As an incoming freshman, you most likely have a ton of questions about what life will be like away from home, what classes will be like, and what kind of friends you will find and make. The reality of coming to UCSB is that you are coming to a liberal university where being a genuine Christian is being of a minority. You will be forced to make tough decisions that will decide whether you shine the light through campus and Isla Vista or go along with the current.

When I came in last year as a freshman, it was difficult to distinguish and find Christian groups that I felt I could belong to. I have made so many non-Christian friends which is TOTALLY AWESOME. However, it is important in a year full of change and shifting sand that you find mentors and friends that are rocks under your feet.

In this article, I will list some of the largest and most prominent groups on campus as well as the small ones that don't get as much attention. Try a few out in your first few weeks and get plugged in early. Never forget to stay connected with all the friends you meet and be willing and open to new ideas, but do not depart from the strong Christian roots that you likely came into college with.

Christian Gatherings On or Near Campus

1. Cru/Real Life

Meets Thursdays from 8:00-9:30pm in Embarcadero Hall (in Isla Vista near Freebirds and Woodstock's Pizza)

This group is one I am proud to be a part of. They pride themselves as "being a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ". Led by staff members Chris Comstock, Samantha Urena, and Jeff Wood, the group has what are called "weekly meetings" in the lecture hall. The students come from tons of different backgrounds, which makes finding friends so easy. The meetings consist of worship, a short message, and usually testimonies from upperclassmen on advice on how to make it through college as a strong Christian. It's super easy to get involved in small groups, and the people are authentic and willing to support you through good times or bad.

2. Jesus Burgers (JB)/Upper Room

Upper Room starts at 8pm Fridays currently at 6686 Del Playa Dr. with the burgers starting at 10:30pm going until around midnight

This ministry is likely the most well-known ministry at UCSB. Sponsored by the local Isla Vista Church (IVC) and led by Pastor Jason Lomelino, the ministry seeks to reach the lost by cooking and passing out free burgers to anyone who walks by, Christian or not. You know by now that Del Playa or DP is the "party street" in IV. Though several who come to the house are not sober, the house has seen massive life changes right in their front yard. The people that come are broken (just like all of us) and really are just seeking identity in a shifting world. Regularly, students from Westmont college and SBCC also help out with the night. Additionally, Upper Room is a way to get hearts prepared for the night. It's a two-hour or so service where the Spirit is alive and well. It's a great way to clear your mind after a long, hectic week that college will certainly give you.

3. InterVarsity

Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays in a large group at the GSA lounge (second floor of the Multicultural Center (MCC)

Many of my friends are a part of this life-changing ministry. According to their website, InterVarsity exists to "establish and advance witnessing communities of students and faculty". They are also a large and very diverse group of students from a wide range of backgrounds. The people I've met in this ministry are also genuine and supportive. They love to be involved in small groups and Bible studies and have groups for IV residents, FT, Santa Cruz/Anacapa, Santa Rosa, Tropicana Del Norte, San Nic, San Miguel, and others.

4. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Meets on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. on the second floor of the ICA Building

This group is primarily for the NCAA/Intercollegiate athletes on campus, but also is open to club athletes who need a Christian support system around the idea of sports. Led by Kirsten Stockfish, a former Arizona State Volleyball player, the small group meets for a hour a week connecting Christian athletes together. There is prayer for upcoming tournaments, games, and meets followed by a message from a fellow athlete or guest speaker such as a coach, UCSB alumni, or well-known athlete. It is a good introductory place for a seeking Christian and another great way to get involved as an athlete when your time is so limited.

(Contact me for more information)

5. Epic

Meets on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in varying locations

Epic seeks to "bring the Gospel of Christ to the world through Asian American Students and Faculty". This group is around 100 people who call on the name of God. In structure, it is similar to Real Life, but a bit geared towards Asian American students on campus. In fact, it is actually a sub-ministry of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ renamed) which also oversees Real Life.

6. Acts2Fellowship

Meets on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. in varying locations

This ministry is also fairly substantial and is a newer ministry on campus. They are around the basis of community and eating together. Gatherings start with food, followed a message and worship. By using Acts 2 as a guide to their ministry, they seek to build life groups and community by doing life together as fellow college students.

7. IMPACT

Meets on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lobero Room at the UCEN

This ministry is geared towards African-American Students on campus but is open to all. This subministry of Cru provides a great spiritual environment for students to grow in their relationship with God believing that Jesus is the One Way, Truth, and Life.

Other Smaller Christian Gatherings

8. Asian-American Christian Fellowship (AACF)

9. Alpha Omega Campus Ministry

10. Korean Campus Crusade for Christ (KCCC)

11. Destino - Ministry geared towards latino/a students

12. Bridges International - geared towards international students

13. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship

14. Chinese Christian Fellowship (CCF)

15. Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)

16. SERVUS - Catholic group geared specifically towards serving IV community

17. The Anchor - Pentecostal group

Local Churches Popular for UCSB/SBCC Students

1. Reality Santa Barbara

Meets 10 a.m Sundays at the Santa Barbara High School Auditorium

2. Ocean Hills Community Church

Meets 10 a.m. Sundays at the Marjorie Lake Theatre at the Santa Barbara Junior High School

3. St. Mark's Isla Vista

10 a.m. normal Sunday mass and 7:00pm UCSB Student Mass at 6550 Picasso Rd. in Isla Vista

4. Isla Vista Church (IVC)

Meets at 4 p.m. Sundays at 6737 Sueño in Isla Vista

5. Santa Barbara Community Church

Sunday services at 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at 1002 Cieneguitas Rd in Santa Barbara

6. Calvary Chapel - Sunday services at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. at 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Suite 21 in Santa Barbara