Carrie Dodson and Cody Brown are sophomores in college with eight “children.” And just last year, they were “parented” by sophomores — or group Bible study leaders. Dodson and Brown lead one of a dozen Freshman Family Groups, Bible study programs coordinated by the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. About 65 freshmen participate in the groups, which meet weekly in an upperclassman’s home to study scripture and socialize. Groups consist of two upperclassman “parents” and about three to 10 freshmen “children,” said Kathryn Strong, BCM co-vice president of freshman ministries and kinesiology junior.Alyse Halle, nursing freshman, said she joined a group to meet  students, and she attends meetings to stay connected to her faith. “It really helps when you’ve had a hard week to just come and get refocused with God,” Halle said. Strong said group parents follow lesson plans provided by a local pastor and try to relate the messages to student life. The groups are currently studying a series about transformation and how to lead a Christ-like life, she said. Brown said he asks freshmen to consider how the lessons affect their lives as college students. Grant Watson, business freshman, said his family group has helped him become more comfortable sharing his faith within a college community. Dodson and Brown said the groups do not operate under the traditional family dynamic. “It’s more just a group of friends to me than anything,” Brown said. But Watson said he values the knowledge his group parents share.”They have more experience in the college field as believers and students,” Watson said. Watson said participating in his family group helps fulfill his need to stay connected with the church. Dodson said she became a parent because she benefited from the opportunity to discuss everyday life with other freshmen. She said she feels qualified to lead a group of freshmen because she has gained a great amount of experience since entering college. Audrey Ellis, anthropology freshman, said she is comfortable with slightly older students leading the group. “I just see it as students leading students,” Ellis said. Dodson said the most difficult part of leading a group is realizing she doesn’t always have the right answers. She said the groups do more than just study the Bible. Group members spend time together outside of meetings and get to know each other by sharing a meal every week, Dodson said.Watson said he meets most of his friends through the BCM or Chapel on the Campus. – – – -Contact Emily Holden at [email protected]