Henderson, Tennessee — (Jan. 19, 2024) — The 88th Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University will examine the book of Revelation when it convenes Feb. 4-8, 2024, in Henderson, Tennessee. The theme for the event is “Triumph of the Lamb: The Battle with Evil in Revelation.”
In addition to the keynotes, chapel addresses and a survey of the book, a total of 14 other series throughout the week will address the interpretation and application of Revelation.
Christians sometimes consider Revelation to be a difficult book to understand because of its apocalyptic style, use of symbolism and interactions with the Old Testament. However, Lectureship Director Doug Burleson contends it is “a Christ-centered study of God’s people and His promise that they will be delivered from the threats of evil.”
Keynote speakers for the week will focus on “The Church’s Struggle with Evil.” Speakers and their topics include the following: FHU President David R. Shannon, Sunday, “The Church that Neglects Love”; Chad Brinker, Tennessee Titans Assistant General Manager, Monday, “The Church that Gives Everything It’s Got”; Andrew Phillips, minister of the Graymere Church of Christ in Columbia, Tennessee, Tuesday, “The Church that Tolerates Wrong”; Jeff Jenkins, co-founder of the Jenkins Institute, Wednesday, “The Church that Loses Its Way”; TJ Kirk, FHU Vice President of Student Services, Thursday, “The Church that Sickens Jesus.”
Three workshops are planned for the week. The Youth Ministry Workshop will be held Monday and Tuesday at Mid-South Youth Camp. Wednesday will feature a sexual integrity workshop led by Jonathan Harrison, and special sessions for workers in Hispanic ministries will be conducted Friday-Sunday, February 2-4.
This year’s appreciation dinner will honor the FHU Associates, a group of women organized in 1963 to promote Christian education at Freed-Hardeman. Over the years, they have raised approximately $4.5 million for scholarships as well as many campus projects. Tickets for the event are available for $20 at fhu.edu/lectureship.
Prior to the Wednesday evening keynote address, Freed-Hardeman University will present Roy Johnson an honorary doctorate for his outstanding citizenship and service to the church. Johnson was a top-level executive for the Boy Scouts of America for 23 years before becoming executive director of Lads to Leaders in January 2003. Johnson has preached for more than 50 years.
Again this year, two books related to the lectureship theme have been prepared. They may be purchased from Amazon or at the lectureship. The book for general audiences was written by 14 men who are participating in the lectureship. The second book, entitled “The Triumph of the Lamb: How the Unseen God Can Be Seen in my Life,” was written by women for women. Both books are available through Amazon or at the lectureship in print, Kindle or PDF formats for $15.
Lectureship Director Doug Burleson will moderate Open Forum. He will be joined by FHU Dean of the College of Biblical Studies Justin Rogers, minister-in-residence Bruce McLarty and a guest panelist each day. Questions for the panel may be submitted to openforum@fhu.edu prior to the event.
Dr. Alan Kinningham, a member of the FHU music faculty, has composed a “victory chant” especially for the lectureship. It will debut after the evening keynote on Tuesday, Feb. 6, when it is performed by the FHU Chorale.
Once an event primarily for preachers, the lectureship now has events for the entire family and church leaders in many capacities. The Kids Lectureship will feature classes for babies through grade 5 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These sessions will be in the Henderson Church of Christ’s activity center. The teen lectureship, for those in grades 6-12, will be directed by Reed Swindle in Chapel Hall. Late night sessions designed with college students in mind will be hosted by the University Counseling Center at 10:30 p.m. in Chapel Hall.
A full lectureship program, registration and links for purchasing books and tickets are available at fhu.edu/lectureship.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.