Two weeks ago, Easter weekend, we had the privilege to attend Lads 2 Leaders in Dallas, Texas, on behalf of the McCarty Student Center. Along with witnessing young boys and girls (as young as kindergarten) compete in various events such as Oral Bible Reading, Debate, Bible Bowl, and Art Says It, we had the opportunity to meet many brethren from across the southern states, mostly Texas but also Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The conversation always steered towards our booth, which proudly displayed the maroon and gold of Texas State University. There was information about our mission trips, Bible studies, service projects, Thursday devotionals, and even updates regarding the renovation of the McCarty Student Center. There are always interesting conversations at events like this.

One mom, though, walked up, and the first words from her mouth were, “I don’t want to be rude, but…”

“…when there are so many Christian schools I could send my child to, why would I send them to Texas State University?”

I’ll be honest: It is hard not to get offended, especially when Texas State is often labeled a “party school.” Usually, these proclamations come from individuals who are not students or alumni of TXST and frequently have not attended a 4-year college. I hate to break it to you, but all colleges (even Ivy League and private Christian schools) have the potential to be a “party school.” The person, not the school, drives the nature of their social activities. But I digress.

The question, however, is a good one to consider. And the answer is not the one this mom or most parents expect. The answer is the church that meets at 115 Country Estates Dr every Sunday and Wednesday. Regardless of where we end up, whether during the four-year college experience, the early years as a young professional, or through any given stage of life, the most critical question is always, “Where is my church family?”

As the University Church of Christ, we care for adoptive college students as though they were our own. We teach the God-inspired Bible every time we come together and submit to Jesus Christ’s authority. We serve our community, train leaders, honor mothers, support widows, share our resources, and spread the Gospel near, far, and abroad. We are a people broken, repaired, and refurbished by the blood of Jesus Christ and the loving support of His church.

As I sit back and consider her initial question, I feel myself transitioning from frustration at the question to pride in the answer. If I were a parent helping my child choose a university, I would send them to Texas State University, and on their first Sunday on campus, I would visit the University Church of Christ at 115 Country Estates Dr to introduce them to the church, the people that Jesus died for.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16 ,NKJV)