College Kids Hunger for Christianity on Campus, Pepperdine Leader Says

Tim Spivey, the assistant vice president of spiritual life at Pepperdine University, believes that college students today have a strong desire for a robust spiritual life.

He emphasizes that it is the responsibility of schools to meet the needs of these students and provide them with opportunities to explore or reconnect with their faith.

According to Spivey, Pepperdine University offers a spiritual experience that is unparalleled, and one of the key components is the Worship Summit.

The sold-out 2023 Pepperdine Worship Summit drew more than 3,000 people to the campus on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

This event featured performances from Christian artists Phil Wickham and United Voice Worship, as well as author/speaker Jonathan Evans.

Spivey also points out that the Worship Summit drew a significant number of attendees who were not students of the college, indicating a broader hunger for spirituality within the community.

Contrary to popular claims that college students are losing faith, Spivey believes that the current generation of students is remarkably hungry for spiritual fulfillment.

He has observed a deeper spiritual hunger among students on campus compared to his experiences throughout the last 30 years.

Pepperdine University, under the leadership of President Jim Gash, aims to prioritize Christianity as a cornerstone of the institution.

The commitment to Christianity is central to the university's identity and not treated as a mere hobby or ancillary pursuit.

Students at Pepperdine are described as vibrant and hungry, with an optimistic outlook and a strong desire for connection and community.

The university fosters this sense of community through service opportunities, offering over 100 service projects each year.

These projects allow students to connect with one another and build relationships that are rooted in faith.

Spivey believes that the hunger and thirst for spiritual matters among this generation present a unique opportunity

He emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on this opportunity and meeting the deep spiritual needs of college students.

Overall, Pepperdine University aims to provide a nurturing environment where students can explore or deepen their spirituality and find a sense of connection and community.