.png)
Jacob Back
BY JACOB BACK
Multimedia Journalist
Now more than ever, college campuses are seeing an influx of students participating in Christian ministries. From worship nights and free lunches to simple hangouts with like-minded people, they are trading in the party culture for something with purpose.
Nestled in the hills of Erath County, Tarleton State University promotes a strong party culture. But behind the curtain, it seems like students are longing for more.
The average college student in 2026 parties two days a week, with a rising number leading to zero, according to a study conducted by StatCrunch and Pearson.
And with Tarleton seeing a 48.58% enrollment increase, more students are flooding the campus. Meaning more students are seeking who and what they are.
But behind the loud music, drunkenness and one-night stands, students are left feeling empty. Repeating a cycle of worry, anxiety and loneliness.
“It brings about the realization for people. ‘Am I wasting my life?’” Tarleton Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) Campus Missionary Samuel Gilbreth said.
For the first time in their lives, young adults are on their own, alone on a campus trying to figure out who they are as a person. Many students are willing to try everything.
Gilbreth said that when you mix campus life with students willing to try anything, they realize that it's [Church] a lot more than just an event.
At Tarleton, students are not only surrounded by eight main on-campus Christian ministries, including The BSM, Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM and Paradigm. Stephenville is home to over 40 local churches with college ministries.
“College is the most pivotal time of somebody’s life,” Gilbreth said. “They’re off from their family for the first time, trying to figure out their spiritual beliefs."
Many students may even come to college thinking they know Christ and are living for Him, but involvement in a campus ministry has shown them the true perspective.
At The BSM, students are able to participate in several activities, including Noon Lunch, Manifold, Lead Team, GoNow Missions, Miles for Missions and 402 Worship (402).
402 is the BSM’s main gathering night. It is where students come together to worship Jesus Christ directly on TSU’s campus, located at The BSM building across from Heritage Park.
Through The BSM, TSU has seen a rapid number of students committing their lives to Christ their freshman year, and for most, it is a life-changing decision.
During his freshman year, Gilbreth explained how much he was forced to grow out of being uncomfortable and not wanting to talk much. His involvement at The BSM changed his perspective on life and how to combat loneliness.
Senior BSM Lead Team member and Animal Science Major Jessica Vick also clarified how much of a grip loneliness has on most Tarleton students.
“It’s so hard in college unless you find a strong community. Or even if you do, you're going to have times of loneliness,” Vick said. “Sometimes you can only be alone with your thoughts and your brain.”
Vick came to know Christ on TSU’s campus her freshman year of college. She explained that she had heard the Gospel as young as 15, but not till she arrived at The BSM did it click for her that she wasn't living for Christ.
She added that someone from The BSM sat her down and explained the Gospel again, allowing her to hear it with an open mind,
“Since I was 18, until now, my faith just means everything to me,” Vick said. “He walks with me, and my faith has never been stronger, just because of what He did for me on that cross.”
In the last few years, TSU has hit record enrollment of students across the board. More students means more opportunities for lives to be changed. Gilbreth and Vick both added how hard college is and how demanding the four years can be. But with faith, everything can change.
“There will be things that you lose, and you might make a decision to give up,” Gilbreth said. “But it is so worth it; I’ve seen my life transformed radically in my last four years of college.”
Comment
Comments