NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University Pastor Dr. Tim Griffin addressed students during Monday's Chapel at Global Credit Union Arena, emphasizing the importance of following Jesus in their daily lives.

Griffin, who also serves as dean of students and vice president of Student Affairs at GCU, began by reflecting on the positive energy he sensed around campus. “How’s it going?” he asked the audience, noting the enthusiasm among students during the first two weeks of classes. “It’s going great. I’m so stoked for the year,” he shared.

However, Griffin cautioned against becoming complacent. “Some students have decided they’re going to go their own way,” he said. “We already have students who have learned life lessons from their first week on campus.”

During his address, Griffin highlighted that all guest speakers for the fall semester would focus on a portion of the Sermon on the Mount. He explained that this teaching offers insight into how Jesus wants his followers to perceive the world.

Griffin recounted a meeting with a retired U.S. Marine Corps general who simplified his initial training goals: ensuring new recruits could march in line within a few days. “Sometimes we go too far,” Griffin remarked, emphasizing the need for foundational steps in following Jesus at the start of a new school year.

He also reflected on Jesus’ early life as a construction worker and his public ministry starting at age 30 after being baptized by John the Baptist. Griffin drew parallels between those times and today’s digital age, urging students to engage in face-to-face conversations rather than relying solely on electronic communication.

“What a wonderful gift it would be for yourself if you put your device away and said, ‘let’s go talk,’” Griffin suggested.

Griffin shared personal experiences where he welcomed spontaneous interactions with students over lunch or coffee, aiming to emulate Jesus’ approach to engagement and conversation.

He emphasized that moments of learning from Jesus are crucial alongside casual conversations. Referring to Matthew 5:2, he noted that Jesus’ disciples came to Him for teachings on the hillside. “We want to be faithful to God’s word,” Griffin stated.

Concluding his message, Griffin challenged students to commit to following Jesus' teachings wholeheartedly. He recalled his own journey of understanding this commitment over time and encouraged students to seek happiness and contentment through their faith.

Next Monday's Chapel will feature Noe Garcia from North Phoenix Church.

GCU News Senior Writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]