Small Groups
New Student MinistryCheck out the NSM Homepage for more information
Each fall, freshmen and transfer students participate in New Student Ministry. Personal spiritual growth is encouraged as these new students meet weekly with their upperclassmen leaders for the purpose of encouragement, community building, character development, and general orientation to Christian living on the college campus. These groups are student-led providing encouragement, assistance, and support through a network of relationships. NSM groups offer freshmen and transfer students:
1. An immediate place of belonging
2. Aid in the transition to a new environment.
3. An upperclassman leader/mentor who models/exemplifies Christian leadership.
4. A place that fosters genuineness and sincerity.
5. Peer assistance, guidance, and encouragement in personal spiritual formation.
6. A community in which to discuss and grow in the Christian faith.
Adapted from Shaping a Christian Worldview, David S. Dockery and Gregory Alan Thornbury, ed., (Broadman and Holman, Nashville.) p. 374. [For further development of Campus Ministry principles, see “Christian Worldview and Campus Ministry,” by Todd E. Brady, in Shaping a Christian Worldview.]
Network
Personalized attention is available in the dorms and apartments each semester through the care of a Network person. Through relationship, each student is offered an opportunity to discover gifts and passions that will help focus their involvement in personal spiritual development while at OBU.
Chaplains
The professional and social organizations on campus have a chaplain who provides peer care for the group as well as times for spiritual formation around devotions, Bible Studies, and/or prayer teams.
Upperclass Opportunities
1. Bible Studies: Throughout campus, Upperclass Men’s and Women’s Bible studies unfold under the leadership of adept upperclassmen. These studies range from topical to in-depth Bible study groups.
2. Discipleship Groups: Each semester, special interest groups are formed around a specific topic including studies on personal spiritual development, basics in the Christian faith, apologetics, evangelism training, and support.
3. Accountability Groups: Each semester, students choose to walk in committed relationship with others for support and encouragement around personally chosen goals and topics.
