Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Counseling

What if giving had nothing to do with obligation and everything to do with joy?

In this message at Sandhills Community Church, CIU's own Dr. David Croteau unpacks one of the most freeing truths in Scripture: Christian generosity is not about earning God's love or checking a box. It is a joyful, overflowing response to the grace we have already received.

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8 and Jesus' words in Matthew 6, Dr. Croteau traces a straight line from the gospel to our wallets and invites us to ask a deeper question. Not "how much do I have to give?" but "how can I not?"

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Watch: https://youtu.be/iAZudCPhfGk?si=dOIXqhh2torPHDYd

Dr. Croteau is a professor at Columbia International University's Biblical Seminary. Learn more about CIU's programs at ciu.edu.

From Obligation to Overflow Sermon from May 17th, 2026.No sermon notes this week.

Ministry and counseling often meet in the same place:
Walking with people through real life.

CIU prepares leaders to do both—with wisdom, truth, and compassion.

🎓 Today we celebrate the CIU Class of 2026!

To every graduate crossing the stage today — you came to CIU with questions about your future. You leave with something far more valuable: clarity about your calling.

Whether God is sending you to a counseling office, a church, a classroom, a hospital, or the mission field —

"Here I am. Send me." — Isaiah 6:8

We are so proud of you. And this community will be cheering you on every step of the way.

Congratulations, graduates. 🙌

💬 Graduates and families — drop a comment and tell us where God is sending you next!

Graduation Livestream

Columbia International University Spring 2026 Graduate and Doctoral Commencement Ceremony|| Columbia International University

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

A reminder for:
✔️ Students finishing the semester
✔️ Alumni in ministry
✔️ Counselors carrying heavy stories

You’re not alone.

At CIU, formation matters just as much as information.

It’s not just about what you know—

It’s about who you’re becoming.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” — Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Whether you're leading a church, sitting with a counseling client, or studying late at night—trust is part of the journey.

Every CIU journey looks different.
Pastor. Counselor. Missionary. Student. Professor.

👉 What does your current season look like?

We love seeing how God is working through this community.

“Here I am. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

For some, that calling led to ministry.
For others, to counseling.
For many, both.

How has your calling taken shape over time?

At CIU, faculty don’t just teach content.

They mentor.
They disciple.
They walk with students through calling and formation.

Who is a CIU professor who shaped your journey?