Liberty University Announces Jonathan Falwell as New Campus Pastor
Liberty University has announced the appointment of Jonathan Falwell, brother of embattled Jerry Falwell Jr., as campus pastor after current pastor David Nasser announced he will be resigning at the end of the semester.
Of this, one of the most difficult decisions he’s had to make, Nasser and his wife, Jennifer, told students in a video announcement.
Jennifer & I have an announcement in regard to my time on staff at LU coming to an end.https://t.co/E9CfQQ8ZK4
— David Nasser (@davidnasser) April 7, 2021
“We do feel affirmed that God is asking for our obedience right now,” Nasser said. “As your campus pastor, I can’t ask you week after week to be obedient and to go wherever He leads and then not model that very same thing in our own lives.”
Liberty University President Jerry Prevo confirmed the decision in a press release, saying Nasser “has done an amazing job with helping our students to develop a closer walk with the Lord.”
After his 7 years of service as campus pastor, the Nassers reflect on the journey the Lord called them to, and look with expectant faith to the next adventure. Nasser also encouraged students to remember the mission they are called to:
It’s “crucial to remember that the pivotal ministry that happens here on campus has never been through me or any particular person on staff,” he says. “The strategy has always been the equipping of the students to minister to other students. No one can disciple a college student better than another college student.”
“I cannot tell you how proud and how grateful we both feel towards you. You students inspire us daily with your compassion, your wisdom and your hunger for God,” he continued.
He also said his next ministry appointment is in Nashville, Tennessee, working for a nonprofit that will be a “voice for some of the most vulnerable and hurting people in the world.”
Finally, Nasser expressed his deepest prayer in this time of transition. “That in the years to come, the God of unity and love who commands us in Micah 6 to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with one another was honored through this departure.”
Falwell shared his excitement to continue Nasser’s good work with the students in a tweet.
We must work together to accomplish it. I will continue to pastor @trbc as I serve with Dr. Prevo (@jerryprevoLU) and an amazing team in LU’s Office of Spiritual Development to further God’s vision for Liberty University.
— Jonathan Falwell (@jonathanfalwell) April 8, 2021
Falwell plans to continue pastoring Thomas Road Baptist Church while he takes up this new assignment.
Support, well-wishes and thanks flooded in from current and past students who interacted with Nasser.
Was blessed to have you as campus pastor from my freshman to senior yr. Thank you for all you’ve done at Liberty and God bless you & your family on this next step!
— Brooke Joy (@brooke_joy2) April 8, 2021
thank you for being such a faithful pastor during my time at LU. praying for you in your transition! https://t.co/iZtm7ef23e
— Ashton Otey (@AshtonOtey) April 8, 2021
Thank you @davidnasser for everything you did for Liberty! Praying for you and your family as you move to Tennessee. LU will miss you! pic.twitter.com/0rMTT6gTXs
— Courtney Murden (@courtneymurden1) April 8, 2021
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