College can be a confusing and difficult time for many when it comes to their faith and figuring out what they believe. One way students stay connected to a church while in college is through campus ministry groups on their campuses and at local churches.
Collin Larimore is a junior at Missouri State University and is actively involved in the local group Episcopal Campus Ministry (ECM). In a recent chat, Collin shared some information about ECM and how it has benefited him during his college journey.
What is Episcopal Campus Ministry?
Episcopal Campus Ministry welcomes all college students. We meet weekly on Tuesdays from 6-8pm at Christ Episcopal Church near downtown Springfield. ECM strives to provide an intentional community for anyone who chooses to come. Together this intentional community explores faith through an Episcopal approach which includes scripture, reason, and tradition. We center our community on shared meals, inclusive worship, community service, and fellowship. Students are recognized, challenged, supported, inspired, and engaged in dialogue around faith in order to foster their faith journey. We provide a community where students can imagine and explore the big questions.
How did you get involved with it & how are you involved now?
I started going to ECM my second semester of senior year in high school because I was invited. I attended weekly meetings and then continued to go through my freshman and sophomore year of college. Between my sophomore and junior year, I was elected president of ECM at Missouri State. I am currently still doing that throughout this school year.
What have you gained from your experience with ECM?
Well, deeper relationships with people that also go to the meetings. That’s probably one of the biggest things, the deeper and more meaningful relationships I’ve built. I have been exposed to different perspectives of how to live a Christian life. I have new understandings of scriptures and different practices that fall under the Episcopal umbrella.
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get involved in a campus ministry group?
However they may find themselves to be going to a group like ECM, my best advice would be to continue to go and give the group time to open up to who you are. Give yourself time to open up to the people in the group too and just ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions pertaining to who and what the group is and why they do what they do.
