“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
The light from four ministry clubs is burning bright on the Warner Pacific University campus. These small-group style student clubs, each rooted in faith and driven by a shared purpose, offer a space for spiritual growth, community service, and fellowship among students.
“They remind students of their faith’s power to overcome obstacles and persevere through difficult times,” said Pastor Lorenzo (Zo) Peterson.
In the midst of academic challenges and personal struggles, the clubs offer a source of strength and encouragement. Here is a snapshot:
Men of Valor Bible Study: About ten students meet every other week to gather and grow spiritually together. “This safe space was created to allow men to be transparent concerning questions they may have in their faith journey and help each other navigate the various issues that arise in everyday life,” says Pastor Zo. There is a Bible topic that is discussed each week, and everyone is encouraged to engage in dialogue on how they lesson can be applied in their daily lives.
Girl’s Talk Bible Study: WPU Staff member Sarah Oancea leads this group of young women who meet every other week to learn to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ by understanding the Bible, hear the voice of God through the Word and prayer, learn how to walk out faith day to day, and discover what it is to be “Women of God.” During a Bible study, the students check in with each other and talk about life, apply scripture and do a Bible study exercise. They end their time by meditating on a scripture and learn to hear God’s voice – journaling and talking about what they heard.
“To watch these young ladies grab a hold of scripture and apply it to their lives is exciting. I’m always blown away, by the quiet listening time,” she says. “The goal is to teach these ladies how to worship, pray and seek the face of God and hear Him. It’s exhilarating to see their faces light up when they hear the voice of God. Another wonderful thing is to see how God speaks individually, but then collectively, see how they hear similar things. This is confirmation that only the Spirit of God can do!”
Hour of Power-Student Worship: This group was requested and formed by students who desired for their own worship time. About ten students meet every Wednesday evening in Schlatter Chapel to spend time with the Lord in prayer and worship. “They expressed the desire to lean on something that is more real than what can be seen with the physical eye,” says Pastor Zo. “Their faith in God can help them see the unseen.”
Marketplace Ministries: Dr. Ulf Spears leads this group one Saturday per month. More than 15 students and community members gather to learn how to apply their faith in the marketplace. “Warner is unique in the fact that our Christ Centeredness affords us an opportunity to send “missionaries” into various fields such as business, nursing, education and social work.” says Dr. Spears. “Students are able to learn how to practically allow their career and calling to intersect and cause them to change their sphere of influence for the better.”
All of these WPU ministry clubs inspire students to spread their love and compassion wherever they go. Four students from the groups are headed to Guatemala over spring break on a missionary trip to help those who need physical and spiritual help. They will work with the organization Filter of Hope to install water filters for local families and help with other community needs. “We will help provide clean water to the community and share how Jesus is the ultimate source of hope and life,” says Tiffany Nguyen.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s Grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
WPU thanks you for praying over our students and these small group ministries!