Students Declare Their Faith at Brock House Baptisms

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Hub for Spiritual Life hosted a special celebration of the Well at Brock House, where students publicly declared their commitment to Jesus through baptism. Featuring worship led by Pepperdine’s WAVES WORSHIP team, the University community came together for an evening of fellowship, heartfelt praise, and student testimonials reflecting on their personal journeys of faith.

WAVES WORSHIP

Welcomed with a complimentary Chick-fil-A meal and inspired by powerful worship music, hundreds of students, faculty, and staff gathered at Brock House to observe moments of profound spiritual commitment. Tim Spivey,  (’97, MS ’00, MDiv ’00), vice president for spiritual life, relates that the baptisms serve as both a celebration of God’s transformative work in the lives of Pepperdine community members and an invitation to connect and fully embrace His presence.

“Whatever you brought with you tonight—joy, gratitude, burdens, or worries—bring it before God,” Spivey said. “Pray, listen, and connect with Him. That’s what tonight is about.”

Following Spivey’s remarks, Rudy Hagood, director of student ministries, reflected on the deep symbolism of baptism. Drawing a parallel to John’s baptism of Jesus, Hagood reminded attendees that the Pepperdine community also has the privilege of witnessing others follow in Jesus’ footsteps. He likened the act of baptism to marriage—where the ring signifies both a completion and the beginning of a new chapter in life.

Rudy Hagood

“Baptism is a public declaration that we are followers of Christ,” said Hagood. “If you already love Jesus but haven’t yet taken that step—he may be calling you to ‘put a ring on it,’ to declare publicly, ‘I’m yours, God.’”

The evening also included powerful testimonials from two Seaver College students who recently chose to be baptized, sharing the personal journeys that led to their decision. Madison Johnson, who was baptized just days earlier alongside her mother and sister, described how her choice stemmed from a desire to find her worth not in achievements, but in Christ. She shared that instead of chasing validation, she is now pursuing a life devoted to him—one filled with light, freedom, and purpose.

Madison Johnson and Shalom Montgomery

“In college, with its endless opportunities and pressures, it’s easy to chase what the world promises—achievement, status, money,” reflected Johnson. “But Jesus offers something different. In Matthew 11:28–30, he says, ‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’”

Having chosen to be baptized the previous year at Brock House, Shalom Montgomery, related that it was through her experiences and connections at Pepperdine that she began to seek Christ more deeply. Amid the difficulty of her parents’ divorce, Montgomery described her outlook at the time as “angry, bitter, and broken.” She credits God for surrounding her with people who helped her heal and discover the power of forgiveness.

“God placed people in my life—youth leaders, friends, mentors—who carried me to Jesus, just like in Mark 2 when friends brought a man to Christ for healing,” she said. “When I came to Pepperdine, God continued that intentional work. Through forgiveness and community, my heart softened. I learned that forgiveness is essential to walking with Jesus.”

Grace DeAmicis and Holly Reed

The night culminated in powerful moments of piety, as five students—Joshua Rogers, Hugo Kim, Elli Agobe, Urielle Rubayita, and Grace DeAmicis—publicly declared their faith and began their new spiritual journeys. Each expressed profound joy and gratitude, surrounded by a cheering community celebrating their commitment to Christ.

When asked why he chose to be baptized, Kim shared, “I wanted to make the choice myself—that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.”

Similarly, Agobe, who was baptized alongside her roommate, Rubayita, reflected on her own renewal of faith. “I’m so excited to be made new,” she said.

Following the baptisms, Spivey led the crowd in a closing prayer, expressing gratitude for the community gathered and for the glory of God revealed throughout the evening's events. He asked for encouragement as those baptized continue in their faith journeys and explore their greater purpose through his guidance.

“Father, thank you for this amazing setting and for these young people who have laid down their lives for you as living sacrifices,” he prayed. “We celebrate all you’re doing—on this campus, in our churches, and around the world. Let your glory continue through all generations.”

For more information on Pepperdine’s Hub for Spiritual Life and future worship gatherings, visit the Hub for Spiritual Life website.