California Baptist University 2022

IMMERSED IN CONVERSATION (left) Students discuss the topic of the week after the Wednesday SL night. MIX AND MINGLE (right) Christina Baker, senior communication studies major (left), converses with Jordan Rodseth, SL discipleship staff member.

S SL Night is a space designed for students to experience Christ-like community here at California Baptist University. Looking forward to where God is leading both individually and collectively, Nic Moore, director of Digital Ministry Spiritual Life describes the intention of SL nights. “Each week we cover a new topic that is geared specifically to help move students along a unique process of discipleship we have designed for our office,” Moore says. The community context of SL Night has been attractive to a lot of students, as Moore explains the experience students have. “When you come to SL Night, you feel like you’re part of our SL family, whether it’s your first time or 20th time. We celebrate with each other and have a lot of fun at SL Nights,” he says. University Ministry intern, Jailyn Mackenzie Patrick, senior photography and intercultural studies double major, describes her experience working with SL Nights. “As an intern, I mostly get to plan the ‘fun’ stuff — the games, mixer questions, snacks and other elements. This semester has been cool because me and my team have been able to plan the night’s activities based on the speaker’s topic or the overall theme of the night.” Patrick also explains the intention of her role as she

Spriritual Life brings students into Christian community

hopes students can grasp the teaching of God’s word. “This is very intentional as we are seeking to draw people in through ‘light-hearted’ things like games that then transfer to focusing on the teaching of God’s word,” Patrick says. Isaac Elliot, communication studies and Christian studies double major, explains how his internship role gives him an opportunity to see the encouragement of students who attend SL nights. “Seeing students at SL Night is extremely encouraging; it is a blessing to be able to gather together as college students and pursue Jesus in community,” he says. Though Elliot’s role allows him to interact with students, SL Nights has the ability to grow alongside students and their journey with God. “I want people to know that there is no ‘prerequisite’ for becoming involved with Spiritual Life. I think even the word ‘spiritual’ can push people away, but what we do is open to anybody who simply wants to learn more about Jesus. Wherever you are in your journey with God, we want to come alongside you and help you grow.” Both interns are in charge of most planning, working along with Jacob Ravenscraft, assistant dean of Spiritual Life, as they build out the run-of-show and handle programming logistics for students and SL Nights.

107

Spiritual Life