Christian Organizations on College Campuses: Joining Faith-Based Groups Can Foster Friendship and Fellowship
Sometimes you’ve just got to have a little faith. And if you’re worried about feeling like a small fish in a big pond when you go away to college, faith might just be your saving grace. Faith-based groups on college campuses give students a chance to build a strong sense of community and connect with peers who share their religious beliefs.
Judi Robinovitz, a certified educational consultant specializing in educational counselling, says that while being involved with any on-campus group can be rewarding, faith-based organizations can make a student feel especially welcome and supported.
“One of the best ways to enjoy a positive college experience is to find your people – to connect with a group of like-minded peers,” she said. “A group that shares your values and religious beliefs can be a great source of comfort and acceptance, and can help you embrace and strengthen your religious beliefs throughout college.”
Because college campuses are home to a variety of faith-based organizations representing virtually all religions, they’re too numerous and diverse to list in one blog. We’ve touched on other faiths in past blogs, and today we’re highlighting on-campus Christian groups.
On-Campus Christian Organizations
Getting ready to apply to college? Here’s a list of Christian organizations to look into as you create your college list. Not all organizations are available at every college, and many colleges have their own faith-based groups. Each chapter plans its own specific events including bible studies, retreats, movie and game nights, and more. So be sure to explore the available options at each college and find your fit – and your faith!
Asian American Christian Fellowship (AACF)
AACF’s mission is to “reach into the university and collegiate community, primarily to those who are Asian Pacific Americans, with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.” Although the ministry specializes in reaching Asian Americans, the fellowships are open to all students.
The Baptist Collegiate Network/Baptist College Ministries
This group represents a network of Baptist collegiate ministries throughout North America. Its mission is to “lead college students and others in the academic community to faith in Jesus Christ, to develop them as disciples and leaders, and to connect them to the life and mission of the church.”
Campus Crusade For Christ (CRU)
CRU has ministries on 5,300 college campuses nationwide. Their mission: “Helping students come to know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to their families, communities and the world to share God’s love.” Students meet for fellowship, bible studies, planned events and activities, and to talk to the public about their faith.
Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM)
Many colleges have a CCM chapter to help students incorporate Catholic beliefs and values into everyday campus life. Most chapters hold weekly mass services as well as events to promote spiritual enrichment and fellowship.
Chi Alpha
Chi Alpha describes itself as a “network of Christian ministries that look a bit different on every campus.” Its mission is to “reconcile students to Christ, equipping them through spirit-filled communities of prayer, worship, fellowship, discipleship, and mission to transform the university, the marketplace, and the world.”
Christian Union
This ministry focuses on developing “bold Christian leaders at the most strategic and profoundly influential universities in America” including Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard College, Harvard Law, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.
Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO)
CCO’s vision is to ensure that “a generation of college students is transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, in partnership with the local church, reaching the world for the glory of God.” CCO partners with local churches, inviting students to get involved with local congregations with the goal of “transforming college students to transform the world.” Students enjoy events, trips, and fellowship.
Fellowship Of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)
FOCUS describes itself as “a group of people passionate about changing the world and helping you live a life of purpose.” As stated on its website, “Life is about relationships and sharing experiences. So you’ll often find us playing sports, watching movies or going for coffee. Find out how you can get involved with bible studies, FOCUS Greek and varsity Catholic, and get plugged in.”
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
FCA seeks “to make disciples through our strategy of engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ and to lead others to do the same.” Activities and opportunities include small group bible studies for athletes and coaches, ministry camps, and FCA-sponsored international ministry trips.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
InterVarsity’s goal is to “establish and advance at colleges and universities witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus…” The organization ministers in a variety of ways, including “planting chapters that reach every corner of campus, sending students to global missions fields, serving the larger Christian church through our retreat and training centers, and producing award-winning books and video resources.”
The Navigators
The Navigators has a trademarked mission: “To know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same®.” They offer encouragement, support, and discipleship to more than 40,000 college students every year.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)
OCF helps college students stay connected to their orthodox Christian faith with a mission to “transform the lives of college students by guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through his church” and by “cultivating a campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship, and education.”
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)
RUF pastors work with students and campus staff to build vibrant student-led ministries at colleges around the world. The organization describes itself as a campus Christian ministry that “welcomes students from any and all walks of life. Whether you are a first-year freshman or a last-semester senior, we would love for you to join us at any of our weekly events. Our desire is to be a place where you can find community, grow in your faith, and learn more about what it means to be a follower of Christ.”
Student Mobilization (STUMO)
STUMO is an interdenominational ministry with a mission to “build spiritual leaders for Christ from the college campuses of the world” and to “engage, establish, and equip students to be spiritual leaders for the rest of their lives.”
Young Life
Although Young Life is primarily known for its ministry for middle school and high school students, the organization also visits and holds events on many college campuses to “go to kids, build bridges of authentic friendship, and introduce them to Jesus Christ.”
Other Ways To Get Involved With Faith-Based Activities
If your dream college doesn’t have a Christian organization that meets your needs, explore local churches to find a good fit and consider the possibility of starting your own group.
Many college campuses have a ministry office or multi-faith cooperative where students can go to integrate faith into their college lives and learn more about on-campus religious groups and activities. For example, the University of Notre Dame campus ministry’s mission is to “care for the spiritual needs of all students, regardless of denomination or faith tradition” and to provide opportunities for students to get involved with faith-sharing groups and activities. Most campuses also have their own college-specific faith-based groups, so be sure to look into the offerings at each college you’re considering.
23-year-old Noah Pollard joined a school-specific Christian group when he attended The University of Wisconsin-Madison and said he enjoyed contemporary worship, practical messages, and getting to know people on campus. He even played drums for the organization’s band. In addition to meeting people within the group, he also connected with his community and made friends outside the church.
“Being part of a ministry made me think more about trying to understand how people outside of the church felt about religion, the purpose of living, and other big questions,” he said.
Robinovitz says that joining a faith-based campus organization is not only a great way to make friends and better understand yourself and others, it can also make you feel at home.
“If you’re living away from home for the first time, a faith-based organization can create an instant sense of family,” she said. “Activities like weekly bible studies, secular activities, and fellowship can be a great way to connect, engage, keep your faith alive, and find your college home.”
Need help to choose a college that best fits your academic, spiritual, and social needs? Contact JRA Educational Consulting. We’ve been helping students apply to (and get accepted into) their best-fit colleges since 1980 – and we can help you.
