Life at OneLife is always full of movement—intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, deepening friendships, and moments that remind us of what truly matters. Recently, our community enjoyed a meaningful blend of rich teaching, heartfelt reminders of our identity in Christ, and a whole lot of joyful energy in the middle of everyday campus life (snowfall included!).
Below is a look into some of the experiences that have continued shaping our students in significant ways.
Encountering the Gospel & Society with Dr. Paul McGuinness
One of the highlights of this season has been the opportunity to learn from Dr. Paul McGuinness, whose teaching on The Gospel & Society invited students into a deeper understanding of how faith intersects with the world around us.
Dr. McGuinness helped us confront an assumption many of us carry—that the responsibility to “bring the gospel” to the world rests entirely on our shoulders. Instead, he reminded us that God is already at work in every corner of the earth. Our calling is not to manufacture God’s movement, but to join Him in the work He is already doing.
He walked us through the ways the Kingdom of God is ushered into society through:
- Proclamation — boldly and lovingly sharing the good news
- Compassion — entering into the needs and hurts of others with Christlike gentleness
- Justice — participating in God’s heart for restoration, equity, and righteousness
Through personal stories, hands-on learning, group activities, and Scripture discussions, students were able to see the Gospel’s impact not just spiritually, but socially and culturally. The classroom was full of engagement, questions, creativity, and real moments of insight. Several small group projects brought Scripture to life—each one exploring how God’s Kingdom breaks into everyday contexts.
We wrapped up our time with Dr. McGuinness by watching a powerful video about the global Church—an encouraging reminder that the body of Christ stretches across languages, nations, and cultures. It was a beautiful picture of belonging, courage, and unity. View here for more encouragement.
A Tangible Reminder of Identity: “You Are Very Special”
Another meaningful moment during this season happened when our community gathered for a combined D-Group. In the middle of the laughter, conversation, and connection, there was a simple but profound reading:R Resident Leader Isaac read aloud You Are Very Special by Max Lucado.
This short, heartfelt story gave us space to pause and remember a truth we often forget:
We are deeply loved by the One who created us.
We are chosen, valued, known, and held.
Our worth is not determined by anything the world tries to stick on us.
It was a sweet and grounding moment—one that resonated with students and staff alike. Sometimes reminders of God’s love don’t need to be complex; they just need to be true.
A Community Growing Together
Whether discussing the intersection of faith and society, sitting quietly with a children’s book that carries deep theological truth, or simply enjoying the beauty of a fresh snowfall, these moments are shaping our community in long-lasting ways.
They remind us of the bigger story we are part of—
one where God is moving,
where His people are called to join Him with joy and courage,
and where every student is invited to discover how their life fits into His Kingdom.
We’re grateful for guest teachers like Dr. McGuinness, for leaders who shepherd with intentionality, and for students who continue to show up with curiosity, humility, and an eagerness to grow.
More updates to come soon—but until then, may these glimpses encourage you just as they have encouraged us.