Nov 18, 2015 By Anthony Conn 3 min read

While Waynesburg University may not boast an extremely diverse student body, its students do have their differences. 

We get along and agree on many surface-level topics of discussion, but when it comes to religion, some of us would rather take a step back and return to small talk. 

Although Waynesburg is a Christian university, it is easy to see that the beliefs of its students vary. Of course, it is not written anywhere that only Christians may attend this school. 

I think the challenging of beliefs has the potential to lead to spiritual growth.

What is often overlooked, however, is the diversity of the Christian community on campus. For the once-a-week Christian, Chapel may serve as the primary source of spiritual growth. 

While Chapel has much to offer, some students may not realize that there are several other ways to strengthen your faith on campus during the other six days of the week.

For students looking for a more casual approach to worship, Upper Room serves as a unique way to grow with other Christians or to personally develop your faith. From 8-9 p.m. on Sundays, Upper Room offers student-led worship and features a student testimony-sharing time that gives everyone a look into someone’s personal life, struggles and faith. 

Singing and praying in public does not appeal to everyone, however. Waynesburg’s Christian Ministry Assistants lead weekly Bible studies in the dorms to appeal to these students. 

At an even more “underground” level, small groups meet throughout the week, praying and worshiping in several locations on campus. A casual time for prayer is held every night in the Prayer Chapel in the Stover Center at 10 p.m. 

A group called “Ekklesia” meets every Saturday night for prayer, music and community.

There are also multiple retreats and conferences available to students. For the second consecutive year, Waynesburg students will be leading “Kairos,” a weekend retreat in West Virginia intended to create a personal experience with God by establishing an open and honest atmosphere. 

Waynesburg also takes a group of students and faculty to “Jubilee” in Pittsburgh every February. This year it will be held Feb. 19-21. 

Mission trips are another great way to exercise your faith, as they present the opportunity to positively impact others around the world. Many students go on these trips with the intention of serving, but often have a life-changing experience themselves, rooting them deeper in their faith than before.

While all of these activities are beneficial to spiritual growth and highly encouraged, participation in them does not determine one’s level of faith.

Christianity is about a personal relationship with God, not how many Chapel services or conferences you attend. It begins and ends with your heart and openness to Christ and His love.  In no way should anyone feel inferior because of lack of involvement in Waynesburg’s Christian community.

They serve as a way to build community among Christians and should always be open for new members, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof. 

All those involved in these faith-related activities can do is extend the invitation.