Even before Martin Luther posted his theses, Christians had made up 95,000 reasons to disagree with each other. Churches split over everything from the nature of the Trinity to the color of the sanctuary carpet. But as Hillsdale College welcomes all sects of Christianity, students should take advantage of opportunities to learn about different perspectives by attending campus ministry events.
Hillsdale’s faith community is a major draw for students. There are more than 30 churches nearby, and Christ Chapel lets religious groups hold services every day. By calling itself non-sectarian, the college promotes Christian beliefs and values without advocating for a specific denomination and has both large Roman Catholic and Protestant populations, which is rare for a religious liberal arts school. The Student Activities Newsletter features events from across the denominational spectrum.
On an individual level, students from different denominations tend to get along. There’s playful controversy on Reformation Day — the 95 Theses on the Christ Chapel door or the Council of Trent on every door in Benzing Residence — but humor lets students explore and explain their beliefs while deepening friendships.
On an organizational level, however, ministering to campus often feels more like competition.
And Hillsdale has plenty of organizations. For specific demographics, there are Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran organizations. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Equip Ministry provide interdenominational events and Bible studies, and the Student Ministry Board hosts events intended to unify campus Christians.
The organizations provide Bible studies, lectures, and community events for everyone but inevitably compete with each other. Promoting one event often feels like trying to poach attendees from other groups, and Bible study posters become rival marketing campaigns.
A new religious group, the Reformed Student Fellowship, recognizes this problem and aims to solve it by promoting Protestant churches, events, and organizations. It’s a worthy goal, but students won’t be unified by excluding Roman Catholics and the Orthodox. And Hillsdale doesn’t need another organization to advertise events — it already has the resources it needs.
The Student Ministry Board, for example, hosts events for all campus Christians and especially hopes to bring Catholics and Protestants together. Formed in 2023, the board has Catholic and Protestant representatives and works closely with the chaplain’s office. One of its main events is Night of Testimonies, which usually features two Protestant and two Catholic speakers. Other events planned for this semester include a VeggieTales showing, a contemporary twist on Evensong called EvenPraise, and a hymn-focused worship night.
In addition to the board’s events, the Chaplain’s Office provides lists of services hosted by religious organizations. The fall 2024 schedule includes services at Christ Chapel, The Grotto, the Dow Chapel, and on- and off-campus Bible studies.
But students don’t need to go through the board or the chaplain to benefit from other organizations. Interdenominational groups like InterVarsity or Equip host regular events for all Christians. InterVarsity’s worship night, Soma, is a great way to gather with other Christians and a convenient study break every Thursday. Equip recently brought in John Stonestreet of the Colson Center to talk about the sexual revolution and will host a lecture on the Psalter in November. Both organizations also offer regular Bible studies but weekly commitment isn’t necessary to grow from them.
Students can also benefit from sectarian ministries even if they belong to a different denomination. The Anglican Student Fellowship has hosted lectures on topics like the Book of Common Prayer or T.S. Eliot. Members of the Catholic Society will participate in a Eucharistic procession hosted by St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Oct. 6, which is a way to experience Catholic tradition while honoring the Eucharist. The Lutheran Society hosts bonfires, speakers, and study of the Lutheran Confessions every Sunday. The other religious groups also hold regular services at Christ Chapel, the Dow Chapel, or The Grotto.
None of these events or organizations should replace a Sunday morning service, Mass, or a commitment to a church or a Bible study. One worship night or lecture doesn’t equal community, and ultimately the best way to learn about other denominations is through friendship and intentional conversation, not just a statement of a faith. All of the campus ministries target different demographics, and it’s impossible to attend everything.
But if students want to grow in their spiritual life, they do themselves a disservice by staying locked in their organization’s bubble. So before this Reformation Day, take the time to visit a ministry you’ve never engaged with before. Then you can post all the theses and councils you want.
