thebabyperks

My Faith Journey in College

College is a time where your faith can be tested for more than a few reasons. As someone who enjoys routine and is a creature of habit, I am usually hesitant towards change or new things.

My first semester I was really busy and did not seek out a church in Springfield. If I am being completely honest that's just an excuse I told myself- if I really wanted to I could have, I just had no desire. I have been at the same church (SunRise) basically since I was born. When I had time I would go to the on campus ministry that Drury has called The Vine, but my first semester had a lot of conflicts with the day/time they met. I would still watch bits and pieces of my church's online service, did my daily devotional, etc, but I was not as active as I could have been in my faith.

Second semester began in a similar fashion. I was busy, really busy, but I started going to The Vine more. I would talk to one of my best friends, Megan, after each Tuesday night worship service and she helped me realize something around the end of February/early March. I am alway busy and I could use that as an excuse for the rest of my life. I decided to make more of an effort to grow in my faith and seek out a church home.

Dress rehearsal at church before going to Tulsa for mission trip

Working with the Wah-Zha-Zhi Youth Academy (similar to the Boys and Girls Club) in Tulsa, OK

Heading to retreat at Camp Mihauska

There are a lot more details I could go into but long story short I've found a church in Springfield that I really enjoy (North Point). While I have only gone three or four times, I know that this church will be a great place for me to grow spiritually. Walking in I was a bit skeptical because it seemed like something out of an SNL skit, like it was the church that was trying too hard to be cool. However, after listening to the pastor's sermon I could see that his words were genuine. They also seem to be really active in the Springfield community which I think is important.

Stopping to pray in Joplin, MO, on the way home from Tulsa. Our first two mission trips (my 8th grade and 9th grade years) were to help with relief efforts from the tornado.

Our baccalaureate service

I'm still not perfect- there are some times where I have other requirements that prevent me from going to every Sunday worship service or to the Vine every week. However, I am much more aware of my faith. College has taught me a lot, but one of the biggest lessons I have learned is to be open to change. 

Until next time,
Taylor xx

PS: I hope you enjoyed the throwback photos from my different church experiences. Sorry some of them are repeats, I couldn't find a lot of new ones