Across North America, students are preparing to return to school, and for those attending colleges or universities for the first time, the transition can be daunting. Over almost two decades, college students across the U.S. have found connections, community, and (most importantly) faith through Christian Study Centers. These centers, part of a consortium that began in 2008, have grown from 4 to more than 30 across the country. Located at secular colleges and universities, Christian Study Centers “are hubs of Christian community, hospitality and learning—gathering places for students and scholars animated by the ancient ideal of faith seeking understanding.” A number of study centers, including those at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, have strong Anglican affiliations.
The Centers put on a variety of events throughout the school year. Bradley Study Center at Virginia Tech University, for example, offers “Short Courses” about some of the important books in the Christian tradition. In September, they’ll start a Short Course titled “Christian Perspectives on A.I.” which features John Lennox’s 2084 and the AI Revolution. Hill House at University of Texas – Austin hosts a monthly Film Forum (plus pizza!) which is student-led and geared towards examined how a film might move us toward a better understanding of God, self, neighbor, and our world.
Christian Study Centers welcome persons of all faiths to their programming and events. However, the consortium and its centers “affirm the historic, orthodox beliefs of the Christian faith as summarized in the Apostles’ Creed.”
If you or your child are preparing to attend a secular college this fall, check and see if there is a Christian Study Center on campus. While located primarily in the mid-to-northeast United States, there are several centers in the midwest and a few out west. Many of these centers will be holding open houses during orientation and the first week of classes.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about starting a Christian Study Center on a new campus, contact the Consortium of Christian Study Centers here.
