David Grantham of Crossgate Baptist Church preaches and converses about Jesus on top
of crates outside Fayard Hall. 
Courtesy of  David Grantham

Southeastern has had a wide variety of preachers that schedule with the university to come preach to students on campus. David Grantham of Crossgate Baptist Church has been coming to Southeastern since May 2009. Grantham and those of Crossgate Baptist want students to know their sins can be forgiven but only by looking to Christ.

“We want the listeners to know that no matter what has happened to them in this life, they can find eternal life in Jesus Christ,” said Grantham. “All sins, no matter how egregious, can be forgiven. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.”

Grantham believes he can reach more people by open air preaching at places such as Southeastern’s campus. 

“In one afternoon at [Southeastern], we can reach more people with the gospel than most churches do in years,” said Grantham. “Open air preaching may seem a rather radical approach in our postmodern times where all truth is valid truth and the most unforgivable sin is to tell someone they are wrong.” 

Students can see preachers like Grantham usually in front of Fayard Hall. Some students get into heated debates, but Grantham does not wish to fight with students, even if they do disagree with him. 

“I understand there are religious groups who come to [Southeastern] and are highly inflammatory in their methods,” said Grantham. “We reject these as unbiblical and a blight on the name of Christ.  We do realize, to the unsaved person, that the gospel is offensive. But we try not to be offensive in the way we share it. We are not interested in bickering or shouting at anyone. It can get rather sporty sometimes, but we try to proclaim the truth respectfully to the listeners and argue our point much like two lawyers arguing before a judge in court.”

Grantham wants to provide biblical clarity to students, although, most students argue about evolution and that is the topic that he finds students to get the most upset about.

“Most people listen attentively and will ask sincere questions or even strongly disagree with a particular issue,” said Grantham. “This is really a great opportunity to provide biblical clarity or expound on an issue. We really welcome this type of exchange. Typically, those who profess atheism or hardcore Darwinian evolution [are the ones] who become the most upset when we preach. There is no such thing as a true atheist or that Darwinian evolution is unscientific and a fairy tale. It is these and other moral issues that really draw everyone’s attention. In our postmodern world, especially on college campuses, to proclaim that there are moral absolutes to which everyone will be held accountable to God for, is simply not tolerated.”

Grantham reminds us that we must be patient and to try and follow Gods teachings.

“I remind those that are with us, no matter how much you are being cursed or threatened, Jesus told us to expect this,” said Grantham. “As it says in Psalm, ‘A soft answer turns away wrath.’ We always try and follow this teaching. And yes, it does take a lot of patience when several people are screaming vile obscenities at you. Conversely nearly every time we go there are many Christians who sincerely thank us for conducting ourselves in the fashion that we do. This is quite encouraging.”

David Grantham of Crossgate Baptist Church preaches and converses about Jesus on top of crates outside Fayard Hall. 
Courtesy of  David Grantham

David Grantham speaks with other members of his church in front of Fayar Hall.
Courtesy of  David Grantham