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For more than three years, 51ÉçÇø's LIFE Group program has encouraged new students through that transition by providing opportunities to build relationships with their fellow classmates. "I have built close relationships with people that I wouldn't have known if it hadn't been for the LIFE Groups," says freshman Casey Stafford from Gleason, Tenn. "LIFE Groups are a good way to meet people plus they really help keep you accountable in your walk with Christ." Nationally recognized in the 1999 Templeton Guide as a college program that encourages character development in students, LIFE Groups essentially provide a family-type atmosphere where the new student can feel a sense of security and belonging. "Because coming to college is such a major change," says Todd Brady, campus minister at Union, "LIFE Groups give students a chance to meet other new students and receive discipleship from upperclassmen who can guide them based on their own experiences as freshmen. Another positive result is the time that's spent strengthening the students Christian walk." "Through my leaders, I found companionship and support and I'm still friends with them today," says Anna Tenhet, a senior from Corinth, Miss., who became a leader in the LIFE Groups after her freshman year experience of being in one. "The relationships with my leaders trickled down into the rest of the group, and I have great friendships within our group. The Lord really blessed us with common ground." LIFE Groups typically meet during the fall semester as often as the group decides, but several groups decide to continue meeting during the spring semester. The topics for each meeting are dependent on the group. Relationships, not just Bible study, are stressed. "Biblical knowledge is important, but building relationships with fellow students and upperclassmen is the big thing," said Tiffany Stehle, secretary for the Office of Campus Ministries. Each LIFE Group has its own personality and maturity level. While some groups will begin immediately in intense Bible studies, other groups' plan exciting adventures each week which draw them together as a community. Freshman Wendy Wiltshire's group met once a week in a relaxed atmosphere. They talked and caught up on the events of the week, watched movies and played games. "When you step into college, you are expected to be grown up," says Wiltshire who is from North Carolina. "LIFE Groups allowed me to still have fun and take a break from the serious side of college." According to Stehle, Campus Ministries carefully selects the LIFE Group leaders. Being selected is a high honor for the leaders, who are required to invest much time and effort into their groups. The leaders who are chosen spend one weekend in the spring to train for a semester of work. "LIFE Groups epitomize Christ's call to be servants of one another," says sophomore Ross Parker. "It's students helping other students as they strive to become the Christian individuals that God would have them to be." |
