Gamma Phi Delta, a one-man fraternity
Christian fraternity Gamma Phi Delta's sole member, Johnny Jones Jr., runs the show.
Gamma Phi Delta, described by Jones as a fraternity of "disciples making disciples that will make disciples," was chartered at Central Michigan University in the spring of 2007.
“We are an organization of men who believe in teaching and equipping other men with the tools that they need to go out and help and support their church and/or community," the Detroit junior said.
Jones joined in 2009, when the fraternity housed only three others, but when his brothers graduated one semester later, he became its sole member. In the spring of 2010, Jones took on the responsibility of running the fraternity.
“In my opinion, a Christian fraternity seems to be an oxymoron," Jones said. "Those two words seem to have so much of an opposite meaning, that the idea of them together seems impossible."
Jones said some people might be hesitant to join the fraternity because they might feel they need to be perfect as a member, but he said that is not the case.
"Our fraternity consists of many members who are far from perfect, but still strive for it everyday," Jones said. "On the outside, it may seem that we require members not to party, drink, etc. Our role as brothers is to help other brothers work through bad habits, not to make them feel bad about them.”
Although the number of members have dropped to one, the most members the fraternity has ever had is five.
Despite the shortage of members, Jones has remained involved with the community and volunteers as much as possible.
“I volunteer in the Office of Student Life, the soup kitchen at least three times a semester, and I am the founder of the Christian nightclub, Phi Light Lounge, that is held once a month at Centennial Hall (306 W. Michigan St.)” Jones said. “(Gamma Phi Delta) also has a philanthropy week in November for Prostate Cancer Awareness. I also help His House with the annual St. Patrick's Day van rides.”
To become a member, one must first go to an informational meeting, then once qualified, an interview is set up following a six-to-eight week orientation process. Jones followed this same procedure and has faith others will as well.
“It has helped me to grow more in my faith and has also improved my leadership and programming abilities," he said. "The brothers that I do have always keep in touch and encourage me in my studies and with the organization. Sometimes I get discouraged; however, my growth in my faith has allowed me to be reassured that God has plans for the organization and that he has the right men who will join before I leave"
