Campus Christian Clubs, Worship Groups Experiencing a Resurgence

Every Monday night this fall semester, a smaller group of University of Findlay students had met at the campus Christian Ministries House to study the Bible’s Book of John. More specifically, they’re interested in Jesus’ various nicknames and aliases included in that part of the scripture, such as “True Vine” and “Bread of Life.”
But “Immerse,” as the group has coined itself, is merely one of many Christian-based clubs at UF which, according to the numbers, are experiencing an uptick in interest and membership, according to Matthew Ginter, associate director of Campus Ministry, which helps connect and create volunteer opportunities for Christ-centered student worship, ministry, service and study. Resulting are plenty of opportunities for involvement, including chances to assume leadership roles.
“I’d say things have incrementally grown over the past few years. It’s pretty wide-reaching,” said Ginter regarding the variety of Christian groups and their membership. When he arrived on campus in fall 2010, he said there were no more than three groups like Immerse that were active. “Over the past three years it’s gone from 12 to 18 groups” that involve approximately 150 students total, he estimated.
The increasing interest in Christian worship and learning on campus has historical precedent. The University of Findlay was founded in 1882 by Christian leaders. Initially named Findlay College by the Churches of Christ, General Counsel (which was then Churches of God in North America), the college’s walls began rising the next year. Following a few setbacks, Old Main, built with brick and lumber made and grown within the region, finally opened in 1886. The founders, drawing upon their service-oriented persuasions that were based on their religious convictions, established the institution as a teaching school.
Over the years, UF has embraced secular learning, but its roots remain spiritual. Churches of God representatives still sit on its board of trustees, and College First Church of God at 1100 N. Main Street, just north of Old Main, continues to take part in, and sometimes host, many campus activities, particularly those that involve Christian Ministries.

Larger worship groups, such as “Revive” and the Catholic Newman Club, the latter of which periodically hosts Mass on campus, are enjoying popularity, but any student is encouraged to form and lead his or her own worship or study group, Ginter said. He screens those interested for suitability; academics should take priority, and his goal is to make sure that no one becomes too overburdened with religious-based extracurricular activities. “I hate to see them get burned out trying to do something. This should be uplifting and encouraging. It shouldn’t be draining and exhausting,” he said.
Ginter also offers guidance, study materials, leadership advice and help with finding others who might be interested in joining a potential group. He noted that some groups are subject to organizational rules dictated by UF’s Student Government Association.
At the beginning and end of each semester, Ginter gathers all group leaders together to share goals and experiences.
Ginter and others involved with Christian Ministries have also been organizing monthly fellowship opportunities for international students at the Buford Center for Diversity and Service. Rather than being a recruiting or proselytizing venture, Ginter said the cross-cultural effort is simply meant to increase understanding about Christianity among those from different countries and of different faiths. “I try to think of it from the mindset of, if I was in a foreign country and wanted to learn about Buddhism, how would I like that to happen,” he explained.
For more information on UF’s many Christian groups on campus, contact the Campus Ministry office at (419) 434-4605, or at campusministry@findlay.edu.

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