Students Lead a Powerful Week of Worship at PAA

This week at PAA has been our Student Week of Worship, the second of three Weeks of Worship we hold each year, and our students in Campus Ministries have led it with incredible heart and vision. Wanting something a little different this year, students not only organized praise bands and speakers, but also created 22 small groups led by fellow students. Each day, these groups meet to reflect on the message, talk together, and personally apply what they are learning. The result has been a meaningful and powerful experience for our entire school community.

On the first day, Samantha reminded us that belonging comes before belief, before answers, before doubts are resolved, and even before faith feels firm. She shared how Jesus created spaces where people were seen, known, and loved, and encouraged us to continue building that same kind of community where there is no pressure and no pretending, just a place to belong.

The next day, Joshua spoke about transformation, reminding us that it does not start with perfection, but with surrender. He encouraged students to reach out when they are struggling, let go of what they cannot control, and stop holding grudges against themselves. Quoting the apostle Paul, he shared, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12), reminding us that because Jesus has already taken hold of us, we can keep pressing forward.

On the third day, Atticus shared that no two testimonies look the same. God works differently in each of our lives and often meets us in the things we enjoy most. He reminded students that those moments grow when we are intentional about seeking God and recognizing that each person’s story matters.

Today, Gabi challenged us to live our faith in a tangible way. She encouraged students to love like Jesus, use their influence well, value being a follower so they can become strong leaders, and engage in opportunities to share God’s love with others. Quoting Philippians 2:13, “for God is working in you…to do what pleases Him,” she called students to L.I.V.E. now.

At the end of chapel, many students responded by making commitments to take their faith seriously, from spending more time with God to exploring baptism and getting more involved in Campus Ministries and their local churches.

The week will close tonight with Fusion vespers, a fitting ending to a week filled with worship, reflection, and praise. We love that our campus has been saturated with worship all week long, led by students who are encouraging one another to grow in faith.