Heading into Fall 2023
DCXA at AU
Hello!
It's a hot day on campus and I can't believe that in about a month the freshmen will be moving to campus!
I'm writing today to share about a shift we've decided to make for DC Chi Alpha at AU in regard to our programming (calendar) for Fall 2023. I'm excited, a little nervous, and yet hopeful that as we adapt the way in which we engage in disciple-making that we can grow in effectiveness as joyful followers of Jesus.
Why consider changes, you ask?
Well, if you know me, it's not because I just like change!
We are doing so for a variety of factors, including to better serve our current season of ministry and to more effectively engage those on our campus disconnected from any campus ministry.
Here's the shift: For the upcoming semester, we won't be meeting weekly on Thursdays for a large group service. Instead, we'll meet every other week (about) on Fridays at my apartment for a simple meal (free!), worship, connection, and interactive teaching. Currently, we've penciled in the start time as 6:30pm.
This will give us a chance to practice hospitality, model an integration of the (often separated) social and spiritual dynamics of our relationships, and to create space to really invest in each individual that is part of this community from a different perspective (all while inviting new students to participate).
Before I go any further, let me just say, this wasn't an easy decision and although I wish I could guarantee outcomes, I cannot. I hope it's wildly successful, but only time will tell how it all looks. And no, the Lord didn't specifically tell us to do this in a dream (that would be cool albeit complex!) but we do think this will position us to be able to live out our vision and values in this unique season of re-establishing a discipleship community post-COVID among Generation Z.
I know that change can often be surprising, disappointing, bittersweet, and downright challenging. Don't dismiss those emotions. We are here for you, I am here for you, when you want to process and as you have more questions.
Thursday night services have never been our main vision. In fact, we've renamed it so many times and had it in so many different locations, it could make you dizzy! We've called it weekly worship, thursday night worship, as well as large group and we've had it in Kay Lounge, Kay Chapel, a dorm common room, and at Embassy Church throughout the past ten years. But please hear me on this next point: 'community nights' that'll happen every other Friday also aren't the vision. The vision is and always has been disciple-making, and the vehicle for that has been what we've done on Thursdays and what we're preparing to do on Fridays. I hope that makes sense!
Sometimes, the vehicle needs to change. For now, we felt the vehicle needed to change, and that's what led to the shift. It is our aim that this new calendar will allow us to flourish as it pertains to disciple-making and our pursuit of becoming a group of friends earnestly pursuing Jesus through passionate worship and consistent prayer.
I'd love to hear your questions and thoughts, please feel free to text or email me!
You might have questions about Life Groups, and here's some basic information:
Men's Life Group || led by me || Tuesdays at 8:30pm
Women's Life Group || led by Natalie & Amelia || Date/Time: TBD [Note: our Life Groups typically take place at night on Tuesdays or Wednesdays]
Sincerely,
— Rev. Blane Young
DC Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at American University, Director
P.S. This change is limited to our ministry and community at AU, and doesn't reflect the programming calendar for GU. Just thought I'd mention that!
[edited for clarity, originally emailed to our community on July 14, 2023]