Culture and Justice Lecture Series to kick off

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2022) The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences will hold its first event of the year for the Culture and Justice Lecture Series on Sept. 22. 

The lecture will feature L. Kirk Sykes, the founding and lead pastor of CrossWord Christian Fellowship Church in Moreno Valley, California.

He will speak on “The Church and Social Change.” We asked him about his message.

Why is this topic important?

The church was established to be outward focused not inward. Christ laid the foundation and built the church on the premise that the church would not only have spiritual influence, but social influence as well. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Caring for people who don’t look, act or think like you is a fundamental part of the Great Commission that Christ left for the church. Spiritual and social change should happen through the Christian church.

What do you hope the audience gets from the message?

1. You can make a difference in this world.
   Difference makers come in all shapes, sizes, colors and nationalities. God is not a respecter of person, meaning He will use anybody who has a desire to push His agenda forward in this world. Being used by God is not based on your aptitude, but it is based on your attitude. Your attitude must be like Christ who came to serve/help other people.
2. God has given you everything you need to be successful.
   One of the most difficult things in life is becoming comfortable with who God created you to be. You are a complete package, even when you feel incomplete. The only way you find your purpose/reason for being alive, is to step out in faith and try something. Success happens through trial and error.
3. You never fail. You just gain experience!
   God will lead you and direct you when you are not afraid of failure. Never allow a mistake or a setback to stop you from being progressive and positive. You made a mistake, congratulations, now you know what not to do. You gained some experience that will make you and those around wiser and better. Rejoice in that fact.

Culture and Justice Lecture Series

The series invites professionals in the behavioral science and community development related fields to share their experiences with students. They also provide information on current trends, practices and research within their respective professions. Building upon a foundation of over 40 years of behavioral science education in the Inland Empire, CBSS is excited to expand its reach – building bridges between students, community partners and nationally recognized experts. 

6 p.m. Sept. 22, Innovators Auditorium