Home Nights
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Savannah Thompson
Home Nights are a time when students at Bluefield University can come together to worship God. They happen every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. in Harman Chapel. Campus Pastor Mason West gives some insight into what goes on during these nights and the responsibilities of student worship leaders.
“The main goal of Home Nights is to create a place where students can encounter God’s presence, grow in their faith, and experience genuine Christian community,” West said.
West said the reason they call it Home is because “we want students to find a spiritual family where students are known, encouraged, and challenged to become who God has called them to be, but overall to find their home in the presence of God.”
The student worship team has many responsibilities and “doesn’t just attend or assist but they lead and take ownership of the ministry,” West said. These fellow Rams also serve through worship, prayer, hospitality, production, speaking, creative elements, set-up, and follow up with other students. It is also their job to make sure that students are being cared for and that they are setting a good spiritual example with honor, excellence, and genuine community. Students’ experience at Home Nights is made possible through the commitment and leadership of the student ministry team, West said.
Lauren Morton said a message that stuck with her was “finding where I need to be in Christ.” BU students also use the space Home offers to be challenged in their faith and relieve stress.
“In so many aspects of my life and so many others, we have to hit certain marks, achieve certain goals and so many other things,” Olivia Crouse said. “However we don’t have to do this at Home. Home is a reminder that we don’t have to put our worth in anything else but God, that we don’t have to hit certain marks to earn God’s love, and that it’s okay to not have everything figured out because God does.”
This fact can calm students down during a stressful day, allowing them to come to Home Nights and be “Childlike in Christ.” Student worship leaders have seen Home’s impact on students. Coby Rector said he has noticed several students change their heart posture and receive the Lord.
Ben Campbell said that “when we are able to be free in service, people are involving themselves through singing, dancing, and true worship.” Leigha Harrod prays for everyone and says that “everyone needs prayer, and how to know if someone needs prayer is discernment from the Lord on who to talk to.” Abril Fernandez said that her favorite worship song to perform is “Lamb of God.”
Students on the worship team must balance schoolwork, ministry responsibilities, and their relationships with God. Cyrus Marshall says being responsible and managing time means “having everything in order, discipline, and saying no a lot.”
Home is a space where no matter where you are in your faith journey, you are always welcomed. Even newcomers can come and worship God no matter their schedule. Transfer student Alyssa Boyd said, “as a newcomer I have met a lot of people, made new friends, and connected with the Holy Spirit. I didn’t feel like I had to be going a lot to feel at home.”
Here at Bluefield University, we are not just students of faith, but we are a family of believers in Christ.