This is my second year at Texas State, and I absolutely love the atmosphere, the people and the opportunities. For some reason, there seems to be a bad reputation for a while of how much Texas State is highly a party scene. I've heard plenty of party planning and advertising throughout my years here, but I'd love for people to start realizing that this university is more than that. Yes, we do have a reputation of being a party school. In fact, it has been on the list of top ten party schools in Texas and still is. Yes, many students engage in that atmosphere while they are here. But, there is so much more that people should know about Texas State University.
Of my time here, I have never felt so at home, even though my home is thirty minutes away. I can tell you of at least eight times where I have been sitting outside on a beautiful day studying, and no matter what kind of day I was having, it got better because of a kind soul that came up to me and asked if I was involved in any kind of bible study. Even though I was already happily in a bible study group and didn't join them, I felt so cared for and loved, just by a small, thoughtful action! The fact that people here are not only engaged in bible studies on top of the many hours spent studying for their classes but also are willing to step out of their own groups and invite more people to grow in their faith is breathtaking. Aren't college students thought to only care about themselves? Let's break these stereotypes.
Texas State University offers so many wonderful and meaningful groups to be a part of. Here are just a few to try!
1. Sigma Phi Lambda
Sigma Phi Lambda is a Christian sorority that teaches college girls what community looks and feels like. We do service events around San Marcos to give back to our community. We also engage in reading the gospel every chapter meeting and learning about our faith. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow with fellow Christian women who are on the same journey as you without the shame of "rushing" and not being able to join. Any girl can join, we welcome them with open arms!
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement, give you a spirit of unity among yourselves, as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth, we may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6
Want more information? Visit txstatephilamb.com
2. Crosstalk
Every Wednesday at 8 pm in Centennial Hall, the room is unmistakably and undeniably filled with God's presence. This opportunity to grow in your faith, meet amazing people and get plugged into a bible study is amazing. Crosstalk provides a safe environment to come and worship and dig into the word as we grow in our faith together. Crosstalk is also apart of a local church in San Marcos, Texas called Cypress Creek Church. They care about us students and we get to worship together right in the middle of campus!
Wednesday nights, 8 p.m., Centennial Hall
Cypress Creek Church: Sunday mornings, 10:30AM, @ The Marc
3. Young Life
"In the five months I've spent being a college student so far, choosing to be a part of Texas State Young Life has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I walked into the first "club" (an hour-long service with singing and a great message) not knowing anyone, but by the end of the night, I already made some new friends, which was awesome. The relationships I've built with these people are so strong and amazing because they're all built upon God. Young Life is such a wonderful program to become a part of if you're seeking Jesus, or just want to become part of a new family. I've learned so much about the bible since I started going to small group, which is a group of girls my age all reading and growing from the bible together with our leader. Since I joined small group, I have decided that I want to become a Young Life leader for girls my age and younger. By next year, I'll have my own small group to lead! Young Life is full of such radiant, loving souls and I am so proud to be a child of Christ alongside those people."
-Cailey Craig, freshman at Texas State.
Monday nights at 8 p.m., Centennial Hall
4. CRU
From the website: txstatecru.org
"Cru exists to see lives changed by helping people find and follow Jesus. It is an inter-denominational Christian ministry that began in 1951. Today it's a global movement of God impacting over 190 countries. Here at Texas State, our vision is to introduce students and faculty to Jesus Christ, build them up in their faith, and launch them out to change the world. We also desire to help students grow in their relationship with God while in college. We do this by being in life together through small groups (discipleship groups) where we can know God and his Word better, as well as challenge and encourage one another to follow Christ. We want to truly worship God, not only with music but with our whole lives."
Thursday nights at 7 p.m., Calvary Chapel
5. Delight Ministries
"We provide college women with the tools and resources to launch, grow and sustain Christ-centered communities on college campuses. We create curriculum that tells the real stories of college women chasing the heart of God." A great chance to grow with other women and bond over the greatness of Christ.
"The mission of Delight is to invite college women into Christ-centered community that fosters vulnerability and transforms stories. It's a place where we, as women, can grow together in fellowship and nurture the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. Working to start a Delight chapter at Texas State has already made such a big impact on my life. Getting to do life side by side with such a great group of girls that have become such close friends and accountability partners has been the biggest blessing. We can laugh, cry, pray, and share similar stories together and I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for Delight at Texas State!"
-Ashley Bentley, junior at Texas State, Co-leader for Delight Ministries.
6. Beta Upsilon Chi
BYX, brothers under Christ, exists for the purpose of establishing brotherhood and unity among college men based on the common bond of Jesus Christ. From the website, betaupsilonchi.org , states, "We are a lifelong brotherhood of committed Christian men seeking the bonds of brotherhood and unity in Christ through the avenue of a social fraternity on a college campus."
"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
Texas State University has many meaningful and purposeful opportunities out there! Get involved and you won't regret it.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:12-15
