Velvet Case

Religion Editor

The W's Chi Alpha organization encourages students to discover what its group has to offer.

Chi Alpha was originally founded at Missouri State University in 1953. Today, Chi Alpha reaches more than 300 college campuses around the country.

In 2012, Jonathan and Whitney Youngblood started a Chi Alpha chapter at the MUW campus.

"It has since been student run," said Charissa Smith, an elementary education major.

Chi Alpha is a Christian organization that stemmed from the Assembly of God church.

"Chi Alpha is short for christou apostoloi, which means Christ's ambassador in Greek," explained Smith.

This means that those who are of the Christian faith are thought of to be Christ's ambassadors to the world.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."

Chi Alpha members embrace this verse and use it to explain who they are.

Chi Alpha's mission, as shared by Smith, is to, "reconcile students to Christ, equipping them through Spirit-filled communities of prayer, worship, fellowship, discipleship and mission to transform the university, the marketplace and the world."

All W students are invited to join Chi Alpha when they meet for a Bible study-style service. They meet in Hogarth in room 218 every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

There will be worship, Bible study and good fellowship with peers. Students of all religious backgrounds are welcome to come.

In addition to weekly Bible studies, Chi Alpha hosts special events each month. Next month's event will be on April 30.

All Chi Alpha attendees are invited to participate in an exciting game of Capture the Flag. More details about this event will be posted soon.

"To a new student, I would say come hang out with us," said Smith. "We want to share our lives and build friendships!"