Unity Amidst Diversity

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21

John 17 is quite clear in the message that Christians should be fully connected and engaged with God and each other. Understanding this spiritually is one thing, implementing the concept practically is another. Indeed, the challenge comes in living this mandate out daily. To those with only slight awareness of Regent, the University and the Regent community would seem to be a bastion of likeminded individuals – all marching lockstep in Christian harmony. However, anyone with more in-depth knowledge of the University recognizes that while most community members are Christians, great diversity is prevalent.

With over 5,000 Regent students, faculty, and staff represented we are an amazingly diverse group. Students reported participation in over 70 different Protestant denominations at last count. We are diverse ethnically as well. Last year over 34% of students indicated that they were non-white. Moreover, international students from approximately 60 countries are enrolled. While the average student age is in the early 30’s range, a wide-span of ages are represented at Regent, with students as young as 17, some in their 60’s, and every age in between. Regent community members are diverse according to any measure. The challenge comes in understanding how to be spiritually connected as a diverse yet unified family.

Even with our many differences, the Regent community is united in the mission to serve Jesus Christ. This powerful first priority gives us the possibility of practical unity. Events like Hispanic Heritage month demonstrate hope that our differences can unite rather than divide. University “family” gatherings such as the SIFE Can Hunger effort express faith in our ability through Christ to make a difference. It is so easy to be distracted and disengaged by our differences, be they big or small. Unity can be present even in the midst of diversity and demonstrates God’s presence and daily working in our lives. May we continue to show Christ in our lives daily in support of John 17:20-21! Submitted by Dr. Jeff Pittman, Vice-President of Student Services