Freed-Hardeman University’s Workshop Thrives Despite Icy Conditions

Hundreds Brave Icy Weather for FHU Spiritual Growth Workshop

Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) in Henderson, Tennessee, recently hosted a remarkable Spiritual Growth Workshop from February 4 to 6, 2026. The event came after harsh weather conditions prompted the cancellation of the university's annual Bible Lectureship, but this did not deter participants. Approximately 500 individuals attended the workshop, while over 870 more tuned in via livestream, seeking spiritual encouragement and growth despite the challenges presented by the icy conditions.

Dr. Doug Burleson, the director of the FHU Bible Lectureship, opened the workshop by welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude for their presence. He stated, "While having to cancel the FHU Lectureship because of the ice was disappointing, we were reminded of God's rich blessings by those who attended and supported the Spiritual Growth Workshop. We left the workshop encouraged, fulfilled, and ready to take what we learned to better serve our friends and neighbors."

Due to the persistent icy weather, all sessions were held indoors at the Dryden Auditorium, with shuttle services provided to transport guests around the campus, notably to the Jones Family Dining Hall. To enhance the attendees' experience, the FHU Associates offered a mini café featuring their popular FHBrew, which served specialty coffees, teas, and pastries, with proceeds going towards student scholarships.

The workshop was designed as a more concise alternative to the traditional lectureship, allowing nearby community members to learn together. However, the response indicated that many individuals were still willing to travel from further afar to participate in person.

Brenda Hambelton, who drove six hours from Gainesville, Missouri, to attend the workshop, expressed her satisfaction with the alternative arrangement. "We plan for the lectureship every year. So even though that didn't happen, I'm so glad we have this. My experience this week has been teary and wonderful. I've heard so many things to think about and go back home and implement," she shared.

During the event, she particularly enjoyed Kristen Hicks’ women’s session on the topic of "Leaving Behind Broken Cisterns for the Fountain of Living Water." According to her, the shorter schedule provided greater flexibility for choosing which sessions to attend. "I love the lectureship, but it's impossible to hear every speaker that you want to hear. The slower pace of the workshop has been nice and allowed me to attend almost every session that I wanted," Hambelton noted.

Snow and ice did not deter John Savage, an FHU alumnus from Louisville, Kentucky, from making the journey to Henderson for the workshop. As the president of the Academy for Individual Excellence, a pre-K-12 school, he was eager to gather ideas from the session led by Ben Coleman. He remarked, "I work with kids and families, and I've been gathering lessons about the impact of prayer. I plan to share that with others when I return."

The workshop concluded with an inspiring session titled "Discipline Yourself for Godliness: The Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Growth," led by Dr. Matt Cook, highlighting practical ways to grow spiritually. Savage expressed feeling 'full' after the workshop, saying, "I came here to be fed. This workshop reminded me to keep my relationship with God and not carry the baggage we tend to accumulate."

FHU President David R. Shannon expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in organizing and attending the workshop, emphasizing that this was a collaborative effort that helped the community. He declared, "Thank you, God! This has been a good and pleasant time together."

While the cancellation of the lectureship was disappointing, all plans for the 90th Annual Bible Lectureship have been scheduled to take place in 2027, which will mark its official 90th anniversary. Freed-Hardeman University, with its mission to equip students with an education that blends Christian faith with scholarship and service, continues to be a beacon of hope and growth. For more information about FHU and its offerings, visit fhu.edu.