Pastor Charles Tapp Closes WISE Week with Call to Purpose: “When Your Bush Burns”

Washington Adventist University (WAU) concluded its Week In Spiritual Emphasis (WISE Week) at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church with a message of divine purpose and surrender from Pastor Charles A. Tapp, president of the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Pastor Tapp began the service with laughter and warmth, recalling his early-week tradition of sharing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with students before turning to his closing message, “When Your Bush Burns.” Drawing from Exodus 3, he shared how Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush represents a moment of personal awakening and calling that every believer can experience.

“God has a divinely ordained purpose for your life,” Pastor Tapp said. “Before you existed, your purpose already did.” Referencing Jeremiah 1:5 and Proverbs 18:16, he emphasized that each person has been equipped by God for a unique purpose and that faith requires both courage and obedience. “If God has a purpose for you, He will equip you to carry that purpose,” he said.

He challenged students to overcome fear and excuses, reminding them that “excuses are tools of incompetence used to build bridges to nowhere and monuments of nothingness.” Through personal stories, including his journey of overcoming a childhood stutter and recognizing God’s call to ministry, Pastor Tapp illustrated how divine purpose unfolds through surrender. “When you walk in God’s will,” he said, “you will be the richest person you know.”

As he concluded, Pastor Tapp invited students to come forward in commitment to God’s purpose and many responded. Several students expressed decisions for baptism, while others indicated a desire to begin or continue Bible studies—a visible testament to how the Lord used Pastor Tapp’s ministry throughout the week.

Campus leaders presented Pastor Tapp with a gift of appreciation for his service, expressing gratitude for the spiritual impact of his messages. “Because of your ministry, our students have been revived,” said WAU Chaplain Jiwan Moon, noting that student-athlete Carlos Johnson made the decision to be baptized during the week.

In closing, Pastor Tapp thanked the university for the invitation and reflected on the movement of God throughout WISE Week. “If you trust Him enough to guide your life,” he said, “you will experience the richness of walking in your God-given purpose—and you will impact the lives of others.”

If you sense God calling you to something deeper—to baptism, to Bible study, or to a renewed walk of faith—the invitation remains open. Connect with Washington Adventist University’s Campus Ministries team to begin your spiritual journey. Your purpose was written long before your name was known.

If you’re seeking a Christ-centered education that nurtures calling and character, consider Washington Adventist University. Visit campus, worship with us, meet our faculty and student chaplains, and discover how WAU can help you pursue your God-given purpose—in the classroom, in service, and in life.