Part of the Conversation

Eliza knew from the start of her college experience that she wanted to find a faith community. Having grown up in a religious environment, she was familiar with the teachings of Christianity, but as she entered adulthood, she realized it was time to take ownership of her faith. "I had never stopped believing in God, but it was hard not having any community surrounding my faith," she recalls. For Eliza, it wasn’t just about finding a Christian group on campus; she wanted a community that was affirming, inclusive, and celebrated diversity.

After some reflection, she knew her ideal faith community would be one that was accepting of all people, regardless of background or identity. As a queer student, it was crucial for her to find a place where she could be her authentic self without judgment. That’s when she stumbled upon an Instagram post from Jacksonville Campus Ministry (JCM). Something about the way JCM presented themselves as both open-minded and deeply rooted in faith caught her attention, so she decided to check them out.

Her first event with JCM was Food for Thought during "Good Christian Sex" month, a time when the ministry opens up discussions on topics that are often seen as taboo in many Christian circles. "The group was willing to talk about sex and faith. I was included from my first time in the conversation," Eliza says. "I spoke up, and people really listened. I felt like I could say exactly what I was thinking, and no one would judge me. I was part of the conversation from day one."

The sense of belonging she felt that day sparked something in Eliza, and soon, attending JCM events became a regular part of her routine. "People really engaged with me," she remembers. "It only took a couple of meetings for people to get to know me, and it was really nice. That’s why I kept coming." What stood out to her was not just the welcoming atmosphere, but the depth of relationships she formed with other students in the ministry. It wasn’t superficial or forced; it was a genuine connection based on shared values and mutual support.

Now, Eliza is an integral part of JCM. She recently participated in the River City Pride Parade with the ministry, an experience that had a profound impact on her. "It’s really cool that it was so affirming," she says. "It’s still hard for me sometimes to mix that part of my identity with the Church, but it’s great to see how many people are supportive of queer people and still a part of the Church." For Eliza, this was a moment of clarity—she had found a faith community that not only welcomed her but celebrated her for who she is.

Reflecting on her time with JCM, Eliza feels a deep sense of belonging. "I feel a lot of support now. I feel like I am a part of a community that really does feel like a community. Even the people I’m not as close with, I could go to them for help." For her, the most significant impact JCM has had is helping her reconnect with her faith. “JCM has brought me back to faith when my previous churches pushed me further away from it,” she says. Those past experiences had left her feeling distant from Christianity, but JCM offered her a fresh start—a place to rediscover her relationship with God in a supportive, affirming environment.

For Eliza, Jacksonville Campus Ministry has become more than just a place to explore her faith—it has become a home, a sanctuary where she can grow spiritually while being fully embraced for who she is.