Every fall, the Hardin-Simmons University community gathers for the Cornerstone Lecture Series, a campus tradition designed to reconnect students, faculty, and staff with the University’s founding Christian mission. Through biblical teaching and spiritual reflection, the series challenges attendees to deepen their faith and consider how God is calling them to live and serve.
This year’s Cornerstone Lecture Series welcomed Hannah Lankford, Capitol Hill and Community Group Minister at Waterfront Church DC and author of Equip: How to Share Your Faith. Over three days, from September 15-17, Lankford delivered a series of messages in Cornerstone Chapel that encouraged students to hear God’s voice, respond faithfully to His calling, and boldly represent Christ in their daily lives.
At the beginning of each session, Lankford invited listeners to embrace three expectations: take notes, be present, and listen for what God will teach you. That simple challenge became a unifying theme throughout the week as students engaged with Scripture and reflected on their own faith journeys.
Day One: Ambassadors for Christ
Lankford opened the series in 2 Corinthians 5, focusing on what it means to be an ambassador for Christ. She challenged students to recognize that every believer has been entrusted with representing Jesus to the world.
Drawing from Paul’s teaching, Lankford emphasized that Christians are called to serve as Christ’s representatives wherever they are placed, whether in the classroom, workplace, athletic field, or community. Her message encouraged students to view their daily interactions as opportunities to reflect God’s love and share the message of reconciliation.
Day Two: Hearing God’s Voice
On the second day, Lankford turned to John 10:1-3 to address a question many believers wrestle with: How do I know when God is speaking?
Using the imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, she explained that God’s voice is recognizable to those who spend time developing a relationship with Him. Lankford encouraged students to cultivate habits of prayer, Scripture reading, and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, reminding them that hearing God’s voice begins with knowing His character.
Her message offered practical guidance for students seeking wisdom and direction amid academic, personal, and vocational decisions.
Day Three: Responding to God’s Call
The series concluded with a message from Exodus 3:10-12, examining Moses’ response to God’s calling at the burning bush.
Lankford observed that believers often respond to God’s direction with excuses, doubts, or feelings of inadequacy, much like Moses did. Yet God’s answer to Moses remains the same assurance He offers today: “I will be with you.”
She challenged students to move beyond fear and hesitation, trusting God’s presence and provision as they step into the opportunities and responsibilities He places before them.
A Lasting Impact
Throughout the week, Lankford’s messages formed a clear progression: believers are called to represent Christ, learn to recognize His voice, and faithfully respond when He speaks.
The 2026 Cornerstone Lecture Series provided students with practical encouragement for living out their faith and left the HSU community with a renewed focus on discipleship, obedience, and spiritual growth. As attendees returned to their classrooms, residence halls, and campus activities, Lankford’s challenge remained: be present, listen carefully, and remain open to what God wants to teach you.
