New Christian RSO promotes worship, academic success

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A new registered student organization hopes to reach out to students in their search for God and their search in the career world.

Experiencing God meets for worship at noon on Sundays in Pearce Hall 127 and for Bible study at 8 p.m. Thursdays in the same room.

Detroit senior Jerell Erves, president and functioning pastor of the group, said he formed Experiencing God to provide a place where students from urban settings can worship in a way consistent with their culture.

“We want to grow a family of Christians that is socially, politically and economically successful,” Erves said.

Experiencing God will have three focus areas of salvation, education and vocation. Erves said these focus areas will seek to inform people about Jesus Christ as well as encourage students to pursue careers in the fields God desires from them.

The group’s first worship service this week brought together eight students and community members to listen to a message by Erves about how God can bring good things out of people, regardless of their reputation or background.

“Jesus knows you have certain strengths and talents,” Erves said.  “A person’s gifts will open opportunities for them.”

Time for prayer and announcements about academic opportunities around campus were also included.

Mount Pleasant resident Bernie Bennett received Erves’ message positively and hopes more people will learn from it.

“Prejudice about where someone comes from is not reality — Jesus was Messiah, even though people thought he couldn’t be because of his background,” Bennett said.

Detroit graduate student George Draughn is also hopeful more students will be able to find the RSO and gain something from its existence.

“You wouldn’t be coming here unless you were seeking out some sort of information or seeking God,” Draughn said. “I hope people get whatever they’re looking for.”