FLORENCE, Ala. (BNC) — The Fall, 2016, semester at Heritage Christian University will carry the theme “Be Transformed,” based on Romans 12:2, according to a Heritage News email sent Aug. 22.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will (NET).

Each Tuesday in chapel will feature a student speaker and a particular aspect of transformation.

“Before each semester, in coordination with an ad hoc chapel committee made up of faculty, staff, and students, I consider, with input from university administration, different chapel theme ideas,” Brad McKinnon, Director of Chapel Programs at HCU, told BNC.

Previous themes have included “Suffering and the Existence of God,” “Equity and Justice,” “You’ve Been Served,” “It’s All about Souls,” and this semester, “Be Transformed.”

Once a theme is chosen, the HCU Student Government Association Chaplain selects specific topics and speakers to organize student-led discussions each week in chapel. In the past, faculty discussion panels have been used to consider a theme.

This semester’s theme recognizes that training isn’t a mere intellectual exercise. Service in Christ begins with one’s own transformation. Proclaimers of the gospel know what they offer to the world, having tasted for themselves the new life from above and redemption from vanity and purposelessness.

HCU is to be commended for this effort.

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