Disciples on Campus, a non-denominational Christian student organization, has doubled membership from five to 10 members since the organization’s conception in fall 2009. It’s been slow growth, but members hope the organization will continue to expand.
Damiane Ricks, ministry leader, said the organization is extending an invitation for membership to all University students.
Disciples on Campus holds informal bible study meetings Tuesday nights and Wednesdays at lunch time. On Wednesday nights in Coates Hall, Ricks said they hold group meetings, which are open to the community.
“We have a great time together, and it doesn’t matter what your background is,” Ricks said.
Niles Gillespie, mechanical engineering sophomore and president of Disciples on Campus, said he joined the organization to meet other Christian students on campus who hope to inspire one another to live out their Christian beliefs.
“I don’t view it as another organization,” Gillespie said. “I view it as a group of people who follow Jesus, and so do I.”
Gillespie said the organization’s major goals are fellowship and evangelism. He believes the “actions over words” approach is the best method of evangelism.
“I come across a lot of people who say one thing but do something else,” he said. “I feel like anyone can tell someone how to be a Christian, but it’s rare to find someone who is living it out. I want people to see the love of God that is in me.”
Gillespie said the organization’s purpose is to “make disciples.”
“We feel like we’re called to make disciples and get other people to follow God,” he said. “Sometimes we can spark up conversations with random people, and living in the South, most people are willing to talk.”
Randy Edwards, business management senior and Disciples on Campus member, said he manages the organization’s Facebook page.
“Social media is a way to reach the masses,” he said. “I try to keep it updated with new events. Our Facebook page also keeps us connected with other ministries across the country.”
While evangelism is essential to the group’s purpose, Ricks said fellowship plays a major role in the organization as well.
“We want to get like-minded students together to spur each other on in our desire to understand God’s word, the Bible, and live it out to the best of our abilities,” Ricks said.
Gillespie said the organization strives for unity and friendship among members.
“We have a family atmosphere, and friendship is a big part of our group,” he said.
Outside of group meetings, Ricks said members attend sporting events together and occasionally hold movie nights at a member’s apartment.
Gillespie said Disciples on Campus also visits other college campuses with similar ministries. In July, group members will be attending a conference in San Antonio with other international Churches of Christ.
“We’ll be meeting with all of our family churches from all over the world,” he said.
 
 
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Contact Kate Mabry at [email protected]