MTSU Adventist Students Build Connections Through Campus Outreach

Students with the Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) club at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) held a campus outreach effort Oct. 2–7 to build friendships and connect fellow students with a faith community.

The ministry used “tabling,” a common campus practice in which organizations set up information tables in areas with heavy foot traffic. Participants promoted the club, offered literature and invited students to discuss faith.

For Sofia Barreda, an MTSU sophomore studying data science on a pre-med track, the ministry’s purpose extended beyond recruiting members. She said personal conversations and individual follow-up helped build relationships with students, including those who might never join the club.

“So, it’s really just about planting seeds,” Barreda said. “Some of the students that we talk to, we have great conversations and they may never join our club, but we try to keep contact with them and then hopefully be a light to them.”

Cynthia Flint, a gap year volunteer serving as a campus missionary, helped coordinate the effort. Her role includes supporting the club and working to strengthen its connection with the Murfreesboro Church.

“Basically, I help the church, the local Murfreesboro church, understand that the university is a mission field,” Flint said.

Flint said her goals included helping Adventist students recognize their opportunities to serve classmates and strengthening the club’s sense of community. She also wanted to connect Adventist students who had not yet found a local church or campus faith group.

The club holds weekly Bible studies and seeks to offer monthly outreach activities. Members also plan a semester emphasis on health, concluding with a seminar on personal well-being.

As students continue their campus ministry, Flint hopes church members will help build connections by welcoming young adults who visit their congregations.

“Don’t let them leave without a word of encouragement,” Flint said. “If you can, invite them over for a meal or do something. Let them know that they’re valued and that they’re welcomed back.”