By Kristen Kirtley, Student Reporter
Local church leaders
say making friends,
joining fellowship
boost mental health
Being a part of a church family is beneficial to college students’ mental health, local ministers say.
The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and Alva clergy say making friends and fellowshipping with other students can improve college students’ lives overall.
Dr. Karsten Longhurst, pastor of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alva and the director of Northwestern’s choirs, said the church is a safe place for students to develop a support group and find people who are interested in students’ well-being. It’s even a place for students to find a home-cooked meal.
“If we look for that spiritual component, you’ll find it there through an emphasis on faith, self-development, belief in God and sorting out ourselves, finding a place of meditation,” Longhurst said. “Finding a spiritual center and a routine in a spiritual community you can enjoy is so important for students.”
The church, 1467 Thunderbird Rd., meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. Youth groups meet on Wednesday nights.
Nathan Hosier, pastor of Cedar Grove Wesleyan Church west of Alva, said worshiping, praying, singing and studying the Bible with others are some of the benefits of joining a church. He said he believes they can positively impact students’ mental health.
People should be welcomed when they walk in the doors of a church, Hosier said. He pointed to his brother’s experience during seminary, when church members took in seminary students and cared for them like “adoptable” family members.
Cedar Grove, 35021 Major Rd., meets at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Katie Hill, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Alva, said she believes that finding a community, gaining emotional and spiritual support, having a place to hear God’s Word and growing in faith are helpful things college students gain access to by joining a church family.
Hill said talking to members and leaders of a local church is a good way for students to get involved.
She said the church aims to talk with college students to meet their needs and pray with them. These are two important roles the church has in making students feel supported, welcomed and loved, she said.
The Methodist Church, 626 College Ave., meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Miles Harris, director of the Baptist Collegiate Ministries in Alva, said the organization aims to help students realize that they are not alone.
“The biggest thing that we try to convey at the BCM is that we rely on Christ to get us through tough times,” Harris said. “This isn’t something we say. It’s something we try to live out. When you are out in an unfamiliar place with people you may not know, it’s nice to have a group of people to connect with.
“No one likes to feel isolated and separate, and at the BCM, we strive to create an atmosphere that everyone is welcome.”
The BCM, 1020 College Blvd., meets several days each week. Find meeting times by visting www.https://nwosubcm.com/