by Chloe Powell
Photo of students in a Tuesday night BCF meeting
Games, student testimonies, talks and small group discussions. These are some of the activities students might experience if they were to walk into a Bellarmine Christian Fellowship meeting.
BCF is a student-led organization designed to provide a safe space for students to learn more about what the Bible says about God. BCF welcomes Christians, who are seeking to grow in their faith, and non-Christians interested in learning more about Christianity.
Senior Tatum Cox and junior Max Von-Arx lead the group alongside faculty advise Dr. Shawn Apostel, a communication professor.
Apostel said: “I hope BCF is a place where all students who are Christian or exploring Christianity feel free to share their successes and struggles and encourage one another as we grow in our knowledge of God and our faith in Jesus.”
The organization, which has nearly 70 student members, meets Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m. in Hilary’s. There are also two options for students to join a Bible study from either 7:45-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays or 6-7 p.m. on Thursdays in the commuter lounge. These Bible studies are co-ed and a way for students to fellowship and study the Bible in a smaller group setting.
BCF recently kicked off a series called “Misconceptions about the Bible,” which examines common misconceptions from individuals both in and outside the Christian faith that differ from what the Bible says. The next series planned is “Stranger Things: Living in an Upside-down Kingdom.” This series is about how the life of a Christian should look different from society at large because Jesus’ teachings are often counter to societal values.
BCF is one of two Christian organizations on campus. The other organization, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is also a great way for students to learn more about the Bible but is geared toward athletes.
Junior Elizabeth Steward, who has been going to BCF meetings since she was a first-year student, said she not only loves the weekly meetings but also loves how intentional members of BCF are to socialize outside of that structured time.
Steward said: “BCF’s purpose isn’t to force the views of Christianity on people. It’s to give them a space to explore where they feel comfortable and make friends.”
Steward said the group welcomes all students, even those who are unsure what they think about Christianity, to come to BCF gatherings. She said this year, BCF has seen an increase in students, especially first-year students, coming to learn more about Christianity.
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