Now Is the Time: Shane Pruitt Challenges DBU Students to Live Boldly for Christ

Dallas Baptist University recently welcomed back Dr. Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, for a powerful chapel message. As both a DBU alumnus and a proud DBU parent, Pruitt brought a personal touch to his message, connecting deeply with the student body through humor, passion, and a bold challenge to live out their faith with urgency.

Framing his sermon around the theme "Now is the Time," Pruitt drew from Acts 1 and emphasized that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely an annual celebration, but a daily reality that calls believers into action. "The tomb is empty, and the throne is full—Jesus is alive," he declared. "Because Jesus lives, we live. Hope lives. Joy lives."

Throughout his message, Pruitt directly challenged many of the cultural messages students hear today, particularly those centered around self-help and individual truth. "Self-help doesn’t solve spiritual problems. The heart of every problem is a heart problem, and only Jesus can change the heart," he said. He encouraged students to stop following cultural trends like "living your truth" or "believing in yourself," and instead build their lives on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word.

Turning to Acts 1:8, Pruitt reminded students that they are not just preparing for a future role in the Church; they are the Church now. "If you’ve been bought by the blood of Jesus and have the Holy Spirit, you are called to live on mission today. Wherever your feet are, that’s your mission field."

He also urged students to consider the return of Christ not as a confusing prophecy, but as a motivation for mission. "The second coming of Jesus isn’t a code to crack—it’s fuel for evangelism," he explained. "As long as you have breath, you have purpose: to know Jesus and make Him known."

Using humor and relatable examples, Pruitt encouraged students to live boldly and embrace their role as witnesses to the Gospel. "There are no superhero Christians, just a supernatural God who uses ordinary people," he said. "God’s not looking for all-stars; He already has one, His name is Jesus. He’s looking for people who are willing to go all in."

Pruitt’s message concluded with a passionate call to action: to stand up, wake up, and live on mission every day. His words served as both a challenge and an encouragement to the DBU community to take ownership of their faith and step confidently into the purpose God has set before them.

"Now is the time," Pruitt declared one final time. "Not tomorrow. Not someday. Now. Because Jesus is alive—and that changes everything." His visit reminded students of the eternal significance of every moment and inspired them to live boldly for Christ in their classrooms, communities, and beyond.

Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Texas with their five children. He has been in ministry for more than 20 years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Every year, he speaks to more than one hundred thousand people about the good news of Jesus Christ. He is the author of two books, 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better and Calling Out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership. He is also one of the hosts of The GenSend Podcast.