Every Nation Campus, a Christian organization at Vanderbilt, hosted the “Come As You Are” worship event on Alumni Lawn on Oct. 20. Senior James Chen shared that the event was organized in collaboration with several Christian campus groups and local churches, emphasizing that it was a collective effort with many people equally involved in the planning process. The event featured testimonies from student-athletes, including Eli Stowers (football), Tyler Tanner (basketball) and Hannah McLaughlin (soccer), each sharing how their faith shaped their personal and athletic journeys.
Senior Starsky Murrell, president of ENC, said that the gathering sought to create a welcoming space for students to connect through faith, fellowship and shared experience, regardless of their background or beliefs. Centered on the verse in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” the event invited students to find rest and community in a shared spirit of openness and worship.
Murrell shared that the inspiration behind “Come As You Are” came from a deep love for Vanderbilt Athletics and a desire to bridge the gap between the academic and athletic sides of campus life.
“It started with just a few students who believed a difference could be made — a small idea rooted in faith and community that grew into something much bigger,” Murrell said.
Stowers, a second-year graduate student on the football team, reflected on his faith after facing a life-changing injury.
“I put my worth in my sport and my performance. Putting your worth in something that can be taken away is very dangerous,” Stowers said. “After getting injured, I realized that anything on Earth can be taken from you, but the one thing we can cling to is Jesus. That doesn’t mean everything will be perfect, but when I look back at that injury, I’m really thankful for God.”
Tanner, a sophomore on the basketball team, spoke about learning to use his platform intentionally.
“When God is in us, He shines through us,” Tanner said. “You have no idea what one single encounter can do to somebody. After learning about faith through my coach, I’ve been more intentional about how I can use my platform.”
McLaughlin, a senior soccer player, shared how her relationship with God helped her find strength in difficult seasons.
“He brings so much glory in hard situations,” McLaughlin said. “I learned that joy and sorrow can coexist, and that’s a testament to Jesus. There is nothing in this life that will satisfy your heart like he will.”
Brady Blivin, a junior and member of the “Come As You Are” organization team, shared the broader mission of the event.
“Whether you have a relationship with Jesus or you don’t, we want you to come, worship and be in community with Vanderbilt students, athletes, church organizations and the wider Nashville faith community,” Blivin said. “The vision is to bring everyone together in one space to worship Jesus and further his kingdom.”
Rebecca Young, a visitor touring campus with her mother, said she was drawn in by the energy of the event.
“I’m not religious, but my mom is,” Young said. “I like the energy and environment here.”
Murrell said the event’s message and name capture its heart.
“While the event is rooted in Christian values of love, acceptance and belonging, it’s meant for anyone seeking encouragement,” Murrell said. “Our hope is that students leave feeling reminded that the Vanderbilt spirit is strongest when we come together — as we are.”
There will be similar event in the spring, with updates posted on their Instagram page @come.as.you.are.vu.
