Freed-Hardeman Bible Lectureship grows in 80th year

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Thousands are gathering this week for a series 80 years strong. Freed-Hardeman University is packed with people from all over the South ready to learn.

As the snow fell outside Tuesday, voices inside were rising.

“It started as a three-week preacher course,” Lectureship Director Doug Burleson said. “People would come in from around the country, and they’d want to study and have college classes. Over time, it became something that was for everybody.”

The lectureship series is something students say they learn from each year.

“It’s just getting better and better for me. The lectures are getting better, and I plan to come every year, especially after I graduate,” said Harrison Chastain, a senior at Freed-Hardeman.

Being on a college campus, millennials are a major focus.

“We ask, ‘what is it about the generation, and what is the need missing? What are they looking for?’ To be able to address that proactively is huge, and we do spend a lot of time discussing it and being intentional with that focus,” speaker and Freed alumnus Chuck Morris said.

Organizers say this year has pinpointed other groups, too.

“We’ve got the kids’ lectureship this year, and teens, Spanish-speaking ministries and just a lot of new things for ladies,” Burleson said.

From the worship music to small groups and large lectures, students said it’s about having a common purpose.

“A lot of times I don’t get to see a lot of ministers around, but we all come to Freed to unite together and share stories and learn from the Word of God,” Chastain said.

It all lasts until 11 o’clock Thursday night. It’s open to the public and free to attend. For more information, go to www.fhu.edu/lectureship.