Christ Armenian Church meets every Sunday at 2PM. Check the CAC Calendar of Events for more times and workshops.
College Students & Church
Not only do you need the church, the church needs you. As a college student, you can offer a different perspective from that of a family of four. Your gifts and talents may find a good niche at CAC. But how do you know if a church is the right fit for you? Here are some guidelines:
Find a church that preaches and practices the Bible.
The Bible is the foundation of Christianity. Like the early church in Jerusalem, we must devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching and that of the rest of the Bible (Acts 2:42). Normally you will find one or more churches nearby which uphold the importance of personal commitment to the God of the Bible. These churches may or may not belong to a denomination you’re familiar with. Remember that individual churches within the same denomination may vary tremendously in character and theology.
Look for an open and warm congregation.
Nothing can detract from a worship service more than the feeling that those around you don’t care how you’re doing spiritually or whether or not you’re there. While openness and warmth may find different expression in different people, genuine Christian love is unmistakable. You can return the favor as well; break out of the group of students that attend to make contact with the other members of the church. Sometimes the easiest way is through the children, who are generally delighted when an adult takes an interest in them.
Meet with a pastor.
You can learn a great deal about the pastor and the church in a half-hour meeting. A large church may have an associate pastor assigned to work with college students; otherwise, contact the senior pastor. A few possible questions to ask:
- What does the church believe?
- What are its goals and priorities?
- How can I participate?
- If it’s beyond walking distance, can members offer rides?
Beware of churches whose membership is predominantly students.
Such churches by nature lack the diversity which is part of the strength of the body of Christ. And, due to the high turnover rate of collegians, they’re often unstable. You can also end up feeling like you’re repeating an on-campus experience, especially if the majority of students in your chapter attend the same church. By spreading out, several local churches can become aware of your campus ministry and get involved with you.
Make a commitment.
You’ll probably visit several churches, but once you’ve decided on one, commit yourself there. Beware of constantly rotating your attendance among different churches. You might hear a great series of sermons, but the Christian community will never get to know you personally.
Look for chances to participate.
Since your energies are probably directed toward campus, you likely want opportunities that don’t require a major commitment of time. However, all churches need the assistance of those attending. You can join the choir, be a church pianist, teach Sunday School, help out in the nursery, etc. All of these activities can be a real help to the church, and can help you feel more fully a part of the body. If you stay in town over the summer, these occasions may increase — and with the probable shortage of on-campus activities, your eagerness to participate will likely increase as well.
A Home Away from Home
You can gain much from a church–and it can gain much from you. Whether you expect to be at your school for one year or four, you can grow a lot within that church, and you’ll be better equipped to find and join a church after graduation. And remember that your choice will be an example to others, both the way you make the decision and the final result. As a leader, it’s vital to show others that you consider church important. No church will be perfect: It may be smaller or larger than you prefer, you may disagree on minor doctrinal points, or the preaching may not inspire on days. Yet the miracle of the church is that together, children, students and older adults form Christ’s visible presence on earth, each with a unique gift that enriches all the others. Don’t miss out!
