According to some of the latest data released by the Pew Research Center, Millennials are much less likely than their elders to be religious. The study found just 27 percent of Millennials say they attend religious services on a weekly basis, which is much lower than Baby Boomers at 38 percent. Although this new generation seems less religious by some measures of religious observance, they claim to be more spiritual.
Arguably, college students are at the heart of this age group and while some leave their beliefs behind the moment they step on campus, others take the time to find them.
Following are several student-led spiritual groups at surrounding colleges and universities.
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
CRU at Ball State is a movement of people passionate about knowing Jesus and telling His story by getting, giving, and multiplying the Gospel. This group meets every Thursday at 9 p.m. For those who can’t attend meetings, they are welcome to download and listen to them at the group’s website.
Contact: Ballstatecru.com.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites individuals everywhere to come closer to Jesus Christ. In this area, the church has a congregation entirely comprised of young adults ages 18-30 and services are held on Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. They believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in The Holy Ghost. They’ve been nicknamed “Mormons” because they also study from the Book of Mormon, another scriptural testament of Jesus Christ.
Contact: (812) 318-6544.
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Ball State is a student organization for those who hail from all parts of the world. The goal of MSA at Ball State University is to provide a platform to all students of Ball State and residents of Muncie where they can socialize, share their rich culture, help each other, participate in community service projects, and keep connected with Islam and learn more about it.
Contact: Facebook.com/groups/bsumsa.
BUTLER
Hillel at Butler University is affiliated as a Hillel Student Organization with Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, and recognized as a Butler University student organization. Hillel provides social, cultural, educational, community service and religious observance in a Jewish context for Butler students. During the year, there are opportunities for Shabbat dinners, Jewish holiday celebrations, discussion groups, community participation and other activities. Butler Hillel is open to all students and faculty. It does not collect membership dues and everyone may attend any and all events.
Contact: Blogs.butler.edu/hillel.
Radiate is a Non-Denominational Church part of the church planting organization Converge Mid-America. Converge is a network of churches that identify with similar beliefs and work together for support, resourcing, accountability, and the planting of more healthy churches across the country. The group has seven beliefs and among them are: trinity, God the Father, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit. The group meets Sundays at 10:15 a.m. at Broad Ripple High School.
Contact: Radiate.cc.
LCMS-U is a confessional Lutheran student group on the campus of Butler University together with St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, an LCMS-U chapter. Divine Service Sundays is held at 10:15 a.m., Bible study/Sunday school at 8:45 a.m. and campus Bible study on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Contact: (317) 638-7245.
IUPUI
IUPUI Chi Alpha is a Christian community engaging in neighborhood activities with gospel intentions. Among other things, the group believes the Bible is God’s message and seek to understand and obey its truth. They also believe God extends forgiveness through Christ and so they repent and rejoice in forgiveness.
Contact: (317) 853-0138.
CMDA SIG is part of an international organization for Christian health professionals called the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA). The Indianapolis student chapter provides a Christian perspective and fellowship on campus through lunch talks, Bible studies, retreats, social activities, and service projects. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings and activities regardless of beliefs. The mission of CMDA at IUSM-Indy is: help students grow in their faith and find biblical community while in medical school, promote the integration of faith and medicine and send out compassionate caregivers who are living fully for God as students and as physicians.
Pinky Promise is a faith-based organization that seeks to encourage all young women on IUPUI’s campus to pursue a relationship with Jesus, make the promise to honor God with our bodies, and to hold each other accountable by forming lasting friendships.
Contact: pinkypromiseiupui@gmail.com.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
ACF @ IU seeks to provide an environment for students to celebrate, share, and grow in their faith in the context of warm Christian friendship. Their mission is to: Build Christian fellowship chapters on campuses that honor God and nurture the spiritual lives of students, engage students in the mission of the church through relational evangelism and Christ-like student fellowships, and empower local ACF chapters, churches and sponsors through pastoral support, professional training and access to resources.
Contact: acfatiu@gmail.com.
The Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) is a student-led, church-related student group that puts Christ as the center of its focus. They provide students at Indiana University with social, leadership, worship, and local and global missions opportunities in which these students can be accepted for whom they are and challenged to develop their personal walk with God.
Contact: (812) 856-5125.
Global Friends at IU provides services and activities that encourage all internationals at IU to develop friendships, enjoy American culture, and, if interested, grow in understanding of the Christian faith. Students from all countries and religious backgrounds are welcome to participate in any activities that interest them, and all services are offered in an atmosphere of friendship and respect. Global Friends at IU works in cooperation with Bloomington International Student Ministries (BISM), a community initiative that provides services to internationals in Bloomington.
Contact: Iubism.org.
