Learn what Campus Outreach is doing at Augusta University

Campus Outreach gives students a chance to immerse themselves in campus life and faith. (photo courtesy of Steven Zhang)

By Julianna McGahee | Contributor

Campus Outreach is a college ministry that aims to share Christianity with college students at various campuses across the world, including here at Augusta University.

AU’s Campus Outreach has meetings every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. where students eat food, play games and receive and a message about faith during their college years.

Lorelei Culbreth, a sophomore at the Hull College of Business, joined Campus Outreach as a freshman after a classmate invited her to the organization. Culbreth began to devote herself to Christianity when she was twelve years old. As she grew in her faith throughout middle and high school, she desired an intimate group of individuals her age built on faith.

Now as a sophomore, she is a student leader who guides new freshmen. She believes that Campus Outreach is a place that fosters growth in individuals throughout college.

“It’s just such a good example for young college students, like freshmen and sophomores, to just find a place where they can feel welcome,“ she said.

Entering college can be full of sentiments like excitement and nervousness. By joining a club on campus, it can increase one’s involvement and guide them into valuable relationships with one another in college.

Culbreth said students can “explore deeper into Christianity in a very supportive environment” and “have fun while doing it.”

In addition to Tuesday evening meetings, Campus Outreach also holds various events to bring students together. To celebrate the start of the Fall 2022 semester, Campus Outreach hosted an event giving away free Chick-fil-A near the Elm and Oak Hall dorms. Students played games like volleyball and spike ball outside in the courtyard.

“I think college is a really good time to decide what you believe about the world, as well as if you believe that there’s a God,” said Hope Grinnell, a staff member of Campus Outreach. “One of the reasons I love Campus Outreach is because it asks some important questions, and a lot of people have never stopped to think about that until college.”

Not only does Campus Outreach provide a community for those who are new to college or for those looking to gain more friendships, but it is also a place to dive into one’s inner values. Meeting fellow college students can be strenuous, but Campus Outreach creates an amiable environment to get to know one another in college.

“Its community looks like a group of people that love each other unconditionally through all of our seasons in life, and who also have such a strong and huge heart for Christ,” said Culbreth.

Last month, AU’s Campus Outreach went on a retreat to Macon, Ga. with other universities including Georgia Southern, Georgia College and USC Aiken. Students were able to get to know more of their peers in the area in this event.

“First and foremost, we are friends and then we spread the gospel to you,” said Hally Ledford, a AU sophomore. “I can tell that when I’m there, people genuinely care about me and want to know how I’m doing and that comes from the people there who love Christ, and who love you through Christ.”

Contact Julianna McGahee at jmcgahee@augusta.edu.