Vanderbilt University
Come As
You Are
A campus-wide gathering where every student is welcome.
Find rest, purpose, community, and hope.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."— Matthew 11:28
April 6, 2026 — Alumni Lawn
The Moments
Worship, stories, and a lawn full of students who came exactly as they were.
The Invitation
You Belong
Here
College can be exciting, overwhelming, lonely, inspiring, and exhausting—all at the same time. Come As You Are is a space where students can step away from the noise, hear powerful stories, explore questions of faith, and experience authentic community.
You don't need to have everything together. You don't need all the answers. Just come as you are.
What You'll Find
Four Truths We're Exploring
Rest
Find peace in a world that never stops.
Purpose
Discover that your life was created with meaning.
Identity
You are more than your achievements, failures, or labels.
Belonging
Experience authentic community and radical acceptance.
The Evening
Event Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 · Alumni Lawn
5:30 PM — 7:30 PM
Doors Open
Doors open and guests arrive. Walk in, grab a Bible, and find your spot on the lawn.
Coordinators Welcome
Event coordinators open the evening and share the heart behind CAYA.
Worship Begins
Authentic, powerful worship. Come as you are—standing, sitting, or just listening.
First Speaker
A student shares how faith met them in the real moments of life.
Second Speaker
Another student story from the CAYA community.
Third Speaker
One more testimony before the message.
Pastor Speaks
The guest pastor brings the message of the night.
Closing Worship & Prayer
Prayer teams available across the lawn. A moment to respond, reflect, or simply rest.
Event Concludes
Coordinators close the evening. Stick around to connect with others and meet the team.
The CAYA Experience
3 Stamps = Free Shirt
Collect stamps at each station throughout the evening
Free Chick-Fil-A
Grab a meal in the back after the event wraps up
Free Bibles
Pick one up at the entrance when doors open at 5:30
Entry: Funnel through one gate with two scanners. Greeters will be there the whole time. Look for Starsky at the entrance.
QR code for feedback available at the end of the event.
Past Speakers
Stories That Moved Us
"Come to me, all who are weary & burdened, & I will give you rest."Matthew 11:28
"You don't have to become someone else before coming to God. He invites you to come exactly as you are."
Last August
Relive The Night
A look back at what God did when thousands of students came together on the lawn—worship, stories, and community under the open sky.
Your Voice Matters
Share Your Feedback
Help us make CAYA even better. We'd love to hear what resonated, what could improve, and anything else on your mind.