For the first time, the University of Southern Mississippi’s Chi Alpha campus ministry is completely student-led.
“We’re just friends that’s trying to push the mission of Jesus,” said Amariah Penton, president of Chi Alpha.
The name Chi Alpha stems from the Greek words Christou Apostoloi, meaning “Christ’s ambassador.”
“Our main goal is to push the mission of Jesus,” Penton said. “We’re just disciples making disciples.”
Chi Alpha is an international campus ministry sponsored by the Assemblies of God, but its official website states all students are welcome regardless of denomination.
Southern Miss is home to 11 campus ministries, but few are entirely student-led. The campus welcomed Chi Alpha in 2022, when missionaries Kyle and Heather launched the organization.
Kyle served as pastor while Heather led worship. After the couple moved away, Penton and other members worked to keep the ministry alive.
“We wanted to keep fanning the flame,” Penton said. “After they left, we weren’t really talking about large groups that much, and then the end of the summer came, I don’t think anyone else had time to prepare.”
Chi Alpha’s Large Group service meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, with worship, a student testimony, a sermon and prayer.
The leadership team includes Vice President Hannah Ornatowski, Treasurer Alysia Moore and Secretary Erin Moore.
“Everyone has a different job, but I feel like we’re all the president really. We’re all doing it together,” Penton said.
In addition to Large Group, Chi Alpha hosts weekly small groups focused on Bible study, discussion and fellowship. Penton and Alysia Moore lead a women’s group on Mondays at 7 p.m. Erin Moore and Ornatowski lead another women’s group on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at Mo’Bays. At 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Harmony Porter leads a co-ed group. On Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Julien Smith IV leads an all-male group. On Thursdays at 2:30 p.m., Makini Lewis and Tenli Nicholson lead a women’s group.
Despite changes in leadership, Penton said the ministry’s mission remains the same.
“We just want people to know it doesn’t matter how many mistakes you’ve had, God still wants to use you,” she said. “I make a million mistakes a day, but God is so gracious.”
For more information about Chi Alpha at Southern Miss, visit their Instagram page @southernmisschialpha.
