The first Engage: Live on Purpose Conference will be held on the Andrews University campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States, from March 9-13, 2022. The conference is sponsored by the Andrews University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA), the iCanvass Club, the Center for Faith Engagement, and the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The conference is the first of what organizers hope will become an annual event.

The event aims to equip students and young professionals to be EPIC World Changers by living mission-based lives. “[An EPIC World Changer] is someone who demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact on the world by serving their communities and adding value to people in the areas of enterprise, professionalism, intimacy, and community,” Brandon Williams, AUGSA president, said.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Director Matias Soto concurred. “The purpose of this conference is to inspire and empower students to live a life of intentional purpose and mission,” he said. “We see in every student an entrepreneur who can take action for the kingdom of God. Whatever the mission field, stepping out in faith requires innovation and entrepreneurship, and this conference wants to inspire students to do so.”

The conference will also feature interactive events. The Mission Exhibit will be held on March 12 at the Howard Performing Arts Center. “The purpose of the Mission Exhibit is to get more students to become involved in some type of purpose-driven ministry while they’re at Andrews University and as they become young professionals,” Soto explained.

Conversation Corners 1 and 2 will also take place at the Howard Performing Arts Center on March 12. Experienced ministry leaders will lead out at each corner. Conversation Corner 1 will focus on the topics of mission work and mental health, spiritual gifts and your purpose, and literature evangelism. This discussion will be led by the Career Center and will feature David Sedlacek and Alex Jimenez. Conversation Corner 2, led by Adventist Frontier Missions, Pierre Monice, and Ryan Hayes, will focus on missional entrepreneurship, finding purpose in your career, and science and faith.

Finally, teams for Canvassing & GLOW tract distribution, led by the iCanvass Club, will meet March 13 to go out into the community. “Canvassing will allow participants to experience literature evangelism with a group of dynamic Andrews University students and the assistance of experienced literature evangelists,” Soto said.

“I hope that as a result of these events, young professionals will take on the challenge of being EPIC World Changers in their communities, neighborhoods, and fields of study,” Williams said. “I want to see a new generation of purpose-minded people who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities, homes, and places of employment. The mission is not for someone — it’s for everyone! The mission field isn’t somewhere — it’s everywhere! And the opportunity is for anyone who is willing to take it up.”

The original version of this release was posted by Andrews University.