Choosing a Christian Fellowship at College
Finding a Group of Believers on Campus with Whom to Worship
Aug 11, 2008 Sallie Schaaf Borrink
Depending on the size of the college or university, there may be anywhere from two or three organizations to dozens of Christian ministry opportunities. When selecting a group, it is important to consider what is to be gained by affiliating with each of the different organizations. Considering the following five key points will make the decision making process a little easier.
Theology and Sponsorship
The first, and probably most important, consideration is the theology and sponsorship of the organization. Determine if the organization’s core beliefs are compatible with your own. If it is a national organization, look it up online and research its beliefs. If it is a local organization, such as a campus group sponsored by a local church, call the church and ask to see a copy of its doctrinal statement.
While your own theology and that of the group do not have to match word for word, it is important to belong to a group where you feel comfortable with what is taught. This is also an important consideration in terms of the social opportunities that may present themselves, as students often find a spouse among the fellowship members. Being on the same page theologically is an important part of a relationship.
Group Leadership
Another important consideration is the leadership of the group. Some fellowships are primarily staff-led by paid professionals and others are student-led. This is a key difference that is often overlooked. A student who would like the opportunity to develop leadership skills might find a staff-led organization less enjoyable than one where students do most of the planning and leading with only advisement by campus staff. A student who just wants to show up and participate might prefer being in a fellowship where leadership expectations are not present.
Vision and Mission
The vision and mission of the group will determine what happens each week. Some groups exist solely to provide fellowship for Christians. Others not only provide fellowship, but are strongly devoted to evangelism and sharing the Gospel on campus. Ministry opportunities will vary sometimes greatly between groups depending on the different visions and missions.
The types of activities offered will also vary according to the vision and mission, so consider what kinds of activities are most important when choosing a fellowship. Bible study with other believers? Bible study with non-Christians? Retreats and conferences? Weekly worship meetings? Singing? Prayer groups? Evangelism opportunities? Consider the top priorities of the group and match them against your own hopes and wishes.
Social Opportunities
Social opportunities can be a significant part of enjoying a campus fellowship. Included in this is the opportunity to meet members of the opposite sex and finding a future spouse. When visiting the group, look around and see if this could be a place where you would find friends and a deeper friendship that could lead to marriage. Groups can vary widely in the kinds of people they attract and if this is important to you, take it into consideration. If you can’t get a clear reading on the group, ask around and determine its reputation on campus.
Unhealthy Groups to Avoid
Lastly, be on the lookout for unhealthy groups and avoid them at all costs. Unfortunately not all campus groups that call themselves Christian are positive groups to which to belong. If something seems amiss, take a long look at the group. Ask around about their reputation on campus. If they are affiliated with a national group, look up information about them online. Be wary of groups that are heavy-handed with their members and require extraordinary amounts of time commitments or are excessively involved in their members’ personal lives. This can take many forms, such as dictating dating guidelines or requiring attendance at events. No matter how great a group may seem, groups that seek to control their members are always a big mistake.
Joining a Christian campus fellowship is a great way to meet other believers, develop life-long friendships, and grow in faith. By following these tips, the process of selecting a group should be a little easier!
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