Whatever Comes

Geo grew up in a deeply religious household, shaped by his family's involvement in the Church of Christ. His father, a preacher, led congregations and remained active in ministry, particularly in outreach to the homeless. This meant Geo spent much of his youth engaged in church activities and service projects. However, despite his involvement, he struggled to feel fully aligned with the faith of his upbringing.

"I never fully felt in line or intertwined with it because I had differences of opinion on certain issues like social rights and how things are processed and done. I backed away and broke away from it pretty early on. I still went to church because I had to. But I would just kind of show up; I would go on Sunday and that would be it."

As he got older, Geo found himself drawn to philosophy and comparative religion, expanding his perspective beyond Christianity. He read the Koran, the Torah, and other religious texts, realizing that he had the freedom to find his own spiritual path. 

"Coming to college I thought I was going to focus on my own personal stuff and keep those notions of 'whatever comes my way, will come my way' and, surprisingly, it has led me to JCM."

Geo’s introduction to Jacksonville Campus Ministry (JCM) came through an unexpected connection on a study abroad trip. A fellow student who had also grown up in the Church of Christ shared their own journey of reconnecting with faith through JCM and encouraged Geo to check it out. 

"I thought it sounded interesting but I was a little wary at first, but I was told to at least come to a Food for Thought and try it out. I was open to doing that and right away I knew it was going to be a good place."

JCM was unlike any Christian ministry Geo had encountered before. Instead of rigid doctrine and exclusion, he found a welcoming, open-minded community.

"It is a collective community of people who have either been wronged by a religion or wronged by themselves in a certain way and they can come together and feel connected. Everyone is really open-minded and that is what kept me coming back."

Through JCM, Geo found himself engaging in meaningful discussions, forming deep connections, and re-evaluating his perspective on Christianity. His experience on the fall retreat rekindled memories of past church retreats, but this time, he was surrounded by people who encouraged exploration and dialogue rather than forcing belief.

What stands out to Geo the most is the way JCM functions beyond its scheduled events. The casual, everyday moments of community are just as important as the organized gatherings.

"Anytime there is a small event outside of scheduled JCM time is what the community is really about. When we text each other and say 'Hey I’m going to grab food or I’m going to head to the library' people get together. Furthering those connections has been nice because then people get to learn about each other, and care about each other, and it doesn’t matter whether you are new to JCM or you have been there forever. Or if you believe this or you don’t believe this, it all kind of weaves together."

JCM’s atmosphere provided a stark contrast to the pressure Geo had felt growing up as the "epitome of young Christianity." He no longer has to uphold an image or conform to a single way of believing. Instead, he sees Christianity practiced in a way that resonates with his values— genuinely inclusive, open to questioning, and deeply rooted in community.

"I had the mentality that I knew what Christianity was about and I wasn’t going to touch it again. I knew it wasn’t for me. Pre-college I only had one view of Christianity and I didn’t want anything to do with that. Now I understand that it can mean so many different things to different people."

Geo’s journey with JCM has not only reshaped his view of Christianity but has also inspired him to share his experience with others.

"I enjoy promoting JCM and saying, 'Oh no, you may have heard that about other ministries, but JCM isn’t like other Christian ministries on campus.'"

For Geo, Jacksonville Campus Ministry has become more than a faith group— it’s a true community where he can explore spirituality without fear, embrace meaningful relationships, and redefine what Christianity can be. Because of your generosity, we are able to continue this important ministry and reach students like Geo.