By Jordan Givens | For many college students finding a way to balance school, work and social lives is hard enough, but on a Christian campus growing your faith can be the biggest struggle of all.
Even on a Christian campus it can be hard to own your faith and know how to grow in your relationship with Christ.
For senior mathematics major, Kimberly Bogart, coming to HPU was the beginning of her faith journey. Bogart’s first instinct was to join a sorority. “When I started asking questions and pursuing God, I decided to pledge Pi Theta Chi,” says Bogart.
The first step to grow in your faith is to get involved with Christ-centered organizations. HPU has many Christian sororities and fraternities on campus, which connect potential new members with brothers and sisters in Christ.
If Greek life is not your scene, HPU offers many other faith-based organizations.
The Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) is a great way to get involved on campus and build your relationship with Christ. The BSM offers small group bible studies, campus celebration, mission trips and many other ministries to get involved with. Anyone interested in joining the BSM can visit The Hub any day during the week or contact the BSM Director, Keith Platt.
Another organization to join could be the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). HPU sophomore education major and FCA leader, Parker Hughes, says “It’s a great way to get involved with other athletes,” FCA also offers “outreach programs such as fields of faith and weekly bible studies.” FCA meets at 9 p.m. every other Monday night at The Brick.
Another struggle some students have is finding a church to call home. Junior education major, Mary Beth Lane, says “I think for me, my biggest struggle in my faith was moving my membership.”
Often teenagers go to church where their parents choose. Moving off to college, students no longer have someone to help make that decision and to create those community connections.
There are many churches in the area that offer services for college students. Coggin Ave Baptist Church offers a popular student worship service called “Genuine” at 7 p.m. on Sunday nights.
Students are encouraged to visit multiple churches in the area to find where God is leading them to grow in their faith. Many local churches also offer mission opportunities, internships, and other positions in ministry for HPU students.
Sophomore psychology major and chapel band member, Savannah Burrow says, “My one piece of advice [to students] is get to out there! Everyone is willing to help you find the best way for you to grow closer with Christ.”
While it can be scary to step out of your comfort zone anywhere you go, you are sure to run into another brother or sister in Christ here. It’s hard to stay afloat in college, but God is the life raft, and the community will help you paddle along.