Seniors recognized for living Gospel-shaped lives

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman University’s Campus Ministries awarded seniors who have demonstrated service to ministry and missions during an inaugural cording ceremony May 6.

The cords were awarded by Dr. Bill and Linda Viel, who served as lifetime missionaries for over 40 years after graduating from Carson-Newman.

The students received red and white cords that were symbolic of God’s love, the blood of Jesus, his sinless purity, and sins that are white as snow because of Jesus’ sacrificial blood.

Those receiving the cords have been equipped to share the Gospel and have demonstrated experience in living out a Gospel-shaped life while sharing the hope of the Gospel with others. The new ceremony and cords represent the University’s obedience to the teachings of Scripture and as an expression of its Christian convictions and heritage.

“It is my prayer that our students carry a passion for the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as they leave us and move into their next season of life,” President Charles A. Fowler said. “We want the Gospel to not only be something they proclaim but a defining characteristic of their life. Living and loving like Jesus compels us to pursue a distinctive, Christ-honoring life that makes a transformative impact on the world around us.”

Those awarded shared God’s word on mission trips, responded to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of others, participated in community outreach, and considered encounters with other people as a divine appointment.

“We extend our congratulations and gratitude to the recipients of the inaugural Ministry and Missions cord,” Vice President of Student Services Gloria Walker said. “We look forward to following this group of young men and women as they further the kingdom and share the Gospel through their ministry and service.”

Director of Campus Ministries Jeremiah Young said it was a joy to see the inaugural cording ceremony all come together.

“Carson-Newman alumni Dr. William and Linda Viel have been faithful to Gospel ministry for so many years,” Young said. “It was an honor to be part of a ceremony that highlighted this first group of Carson-Newman students who embody a life of service in ministry and mission.”

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts-based university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and celebrated a record 2,900 students in the fall. Carson-Newman offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.