Becomings first kick-off gathering at Fellowship Monrovia. Arielle Wilburn Courtesy
Students prepare for worship at “Becomings” launch service. Arielle Wilburn Courtesy.
The new college-age group at Fellowship Monrovia Church called “Becoming,” is a Bible study that encourages the search for oneself in a setting of believers.
According to the website madeforfellowship.com, the ministry is about fostering an environment where Christian college students can discover who they are in Christ through understanding and engaging the Word of God. Becoming also hosts events to encourage students to bring friends and participate in community and fellowship.
Just recently, Fellowship Monrovia hosted its Fall Launch Party and visited Azusa Pacific to give more information about it. The program is run by alum Brittany Barron (’09) and her interns.
Becoming started at the end of September 2013. While looking at the diversity of the church, the large number of college students and young adults stood out. This encouraged congregation members to start the ministry to meet this group’s needs.
According to Barron, the name “Becoming” came from Shauna Niequist’s book, “Bittersweet.” The ministries name originates from a line quote in the book, “There is a season for wildness and a season for settledness but this is neither, this is a season about becoming.”
“Becoming is really a space that we want to offer our college students and young adult community where they can connect with God, connect with each other and grow together in a life of worship,” Barron said.
Multiple trips are offered to provide another way for students to connect. Drew Mastuda, gradute student at APU and intern for Becoming, said he looks forward to helping plan these for the group. The coming year’s trips include spiritual formation weekend retreats, backpacking and a journey to South Africa.
Aside from trips, the staff behind the ministry noticed a need for a focus on the college and young adult segment of the church. Barron explained that this need was met by a passion for young people. Each intern expressed a desire to serve and get to know the people who will be at the meetings.
“I was interested in “Becoming” because I wanted to impact the lives of college students. Being less than two years removed from undergrad, I understand the temptations and struggles students face,” said Matsuda. “I want to be alongside them in those times and also witness their triumphs, pointing them toward Jesus every step of the way.”
Senior psychology major and “Rooted” ministry intern Arielle Wilburn explains that the church as a whole is involved in this ministry just as much as the staff is. She mentions that the pastor has comes to various events and shares his words of wisdom.
“When a church pours in, it means so much more,” Wilburn said.
Becoming currently meets on the second Sunday of the month, but soon hopes to have a weekly service. The meetings are located at 401 East Huntington Dr. in Monrovia. To get connected and for more information, visit madeforfellowship.com or follow it on Instagram, Twitter @be_coming or Facebook.com/wearebecoming.