The beginning of a new school year means a chance for new opportunities. This is especially true for freshmen, many of whom are probably still looking for a church they can call home during their time here. Today, several of the smaller churches from around Searcy will have booths set up in the Student Center.

Dan Williams, Vice President of Church Relations said he highly encourages anyone interested to attend the fair.

“The challenge for students is that they know they’re here on a temporary basis and they know that whatever connections they make here will only be here for two, three or four years,” Williams said.

As a result, many people might not consider church a worthy investment. However, Williams believes the opposite and encourages students not to minimize the importance of church. Williams said the church is meant to be a community of people striving for the same goal and that cannot happen if everyone is doing their own thing.

According to Williams, there are several advantages to being plugged into a church during college. One advantage is being able to interact with a generation that is older and more mature. Williams said it allows students to find role models and mentors they can turn to for advice. Just like using a map during a road trip, they can guide students and lead them where they want to go. Another advantage is having a support group that can help in various mission efforts, whether it is monetarily or through other means.

“They know you, they trust you, and they want to support you,” Williams said. “You’re part of the family.”

Williams said he looks back on his personal experience with going to a specific church during college, with fond memories. He attended Refuge Church of Christ which, at that time, was just a small building in the country with a classroom. He said he was invited over for events like fish fries and various meals, and was also was given opportunities to preach and teach there.

Williams advised freshmen to visit around and not to overlook the smaller churches.

“There are advantages both ways,” Williams said. “With a larger church, you have more resources and programs. In a smaller congregation, you may have more opportunities to get more personally involved”

While the church fair is a great starting point for freshmen, they are not the only ones who could benefit from it. Any upperclassmen who have not managed to find a church home are encouraged to attend as well. For many, they know they will graduate in a year and may not consider it worthwhile to start making connections in such a short time.

“I would say they’re at the beginning of a new year and have an opportunity to be plugged in for the next seven or eight months,” Williams said.

The event will take place from 8:30a.m. to noon on Friday Sept. 11 and 18 in the Student Center.