Students at Grand Canyon University gathered for the Ignite worship event during Welcome Week, an annual tradition that encourages students to focus on faith as they begin the academic year. The event took place at Global Credit Union Arena and was organized by Spiritual Life.
Director of Spiritual Life Erik Nelsen described Ignite as “an amazing opportunity for students to start the year with a posture of worship and hope.” He added, “When students start the year with a foundation of reliance and trust in Jesus, it helps them stay focused on what is most important and is a reminder of His closeness and care for them as the semester continues and they may face various challenges.” Nelsen also said, “My hope is that students are encouraged in their faith and inspired by seeing so many friends and fellow students also assuming a posture of faith and trust in the Lord.”
The Worship team opened the evening with songs before transitioning to slower music, allowing students time for reflection. University Pastor and Dean of Students Dr. Tim Griffin addressed attendees: “We are inviting you this year that you would join together in a community of faith, a community of Jesus-followers that would not only pray for yourself and those around you, but for our campus, our neighborhood and state. Ask God to move in a very special way and commit yourself to being a part of what God is doing at Grand Canyon University.
“It’s amazing to me that this is the beginning of my 16th year, and every year, God brings students just like you to this place and with a heart to follow God. I am excited that you are here not only tonight, but on this campus.”
Student body president Tucker Hudson and vice president Dianne CarlaMae Nasibog led the lighting ceremony where participants used cellphone flashlights as a symbol of unity within the GCU community.
Global Outreach student leader Mallory Lackey commented on her experience: “It’s so cool that we get to worship with thousands of other Christ-followers and really proclaim God’s name,” she said. “I remember walking in really lonely as a freshman, and being able to go to a worship night to praise the Lord and meet so many people who really love Jesus was really transformational. I think it’s amazing that they host these events at GCU.”
Senior Lindsay Stoltzfus reflected on involvement with campus ministries: “Being involved has made a huge difference to my college experience,” she said. “It’s been great to find people aligned on the same mission and vision, and Global Outreach has been a place for me where I could grow and belong to something.”
Throughout Welcome Week, events such as Faith in Your First Year have helped introduce new students to GCU’s Christian foundation through personal stories from Spiritual Life leaders about their relationship with Jesus.
The university’s Prayer Fence initiative invited participants to tie ribbons representing prayers or hopes across from campus retailer Lope Shop.
Following Ignite was an information fair featuring tents from Spiritual Life programs where staff shared opportunities for student engagement through service projects both locally and globally.
Local Outreach student leader Micah Wittler stated: “I think this is a really great way to kick off the year, because it allows people to be unified in everything we are doing,” he said. “It’s super necessary for Christians to be involved in their local community and give back to it. I had never experienced something like GCU where you can pour out in a really intentional and consistent way.”
Opportunities continue throughout the semester for students interested in spiritual growth or service work.
