Created to bring together Pepperdine community members—and expanded to include worshippers from all over Southern California—in praise, the Pepperdine Worship Summit has become a fall tradition. Attendance at this year’s event climbed to a new high, including more than 1,200 students.

Waves Worship—a worship ministry comprising Pepperdine students, staff, and alumni—opened the event by performing original musical arrangements with spirited passion. Their music, reflecting the voices of multigenerational worshipers, aims to embody the songs God is singing over the Pepperdine community and the heartfelt responses from the community in return.

Music ministry United Voice Worship—a group composed of worship pastors and praise leaders from around the country— returned to the event for the third year in a row and inspired attendees with an a cappella worship experience.

Making his first appearance on the Malibu campus, GRAMMY Award–winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin headlined the event and brought the crowd to its feet singing along with the lyrics projected behind him. Tomlin performed a selection of his popular songs, including “How Great Is Our God” and “Holy Forever.”

Author and speaker Sadie Robertson Huff reminded the audience members of their power as Christians and that it is up to each of them to unfailingly serve as a source of light in the world. Huff also expressed her gratitude to Pepperdine for organizing the event and gathering a community devoted to God’s word.