Written by Cara Mulderrig on March 17, 2023.
“Welcome Home!” This slogan captures the heart of the college ministry at Alliance Bible Fellowship.
“We want to see students thrive in their walks with God through meaningful mentoring relationships, serving opportunities, and developing Bible study skills in the living rooms of church families,” said Josh Hayes, College Pastor. “Our hope is that students will commit their lives to faithful participation in Christ’s Church wherever God sends them after college.”
There are five key elements within CC – large group meetings, small group bible studies, a mentor program, spring and fall retreats, and Biscuits with Barrie.
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Large Group Meetings
Every Sunday at 6:00pm throughout the school year, large group meetings are held in the gym or atrium at ABF, where Pastor Josh Hayes preaches a sermon related to the semester’s topic. There’s worship and games, and Jesus-centered fellowship. Check it out:
Small Groups
During the week, on multiple different days, small group bible studies meet at different host homes around town. These groups are split between males and females to create a more open space for individuals to share their thoughts and experiences.
“Being a part of a bible study has probably been the best part of CC,” said Ben Perkins, a 4th-year student at App State. “There is also the unique experience of learning and teaching, where different members have the chance to answer questions which in and of itself is a practice in apologetics.”
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Fall and Spring Retreats
College Connection has a retreat every fall and spring. About 100 students usually attend. They worship, hear gospel-centered teaching, play games, and fellowship during these weekend trips.
“My first retreat I went on, I remember being so nervous,” said Sam Shuttleworth, a recent APP grad. “I knew maybe 10 guys in College Connection. I remember bunking with multiple guys I haven’t really met before. This included guys like Luke Brewer and Timi Parker. Because of that weekend, luke is one of my best friends. I seriously got sushi with him this past week!”
Here’s a highlight of the Fall 2022 retreat:
Mentoring
The third program included within College Connection is a mentorship program. Students who decide to sign-up will fill out a form with all of their interests, and will then be paired with an adult who has also done the same. This provides the opportunity for those students who are living away from family to have a sense of a home base here in Boone.
Through the mentorship program, 4th-year student, Maddie Huffman said that she has met someone who has been so consistent during the past four years at App State. “Kim has loved me so well the past four years, always checking in and pouting into me. She has blessed me both physically and spiritually, and I am so thankful for the role model she is to me,” Maddie said.
Biscuits with Barrie
Biscuits with Barrie meets on select Saturday mornings to discuss apologetics and worldview topics with Barrie Winn, an Alliance church Elder. Students are given free breakfast and space to discuss these essential and pressing topics.
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Are You a College Student? Join Us!
If you’re a college student in the High Country and need a gospel-centered community, please join us on Sunday nights at 6:00pm (during the semester). Follow @abfcollegeconnection on Instagram and visit CollegeConnectionWelcomeMat.com for regular updates.