Finding friends and faith

There are plenty of ways to get involved at MSU, including joining a campus ministry like InterVarsity. This is a great way to create a network of friends and become a part of a campus community while growing your faith. InterVarsity is a Christian group whose vision is to see “students and faculty transformed, campuses renewed, & world changers developed.” 

Small group leader Lauren Helbling appreciates all the relationships that she has been able to foster. “They’ve become my best friends and I get to see them almost every day,” said Hebling.  She believes that it’s important to get involved in a community like InterVarsity because it gives you a place to “turn to when you’re struggling, as well as a place to grow in your faith.” Any fellowship or ministry on campus provides a great way to overcome homesickness and make a second family at school. 

Helbling says the most important thing to remember about on-campus ministries and fellowships is that they’re “all on the same team, and [they’re] in it together.” She said that it’s easy to get caught up in competing to win over people for their group, but in the end, it’s about creating a safe space to talk with people who have the same beliefs as you.

Helbling describes InterVarsity as “a family on [a] mission,” and their biggest priority is being a place to make friends while also “being a missional group to talk about Jesus.” They host events every month such as volleyball tournaments, hikes and ultimate frisbee. They also have a variety of meetings throughout the week: women’s small group, men’s small group co-ed small group, and a large group meeting on Fridays. All information about meeting times and places can be found on the InterVarsity website at https://www.intervarsitymontana.org/montana-state-university.html or their Instagram @msuiv.