyond the scheduled events, the BU Student Ministries team enjoyed moments of bonding. Team member Amelia Garrett shared that a 1 a.m. Sheetz run was one of her favorite memories.
“It was a chance for us to let our hair down, listen to music, and relax together as a team,” she said.
On Sunday, the BUSM team attended a worship service at Breakthrough Church in Lynchburg. Garrett said that visiting Breakthrough Church was a meaningful and life-changing experience. She and other members of the team are already planning a second trip back to the church.
In addition to Breakthrough Church, Garrett noted that worshipping alongside students from public colleges like Virginia Tech was a wonderful experience.
“Seeing such a large group from VT was refreshing,” she said. “I always thought of VT as a spiritually dark place, but meeting them changed that perspective.”
Grace Trent, a worship leader for BUSM, attended Kairos for the first time last year. She shared that the experience made the Kairos weekend her favorite time of year. Her highlight this year was Saturday morning’s listening prayer, which she described as profoundly moving.
The weekend concluded as a refreshing and important bonding experience for BUSM, drawing the team closer to one another and to their mission of serving the Christian community at Bluefield University.