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From campus to coast: Christian Student Center embarks on Gulf Coast Getaway 2024
by Jackson Carlstrom, Editor-In-Chief
Georgia Southwestern State University’s Christian Student Center recently participated in the Gulf Coast Getaway 2024 retreat, a conference aimed at fostering spiritual growth among college students. Held in Orange Beach, Alabama, from January 4-6, the event featured impactful worship sessions, insightful keynotes, and a variety of breakout classes addressing contemporary Christian living.
“I’ve been to Gulf Coast Getaway a few times now, and I’ve had some great experiences,” Elizabeth Haire said. “GCG is a weekend to be with friends and grow closer to Jesus. It is a conference that really makes you think more about your relationship with Jesus, and it’s a time to reflect, to pause, to engage with scripture, and to discuss its implications for our lives with others who are walking a similar path.”
The conference’s keynote sessions included dynamic worship led by Chris Shields and his team, and sermons by Phil Brookman, pastor at Memorial Road Church of Christ. Brookman’s messages were designed to challenge and inspire young adults to live out their faith actively. Outside of the keynote sessions, students got to choose between several different breakout sessions. Topics ranged from navigating dating in a Christian context, understanding the role of campus ministries, to making real connections in a digital world. All throughout the conference, students had the opportunity to interact with peers from various universities, sharing experiences and fostering a sense of community.
The conference also included ample free time, allowing students to explore the local area, including coffee shops and stores near the conference center. A highlight for the GSW CSC students was the “Polar Plunge,” where they went to the beach and braved the cold waters, sprinting in as a group.
On Sunday, the GSW CSC group organized a unique “1st century” style home church service in their accommodation. Everyone shared personal spiritual insights, including scripture that resonated with them, a worship song that spoke to them, or reflections from the conference. This church session also included communion with homemade biscuits, adding a special touch to the experience.
“I always enjoy these kinds of conferences because it gives me a chance to be in a room with 700 other Christians my age. Being in that atmosphere encourages me and makes me feel like I’m part of a family,” Jake Eubanks said. “I also like when there are topics and discussions that I don’t agree with or challenge something about my faith. I feel like I grow more when I’m forced to reason with my faith versus just talking about it. And conferences like GCG are good at bringing that out.”
As the weekend drew to a close, the students from GSW’s Christian Student Center returned home with hearts and minds full. The conference, full of thought-provoking sessions and community-building activities, equipped them with practical approaches to living out their faith in the modern world. Now back in Americus, the students are ready to bring the spirit of GCG back to their campus and into their everyday lives.
