ACU's 81st annual lectureship to attempt to take Christian growth to higher plane For immediate release February 9, 1999 The world is changing at breakneck speed, and Abilene Christian University's 81st Annual Bible Lectureship is designed to help participants stay focused on God while the world rushes past. ACU's signature event, scheduled Feb. 21-24, is designed to meet the needs of a wider variety of people, said Bill Young, director of church relations and Lectureship. Many changes have taken place during the past year's planning. For example, several younger preachers are giving a series of lectures. Other sessions will address worship that changes lives, the role of fasting in today's world, dealing with the death of a child and intimacy in marriage. These are just a few of the examples of some updated classes that add to nearly 100 classes about God, salvation, evangelism, missions and much more. (See printed program.) In addition, Lectureship planners have added something new for the final evening -- a night of celebration of Christians, past and present. Guest lecturer Dr. Jerry Rushford, director of church relations at Pepperdine University, will focus on biblical history, hope and servanthood. Rushford's theme will be "Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses." A special invitation to attend has been extended to all Churches of Christ in the Abilene region. "We'd like to make our local friends feel very special on this last night," Young said. All participants in town for the week's events will be urged to remain for the final night of joyful singing, praise and worship. Throughout the week, one of the broadest slate of speakers ever will focus on the theme "Behold, He Comes!" "Our speakers will remind us, challenge us and convict us to confidently exemplify God's presence in a world that's constantly changing," said ACU president Dr. Royce Money. Young said the goal of this year's Lectureship is for people in any life situation -- parents, teens, seniors, couples -- to leave better equipped to live for Christ. "People are crying out for knowledge," Young said. "We want to bring in teachers who are storehouses of great knowledge to share their insights and to open doors for even greater blessings in the lives of all who attend." Attendees from around the world are registered, Young said. 1999 Lectureship theme speakers will appeal to all ages Amid several refreshing changes in Lectureship for February 1999, one thing remains the same -- ACU will serve as host for seven keynote lecturers. This year they will address the theme, "Behold, He Comes!" Sunday, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 21 -- Dr. Charles Siburt, associate chair of ACU's Graduate Department of Bible and Ministry, will present "The Shape of God's Future for Us." Text: Isaiah 40:1-11 Monday, 9:45 a.m., Feb. 22 -- Daniel A. Rodriguez, assistant professor of religion and missions at Pepperdine University, will present "They Shall Come from East and West." Text: Luke 13:22-29 Monday, 7 p.m., Feb. 22 -- Chris Seidman, minister for the Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola, Fla., will present "The Witness Relocation Program." Text: Acts 1:6-8 Tuesday, 9:45 a.m., Feb. 23 -- Randy L. Daugherty, evangelist for the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, will present "Since We Belong to the Day." Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Tuesday, 7 p.m., Feb. 23 -- Don McLaughlin, minister for the North Atlanta Church of Christ in Atlanta, will present "Heaven in the Real World." Text: Hebrews 10:35-39 Wednesday, 9:45 a.m., Feb. 24 -- Stephen Johnson, minister of the Edgemere Church of Christ in Wichita Falls, will present "The Fire of God's Presence: Worship as Transformation." Text: Hebrews 12:18-29 Wednesday, 7 p.m., Feb. 24 -- Jerry Rushford, director of church relations for Pepperdine University, will present "Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses." Text: Hebrews 11:1-12 For the first time, arrangements have been made by ACU's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and Information Technology Department to show the seven theme lectures live via webcast. Scruggs Gymnasium to transform into Lectureship Exhibit Hall As the Sing Song spotlights fade at approximately 11 p.m. Saturday night Feb. 20, crews of people will be taking Scruggs Gymnasium by storm. Scruggs Gymnasium, adjacent to Moody Coliseum, is used as the staging area for approximately 900 performers for ACU's annual Sing Song musical variety show Feb. 19-20, but by 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, the stage will be set in Scruggs for one of the largest Christian trade shows in the world. During the night, more than 1,360 linear feet of tables for displays will be set up to accommodate 114 different exhibitors. Thom Lemmons, exhibit coordinator for Lectureship, said exhibitors will be coming to Lectureship from across the nation and as far away as England. Exhibitors will represent a diverse group of missions, Bible camps, children's homes, various support organizations for Churches of Christ as well as a number of retailers offering books, other printed material, apparel, music and other items. This will be the first time all exhibitors have been in one location at Lectureship since 1994. "With one exhibit location, visitors should find it easier to find materials they are looking for," Lemmons said. Recap of changes for 1999 Lectureship: More younger speakers More diverse schedule of classes targeting all stages of live Focus on Abilene Churches of Christ on final night Exhibits moved to one location Theme lectures to be shown live via webcast -30- If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692. Last update: Feb. 18, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/81st-lectureship.html