Introduction
Welcome to the illuminate blog! Today, we’re diving into a recent message delivered by Ian Buchanan, a dedicated missionary from Chi Alpha at Rowan University. Ian shared his heart for the mission, the importance of community, and a powerful message from Colossians. Whether you’re familiar with Chi Alpha or hearing about it for the first time, this summary will give you a clear understanding of their impactful work and the biblical lessons Ian shared.
What is Chi Alpha?
Christ Ambassadors on Campus
Chi Alpha stands for "Christ Ambassadors," inspired by the biblical call to represent Christ. This organization is present on around 200 campuses nationwide, including Rowan University, where Ian serves. Their mission is to foster real devotional life, real community, and real responsibility among students.
Real Devotional Life
Chi Alpha emphasizes the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ. This includes reading scripture, prayer, worship, and evangelism. Students are encouraged to truly devote their lives to Christ, understanding what it means to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Real Community
Community is a cornerstone of Chi Alpha. Ian passionately believes that we are created for community, reflecting the triune nature of God. Chi Alpha welcomes all students, whether they are followers of Christ or not, into a loving and supportive community.
Real Responsibility
Chi Alpha also focuses on developing leadership and responsibility among students. They believe everyone has leadership potential and aim to teach students what it means to be responsible followers of Christ.
Ian’s Journey with Chi Alpha
From Summer Camp to Full-Time Missionary
Ian’s journey began in 2011 at a summer camp where he found Christ. Fast forward to his sophomore year at Rowan, he discovered Chi Alpha through a friend. Although his initial interest was sparked by a crush, he found a deeper connection with God and a sense of community he had never experienced before. This led him to volunteer, intern, and eventually become a full-time missionary.
Why University Campuses?
A Strategic Mission Field
Universities are a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs, making them a strategic mission field. Students come with open minds, ready to learn, and often experience freedom for the first time. Chi Alpha aims to show them that following Christ is a fulfilling and joyful alternative to the typical college lifestyle.
Stories of Transformation
Charlie’s Journey
One of the impactful stories Ian shared was about Charlie, a freshman who wasn’t a Christian when he first encountered Chi Alpha. Through outreach events and consistent engagement, Charlie’s curiosity about God grew. He eventually accepted Christ and continues to grow in his faith.
International Students
Chi Alpha also focuses on international students, many of whom come from countries where the gospel is not freely shared. Ian shared a touching story about a student from India who, despite having no interest in Christianity, found a welcoming community in Chi Alpha. This student’s experience highlights the importance of showing Christ’s love through genuine relationships.
Goals and Vision
Equipping and Transforming Students
Ian’s goals for the upcoming year include more campus evangelism, building deeper community, making healthy disciples, raising up worship leaders, and training future leaders and missionaries. He also plans to engage in service projects and mission trips, continuing to spread the gospel both locally and globally.
The Great Commission
Ian emphasized the importance of the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19, which calls us to make disciples of all nations. With students from all over the world coming to universities, Chi Alpha has a unique opportunity to fulfill this mission.
A Message from Colossians
Setting Our Minds on Things Above
Ian shared a powerful message from Colossians 3, urging us to set our minds on things above and put to death earthly desires. He challenged us to embrace our new selves in Christ, characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, and love.
Life Application
Living Out the Sermon
As we reflect on Ian’s message, let’s consider how we can apply these lessons to our lives this week. Here are a few questions to ponder:
1. Community: How can you foster a sense of real community in your own life? Are there people around you who need to experience the love of Christ through genuine relationships?
2. Devotion: What steps can you take to deepen your devotional life? Are there areas where you can be more intentional in your relationship with Christ?
3. Responsibility: In what ways can you take on more responsibility as a follower of Christ? How can you lead and serve others in your community?
4. Transformation: What earthly desires do you need to put to death? How can you embrace your new self in Christ and live out the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, and love?
Conclusion
Ian’s message reminds us of the importance of community, devotion, and responsibility in our walk with Christ. As we go about our week, let’s strive to live out these principles, making a positive impact on those around us and growing deeper in our faith. Remember, you are the future you’ve been waiting for. Embrace the transformation God has for you today.