What comes to your mind when you think of CSF? Pancakes? The world’s biggest water balloon fight? Or maybe even negative stereotypes of Christians? While all of these things are understandable, Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) is so much more than these things. CSF is my favorite part of the University of Kentucky, and it has become home to me in more ways than I can count. In no particular order, here are my reasons why I love CSF:

1. It is a place to grow closer to Jesus

I have personally experienced so much spiritual growth at CSF. There is a solid Christian community there that everyone (non-Christians too) is welcome to join. Synergy, a worship service every Thursday night at eight, is a major reason for this spiritual growth. In addition, I am involved in a small group. This makes it easier to get to know a few people really, really well. It makes a large number of people who sometimes come to CSF events less intimidating.

2. The people are so, so real.

Last school year, CSF had two Synergys on race and race relations and what the Bible had to say about it. There was also one porn and masterbation. These are real things that real people struggle with. They are topics that need to be spoken on. I love that CSF is willing to address things that actually need to be addresses from the stage. At CSF, no one pretends to have it all together when they don’t. We are a generation that hungers and thirsts for “real”, and it can be found at CSF.

3. It is a place to call home.

I have gotten to know so many people from CSF very well. They are my family. I know that I can come there and not have to pretend that everything is okay when it isn’t. I can go there and cry it out and be comforted if I need to. I don’t have to pretend to be anything that I am not. I am loved and accepted at CSF and by Jesus. You are too (whoever you are).

4. The people there are so intentional about everything that they do.

I absolutely love that CSF always preaches grace and truth. CSF is always willing to share a hard Biblical truth, but it is always covered in grace. Lack of truth is unloving. Lack of grace is harsh. CSF balances this very well. The staff is so intentional about the way that they divide up the small groups, the lessons that are taught, and the opportunities they give to students. Nothing is by accident.

5. CSF has hospitality like no other.

I always feel so welcome at CSF! I have made so many new friends there. There is free food all the time in the CSF building, including pancakes every Friday night at midnight. No matter what religion you claim or what you believe, you are welcome at CSF. This is evident in the actions of the CSF staff.

My favorite “hidden gem” of CSF is what is called “3 O’Clock Prayer.” It is from 3-4 Monday through Friday in the CSF Columbia Room. It is an hour where you can read your Bible, pray, and worship. I love it because it is less structured that an event. It is like an hour long “Daddy-Daughter” date between me and God. I get to spend it talking, listening (hopefully), and catching up with God. I love it.

I also happen to be an intern at CSF, so I am unashamedly bias. The point remains. It is an amazing place and an amazing community to join. Whether you are a Christian or not, you can get involved at CSF. Please know that no matter who you are or what you have done, you will be welcomed with open arms at CSF.