Coming to college means a lot of transitions in many things, and finding a church to get connected with can be very nerve-wracking. There are so many different options in the village of Cedarville and the surrounding towns. Especially as a freshman, maybe you don’t have a car and don’t know how you’re going to get to where you need to go. Don’t let your fears get in the way of finding the church for you! To be perfectly honest, it is a little scary to step through the doors of a new church. Maybe you’ve grown up going to the same church your whole life, like me. But it is so worth it when you find that one place where you can love the people and be loved in return.
Where to Start
Because Cedarville students go to so many different churches, it is hard to pinpoint what exactly is best for you. One of the helpful things I did as a freshman was, I went to the Involvement Fair with my roommate, and we met with a bunch of different tables for churches. The people were very friendly and wanted to give us every piece of information they had. I left the fair with my tote bag stuffed with church flyers and snacks. I still didn’t know exactly what church I wanted to visit first, so I did some research into the places I talked to at the fair. I checked their stories and mission statements to try to find somewhere that aligned with my beliefs.
I ended up going to Grace Baptist Church right on Main Street since it was within walking distance, and I knew a few people who went there. Turns out, Grace has been the only church I have ever been to during my college career, save a few times I went to my roommate’s church. I loved the preaching and the worship. I admired the community, and I felt at home. The pastor taught straight from the Bible, which is something I always look for in a church leader.
How to Get Involved
It actually took me a while before I found the courage to try some new things at Grace. I visited the college ministry, but that wasn’t for me. It took me even longer before I tried again. I was going to visit the college ministry again, but I ran into a friend on the way. She invited me to her ABF, Grace’s equivalent to Sunday school. I am so glad she did, because ever since my first time in that class, I have loved it. The teaching was exactly what I needed, the class discussions were fantastic, and I always left, feeling like I had so much more to think about. The teacher didn’t shy away from asking hard questions, and neither did the others in the class. I felt like my knowledge of Scripture was finally being fed.
My ABF has had a few events since I have been involved, including a cookout at the end of September. We all got together at one of the leaders’ houses and had a fun time of eating and fellowship. Nothing beats a good hamburger and firepit. Some of the younger people played nine-square until it was too dark to see, and then we enjoyed sitting around the fire. I never would have been able to enjoy this night if I hadn’t had the courage to accept my friend’s invitation to the ABF and been consistent in returning each week.
A few months later, my class had a Christmas party where we just spent the whole class time fellowshipping and getting to know each other more. One of the most important things about getting connected with a church is finding those people you can get to know and care for. Grace offers smaller life groups throughout the week that consist of only a few people and focus on a variety of topics. Sometimes they will be going through a book of the Bible, or sometimes the group will be made up of people who are all going through similar struggles. I personally am not involved in any, but I do have some friends who are, and I have always heard really good things about them.
Oftentimes, churches offer a mentorship program, where students can find an older person to meet with on a regular basis. Having a mentor can be super helpful when you’re in college, especially one who is older than you, because they’re able to help you in this stage of life, having encountered similar trials. Most often, mentors and their mentees will meet at Beans or Orion for coffee and just sit and chat. I know not every church has a program like this, but if you’re not sure if yours does, just ask! And maybe if you reach out to ask and the church doesn’t, they could be encouraged to start one! Maybe there’s an older person in the church who doesn’t know how to serve anymore and would be more than happy to meet you! It takes a lot of intentionality, but it will be so rewarding.
Find People of Like Minds
I know as a college student, it can be tempting to only go to church when you have friends going, but if there’s a day when everyone is sick or doing homework, and you still want to go to church, do it! There have been many Sundays where I’ve gone to services by myself because I know how important that time is. Going to church is vital for our growth as Christians. Being surrounded by other believers is what refuels us for our upcoming week. I know life gets busy, and it can be scary to go alone. But it forms such a good habit, and it forces you to meet those people sitting around you. So find the people you can go to church with consistently, and if there’s a week they miss, try your hardest to go anyway!
Be Encouraged!
Finding a church when you come to school can be tough, but once you do, get involved! Do whatever you can to pursue relationships and love the people you go with. It’ll all be worth it in the end.
Name: Gabrielle Larrabee
Major and Year of Graduation: English, class of 2027.
Favorite Study Spot: Orion Coffee and Tea window bar table.
Favorite Music Artist: Sidewalk Prophets, Jorge Rivera-Herrans.
Favorite Quote: “It must seem strange to the heavenly people, who have reached the beautiful End, that we ever call prayer “unanswered” when it is not what we expect. Isn’t no an answer?” Amy Carmichael.
What do You Like to do in Your Free Time? Reading, writing, hiking, watching movies, playing board games, spending time with family.
Favorite Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Posted in: Church, College Life, Experience, Global Outreach, Information