By: Isaiah S. Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist/’What’s Good’ Host
GLASSBORO, N.J. — Chi Alpha is a Christian Fellowship on Rowan University’s campus, and they are hosting a mugshot event to draw students together to build relationships with students and cultivate community.
The event took place at Holly Pointe Commons, and all the students needed to do is sign in, grab a mug, and go take their free mugshot then go enjoy a root beer float courtesy of Chi Alpha.
Chi Alpha is different than other Christian fellowships on campus because they aren’t stereotypical in their approach to outreach but still having Jesus Christ and his love be the focal point of their message according to Abby Newkirk, a missionary for Chi Alpha.
“I love the concept of mugshots because it’s jarring,” said Newkirk. “It’s not what you picture as a Christian organization event, but I think it’s a good way to represent that we’re not always supper structured or traditional, but we still love the Lord.”
The students that participated had root beer floats to look forward to as well as volleyball games and with over 250 mugs up for grabs, the festivities were taken full advantage of.
Carl Nalbandian, the campus pastor for Chi Alpha, has been serving in his position for 13 years and says he loves meeting students where they are in their walk with God and events like these helps to get to know the students.
“Even though I grew up in the church God has slowly changed my heart to be more like him,” said Nalbandian. “I see what I read in scripture and he’s a man and he’s God and he wants to really change people and meet them where they’re at.”
Chi Alpha meets every Thursday at 8 p.m. in Discovery Hall at Rowan University, and it’s open to all Rowan University and Rowan College students.
Chi Alpha is definitely What’s Good in South Jersey because the fellowship prioritizes cultivating community through building healthy relationships.
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