Although there are more than 70 churches in Hillsdale County, not every student feels at home in a local congregation. Many students go “church shopping” and visit a new church every week until they find their home. During my freshman year, I tried 10 different churches in the area, but after each Sunday, I was left wanting more.
Each person encounters the Lord strongest in a different environment. I have always felt most comfortable in a non-denominational, contemporary church. But I was often told that no congregation in Hillsdale fit this description.
From dozens of on-campus bible studies, to spending quiet time in Christ Chapel, to conversations up the hill, college life at Hillsdale is uniquely conducive to spiritual growth. Yet, growing in faith should not exclusively reside within the bounds of our collegiate lives.
After livestreaming home church services freshman year, my RA invited me to her church in Jackson, 45 minutes away. Without a car, and clueless as to what was in store, I gave it a try. When I entered Radiant Church Jackson, I knew that I was never going to miss a Sunday. Pastor Mike Popenhagen is “passionate about helping people become followers of Jesus, live in freedom, and discover their God-given purpose in life.” The messages are rooted in the truths of scripture, the worship team is moving, the community is inspiring, and the room is always spirit-filled. They are the prayerful community I longed to join.
I now serve for Radiant as a videographer, and it is astounding to capture the moments of transformation, prayer, worship, and joy that take place in this community. It is around the corner from Spring Arbor University, so I have gained new friends and a community away from Hillsdale.
Traveling to church has taught me to respect the sabbath and be present. In the hustle of Hillsdale, many of us fall into the habit of making church attendance an object on our to-do list. But, that’s not easy to do when you travel almost an hour for a service. On the way to church, friends and I appreciate our time and intentional conversation together with no obligation other than to be present. The ride back is usually a discussion of what we thought of the sermon, often turns into an impromptu bible study, and is a true emotional, spiritual, and physical reset to begin the week.
As a freshman, I did not stop my search for a church that would make me feel spiritually healthy and push me to grow, and if I have any advice to give, you should not stop either. Hillsdale College is beautifully Christian, and some of the most encouraging, thought-provoking, and interesting conversations I’ve had here are with people who do not share my faith background.
If you’re missing your home congregation, do not stop visiting other churches. Encountering the Lord is certainly worth a drive.
