There is a wave of positive energy throughout United Methodism in this season. Instead of fending off decline, we have an opportunity to define our core principles going forward. Let’s not miss this opening. Secular “wisdom” only values that which can be measured, typecast and leveraged for power. Now is our time to shine with the unique principle that values people — each person and all people — regardless of performance, worldly success and celebrity. I consider it a delicious irony that this unconditional regard for others can lead to true revival and an abundance of authentic growth. I see a genuine revival on the horizon. 

If college is about nothing else, it is about identity formation. And I had no clue when I began my undergraduate studies. I was an athlete in high school, captain of my team – a very good team that beat the reigning state champs early in my senior season and then lost to them in the finals. But I really had no mentors in my corner when it came to academic endeavors. I was a jock with massive amounts of intellectual insecurity.