organization. Byman was beginning to question his work with student-athletes when he ran into Dyer outside of Kline’s office, and Dyer mentioned an interest in starting a Bible study group of some sort in response to questions from students. “I didn’t know what we were going to do; I didn’t know anything about FCA,” Dyer explained. “I just said to Greg, ‘I’d like to look into serving students who want to grow in their faith.’”
Byman has spoken to students through University Experience classes to let freshmen know that he is available, but he finds that casual interactions are most effective in reaching students. “Just sitting in the cafeteria talking to students is the best way to approach them,” he explained. “Students are very receptive at least to a conversation. Students want to talk about this stuff, share where they are, and ask questions. I try to point them to people who can help.”
Dyer said Byman jumped at the chance, happy to know a faculty member wanted to help him. Kline was the one to suggest they look into FCA, noting that FCA has a strong connection to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). “It was pretty evident that FCA was the right way to go,” Dyer said. The group was formed in January 2008, and “It’s been going pretty good ever since.” FCA draws 20 to 25 students to weekly meetings on Monday evenings, and Byman describes it as a positive environment for students. “They want to solve the drama in their life,” he said. “They may laugh at ‘Jersey Shore,’ but they don’t like living it.”
Discussing issues of faith during a meeting of Fellowship of Christian Athletes
In addition to working with Dyer to support students through FCA, Byman works as a chaplain to counsel students and tries to connect students with local churches. Students also can explore faith through weekly Bible studies led by Dr. Ben Gates of Campus Ministry.
Although Byman is pastor of St. Joe Community Church, a local Christian community, his goal is not to recruit students to his faith but to provide a resource for them to channel their own faith and spirituality.
“College students are an almost overlooked population for churches,” Byman said. “They’ve broken from their traditional church home, and they’re searching for independence. The traditional way of drawing people into a church community doesn’t work for the student population.”
“What I’m curious about is ‘Do you have a God story? If you don’t, why or why not,’” he said. “I have no desire to talk people into believing in Jesus just because that’s what I believe in. That’s my story.” Looking ahead, Byman would like to secure a volunteer chaplain for every team, learn how to support the needs of the growing international student population, and foster student movements to create additional faith groups such as Anointing, the university’s gospel choir.
Local pastors have been very receptive to Byman’s efforts, and he has brought many guest speakers to campus. One notable guest was Pastor Rick Hawks, who drew an audience of 50 to 60 students for his presentation titled “Did the Devil Make Me Do It?” Byman would like to bring in “What comes up from the students is more important than additional speakers to discuss different aspects of faith. what I think,” Byman explained. “I’m here to serve students.” “We’re always looking for alumni or local professionals who would want to come and share their faith story and be a positive example or a future mentor,” he explained.
Volume 8, Issue 2
Spring 2012
11