Friend Named Campus Minister

pandemic curve is behind us, having survived and advanced for more laps than I care to count, it’s time to accelerate out of the curve. Every single one of us. In almost every way.

Completely unaware of fuel injection as a wonder of the modern world, the apostle Paul might say it like this: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Whether pedestrian or pedal pusher, there is a right way to run the race, and to the victor goes the spoils.

While what happens in our university and our families and our churches has almost nothing to do with the laws of physics, accelerating out of the curve has everything to do with the laws of Providence. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, for anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Faithfully accelerating out of the curve rests on our desire to please the One who promises to reward our diligence in seeking Him. Run in such a way as to get the prize.

At Charleston Southern we’re gunning it by intentionally focusing on our core values, culture, and institutional priorities. Because we know He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Maybe the same could happen in our families and our churches and ourselves.

The good news is that the pandemic is in our rearview mirror as we accelerate out of the curve. The bad news is that we have miles to go before we cross the finish line. If the past previews the future, there will be potholes and pit stops and pileups along the way. Chances are that we have not seen our last caution flag on this well-traveled road. The best news is that we are not alone.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Sounds exhilarating. And exhausting. Such is life in the fast lane.

Seth Friend Returns as Campus Minister

By Samantha Arp ’24 / Photo by Ty Cornett

As ministers, Seth Friend and Jon Davis, make themselves available to students on campus.

Campus Ministries at Charleston Southern recently expanded its reach through a new Campus Minister, Seth Friend. Friend and his wife, Connor, are alumni of Charleston Southern and have one son.

Alongside Jon Davis, associate vice president for spiritual life, and two graduate assistants, this team is reaching the campus of CSU with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of the biggest blessings this job provided, according to Friend, was the chance for him to work under Davis. Davis has served in a campus minister capacity for many years and carries valuable wisdom and experience that Friend is grateful for.

Not only is Davis a great resource for Friend but also he is a mentor and friend. Davis was a pivotal part of Friend’s walk with Christ in college, guiding him through decisions, calling, and knowledge of God’s Word. Now, Friend gets to be a part of reaching students on the same campus that changed his life.

Prior to accepting the job at CSU, the Friends served at a church in Spartanburg in Student Ministry. Now, he is tasked with casting a vision for the students at CSU and finding new ways to connect with them and bring them into the family of God. Friend’s vision for the campus is that students be connected to the local church, spiritually growing in the Lord and His Word, and unlocking their God-given potential.