Former Vice President Mike Pence recently encouraged college students in Colorado to become “champions for God and His Gospel,” as he kicked off a new speaker series at a Christian university.
His remarks were made during the inaugural session of the President's Speaker Series hosted by Colorado Christian University (CCU) on November 15, where he and his wife, Karen Pence, addressed hundreds of attendees during a luncheon followed by a keynote speech.
In his speech, Pence urged the students to embrace integrity and take the messages they learn into their workplaces and public life. “You are being shown the foundation and being called now to become leaders — men and women of integrity who are taking the message that you hear into the workplace and the world and public life,” he stated.
He further emphasized, “When you make yourself available to God to be a champion for His son, for His Gospel, for the freedom that I believe was His idea for all mankind, He's going to take you places you could never imagine. And you will lead us to a boundless American future, so help you, God.”
CCU President Eric Hogue explained to The Christian Post his motivation for inviting the Pences to speak, saying he believes they embody the essence of Evangelical Christian leadership in today's culture.
He cited Pence's actions on January 6, 2021, as a notable example of historic leadership. Facing pressure from then-President Donald Trump to reject electoral votes from states accused of voter fraud, Pence proceeded with counting the votes even after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Hogue likened Pence's actions to the situation of Abraham Lincoln's victory during the 1860 presidential election, pointing out that one of Lincoln’s opponents, Democrat John C. Breckinridge, certified the vote in favor of Lincoln rather than obstructing it. “Pence repeated history in leadership, and I think he displayed history in current culture,” Hogue emphasized.
Approximately 200 people attended the luncheon, while around 425 students, faculty, and community members were present for Pence's keynote address. During the event, Karen Pence also took the opportunity to encourage CCU to continue offering biblical education and effective communication skills to its students.
“As a teacher who has taught for 30 years in both public and private and Christian settings, I have come to realize that one of the most important things that I can impart to my students is teaching them how to think in today's world,” Karen stated.
She added, “Our students are being bombarded with images and messages constantly trying to influence them, but giving them the tools to discern and inspiring them to love the Lord and to look to the Bible for truth is the very best way to equip them.”
