Beck Elandt
Staff Writer
On February 5th, Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship brought a special guest to their meeting. Pastor Carey Waldie, the director of Chi Alpha of Michigan, came in to teach a lesson about how followers deal with questioning of the Bible. Courtney Prielipp | The Washtenaw Voice
Among the places students at WCC call home, the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship is dear to many. The national organization, recognized through the Assemblies of God, holds meetings every Wednesday, providing a window into Christian involvement, through the community.
The discussion-based meetings start with snacks and conversation, followed by an open discussion of everyone’s highs and lows from the past week.
“It’s welcoming,” said Prince Uwandu, a biology major from Eastern Michigan University, who stops by WCC to attend Chi Alpha meetings. “The way we do it, it’s not like we’re pressuring anybody to do anything. You can really just come sit, listen, and ask questions.”
When asked about the meaning of the club, President Lucas Desmyther, currently minoring in general studies, had an answer: “Chi Alpha’s goal at WCC is to build good community and show people the love of Jesus.”
After everyone settles in, they review Bible verses and a short video–opening a can of discussion. After sharing personal experiences and interpretations, the club comes to a point of closure and concludes the meeting in prayer directed toward one another.
Tavis Tonlaar a WTMC student said, “With our faith in Christianity, we incorporate Jesus into every part of our lives.”
Multiple Chi Alpha members, such as Tonlaar, noted that it’s important to feel comfortable around other people and that belonging is crucial for not only education but also individual well-being.
An example of this kind of structure is Concordia University, WCC’s neighboring Christian college, which is downsizing due to financial struggles.
According to an M-live article, “Concordia University Ann Arbor will transition a large number of its academic programs to online-only learning after the next school year in an effort to cut costs.”
On the CUAA Website, Claudia Grepke, class of 2025, stated, “Concordia is a great place to apply if you’re looking for a family atmosphere.” Grepke’s major is nursing, one of the programs that will still be running despite the downsizing, and one available at WCC. “The small campus allows for a tight-knit community that starts to feel like home fast.”
Chi Alpha acknowledges spaces like Concordia as an important niche for students. Chris Payne, a Minister visiting the club from the University of Michigan said, “Some kids have a need to nurture their spiritual side of life, and some people feel like secular education is gonna work better to pursue their goals.” This isn’t to say that one is more or less spiritual depending on their choice of education.
“One of the things we believe in at Chi Alpha is reaching the world,” Payne said. “We should do everything with excellence.”
The fellowship, which extends beyond the club itself, holds meetings where members spend time exclusively learning and studying the Bible.
For more information about Chi Alpha here at WCC, visit the student clubs page Student Clubs (Student Life), or email wccchialpha@gmail.com.
