Dean Inserra, lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Fla., writer for the Gospel Coalition and author of “The Unsaved Christian,” spoke in chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Friday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m.
On Wednesday, Inserra spoke from the passage of Matthew 7:21-23 about how it addresses what he calls “the largest mission field.”
“The big picture today is about cultural Christianity,” said Inserra. “It’s people who think they’re Christians, and their reason for doing so is cultural rather than convictional.”
Inserra explained the different barriers that often get in the way of reaching people who are cultural Christians. He gave personal stories, examples and insights that brought encouragement to the students and reminded them that they are in one of the best mission fields: the Bible belt.
“The largest mission field in America is people who think they’re saved,” said Inserra. “To some people, ‘being’ Christian is more important than ‘believing’ by conviction who Jesus is and what he’s done.”
He ended the message by praying over the students and encouraging them to be mindful of those right in front of them because they never know who really needs Jesus.
On Friday, Inserra spoke from 1 Corinthians 12-13.
He used three chairs on the stage to represent three different kinds of people: non-Christians, Christians and worldly Christians.
He explained the difference between Christians and worldly Christians as someone who is a believer but acts more as if they are a non-believer because of the lies that the world uses to negatively influence them.
Inserra explained that no matter how much of a worldly Christian students may become, God is always there to remind them that he has not moved–they have. He is always there to welcome them back with open arms.
He closed with the simple phrase and reminder that “Jesus is better” and prayed for the university to remain in the Christian chair while being fully dependent on the Lord.
“Dean speaks faithfully and clearly, calling us to resist the empty cisterns of cultural Christianity and to live a biblically-faithful Christianity,” said Todd Brady, Assistant Professor of Ministry and Vice President for University Ministries. “He calls us to move beyond merely giving an appearance and to truly living according to the reality of Christianity.”
Following the chapel service, Inserra was available to speak and have lunch with students in the University Ministries Office from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.