February 15, 2017
East Texas Baptist University hosted the 19th annual Christian Association of Student Leaders Conference January 26-28 on the ETBU campus. Over 250 students from Baptist universities across the South and Southeast, such as Dallas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, Howard Payne University, Hardin-Simmons University, Louisiana College, Mississippi College, and University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, were in attendance. The weekend, themed Learn. Serve. Lead., trained and gave students tools to be Christ-like leaders.
"The student leaders on each of these campuses represent future Christian leaders," ETBU Vice President of Student Affairs Heather Hadlock said. "Contributing to the leadership growth and development of these young adults is central to what we do in Christian higher education. CASL allows students the opportunity to share ideas and learn from their peers at Baptist institutions."
The weekend was packed with opportunities to share how organizations operate at different universities. Organization of campus ministry, campus recreation, Greek life, residence life, student activities, student government, and welcome week were a few of the topics discussed and reviewed at CASL. Each day, students participated in roundtable sessions, to talk and learn from one another on how to improve their organizations as they serve at their home university.
"While meeting other universities' student leaders, I learned about the challenges they have to overcome; this has motivated and inspired me to take our events at ETBU to the next level," ETBU junior Brandon LeBlanc said. "I believe that the Lord gave me this opportunity to further my leadership skills to learn, serve, and lead for His glory."
Dr. Eric Michael Bryant, who serves with Gateway Church in Austin as Lead Pastor for Gateway South, was the keynote speaker at CASL. Dr. Bryant has served as part of the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles and helped plant a church in Seattle, Washington. He also teaches a master's level Post-Christian Ministry Certificate and leads a cohort for a Doctorate of Ministry in Missional Effectiveness through Bethel Seminary. Dr. Bryant has experience coaching leaders in ministry, non-profit, and the business sector. He is also an author/co-author of several books on leadership. At the CASL Conference, he called students to lead and serve others even when it is not easy. He explained and encouraged students to develop and utilize their individual God-given talents to help others.
The three-day CASL Conference included many student-centered workshops such as The Power of Authentic Leadership, Avoiding Fight or Flight, Discipleship for Everyday Life, I Can't Leave, But Maybe Things Can Change!, Diversity: Modern Initiative or New Testament Ideal?, Social Media: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly led by ETBU professors, coaches, and ministers. There were also social opportunities for students at a CASL Bash held at ETBU's downtown Marshall Grand with live music, informal break-out sessions, as well as faith-based discussions and worship.
"As student leaders, learning how to better serve and lead in a godly way does not happen overnight. It is something that God shows us over time," ETBU junior Laura Coursey said. "When planning CASL and the sessions, we wanted to present ideas and philosophies that students could take back with them to their prospective universities and continue to grow and reflect on as they face future leadership trials and successes."