For many college students, moving away from home also brings the challenges of having to find a new church. Having a church to go to can help students connect to their community and build new relationships and a support system for themselves.
The closest church to the SNU campus is Bethany First Church, which is located across the street. BFC is a Nazarene church that offers several opportunities for college students to become involved. Their mission for the church displayed on their site is that they are “passionate about becoming more like Jesus and helping people come to know Him.” They value being with God, with one another, with others, and living generously. They offer a Wednesday late-night service for all college students at 9:00 p.m., Sunday morning community groups at 10:00 a.m., and Sunday services at both 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., led by Pastor Rick Harvey.
Another church located close to the SNU campus is Victory Church. A non-denominational church that also has many opportunities for college students to become involved through the men’s and women’s small groups. Their mission is to “Live. Move. Be.” They also offer three services throughout the week: two on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. led by the OKC Campus Pastor Oscar Ortiz, and one service on Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m.
Life Church is an Evangelical Covenant Church that is located on Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City. Their mission displayed on their website is “to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.” Life Church is unique in that it displays a virtual video sermon from Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel, instead of an in-person pastor standing in front of the congregation giving a sermon. You also should expect a high-energy worship service which is every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m., which is very flexible for a busy college student’s schedule.
Crossings Community Church is a non-denomination church located less than 8 miles from SNU. As a church, they are committed to “Faith. Hope. Love.” They offer a 7:00 p.m. service on Tuesday nights called “The Gathering.” The purpose is for young adults to come to a place where they can feel a sense of belonging, be known, and become like Christ. They also have small groups and Sunday School that meet weekly that you can become involved in. Sunday School meets at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Along with Sunday School, they have three Sunday services at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. led by Senior Pastor Marty Grubbs.
Each of these churches provides ample opportunities for anyone to become involved and find themselves a church home to attend. While there are various options available, each of these churches offers a welcoming and spiritual environment for all college students and wants to provide a place where students can not only build a support system and meaningful relationships but connect with their faith in community with others.
Photo by Kimalee Cook