A growing demand for Bible studies among students at Southern Adventist University has led to the expansion of peer Bible study groups across campus, with 57 studies launched during the 2025-2026 school year.
Leaders in the University’s Office of Ministry and Missions said the initiative was developed after a growing number of students expressed interest in studying Scripture.
“The goal was for every student on campus who requested Bible studies to receive them,” said Manuel Gomez, associate chaplain in Southern’s Office of Ministry and Missions. “We were seeing that interest increase, and we needed a way to meet it.”
To respond, Ashley Velbis, last year’s assistant chaplain, and Katie-Jane Emde, a senior biology major and Bible study coordinator last year, created an organizational framework for students to lead Bible studies for their peers. Student volunteers were trained at the beginning of each semester and provided with study materials before being paired with other students who had requested Bible studies. The volunteers also received ongoing support throughout the process.
“We emphasize how to create a culture of transformational relationships,” said Velbis. “Rather than simply imparting knowledge to a person, we want these spiritual leaders to learn to care about and support each mentee throughout his or her collegiate life.”
That emphasis on connection has already made an impact for students like Sharon Edwin, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She signed up for Bible studies at the beginning of the Winter 2026 semester, but almost backed out after receiving unexpected medical news.
“I was so sad and disappointed, because I am alone in this country,” said Edwin. “My parents aren’t here, so the health challenge was very overwhelming.” Spiritually, Edwin felt like she was drifting away from God. Although she initially canceled her first meeting, her instructor reached out to reschedule. What began as a hesitant commitment for Edwin soon grew into a weekly rhythm.
“After the studies, I made a pact to read the Bible just one hour a day,” said Edwin. “It’s been three weeks now, and I feel more connected to Jesus.”
For student instructors, the experience is equally formative. Sadie Elias, a junior psychology major and Bible study instructor, said the one-on-one format allows for deeper, more personal conversations.
“We can focus on what is relevant to our lives and compare different experiences,” said Elias. “When you hear someone else’s doubts, you can choose to journey through those same issues yourself. I’m grateful that I have this experience to walk through questions in community.”
While balancing schoolwork with leading Bible studies can be challenging, Elias said the commitment has been worthwhile.
“Sometimes I have wondered why I would add something else to my schedule,” she said. “But, after I prepare for a study or meet with a mentee, I feel refreshed. I’m always glad I did it.”
This kind of shared growth is central to the program’s purpose. Gomez points to the biblical example of Barnabas, who was known for mentoring and encouraging others, as a model for student instructors.
“These types of connections require someone who is willing to step in and invest in others,” said Gomez. “If there is no Barnabas, there is no Paul.”
By the end of last school year, leaders had trained a total of 27 student instructors, allowing every student’s request for Bible study to be met.
Gomez shares that they plan to continue investing in the program to help it grow while maintaining a high level of care and quality. For this school year, an additional student Bible study coordinator position has been filled to provide better support for the instructors, follow up with students more quickly, and continue recruiting and training new instructors as interest grows.
Gomez said, “Ultimately, we want Southern to be a place where students don’t just earn a degree, but grow as disciples of Jesus who will make a spiritual difference everywhere they go.”
Genessis Castellanos-Radillo is a sophomore English major at Southern Adventist University.
Southern Adventist University | September 2026
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