Chi Alpha is an interdenominational Christian campus ministry on universities throughout the United States and around the world. It is a movement of college-age men and women earnestly following Jesus. It is not a fraternity or sorority and everyone is invited to be a part, regardless of background.

Students involved grew up Lutheran, Catholic, Pentecostal, Buddhist, Atheist… They are from Asia, Africa, Europe and the U.S. They are undergraduates, graduates, Ph.D. seekers, all with different majors, different futures, and different dreams.

It meets on campus in groups of varying size and style. These gatherings are informal, infused with music and interaction, and cover topics from relationships to the nature of truth. It creates opportunities for students to meet God, each other, and the needs of the community.

Wherever these students are on their spiritual journey, there is a place for them here.

What does “Chi Alpha” stand for?

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” Inspired by this verse we chose the phrase “christou apostoloi,” meaning “Christ’s sent ones,” to represent who we are. The Greek letters Chi (X) and Alpha (A) are the initials of this phrase, which reminds us that we should live to reflect Jesus’ life.

Why Reach the Campus?

Not everyone must embrace the typical mission field to reach the nations. The nations are already amongst us, studying at colleges across the United States. With the diverse variety of international students amongst our colleges, it positions the body of Christ to reach the unreachable. It allows the message of Christ to be shared with students who otherwise would never have an opportunity hear the gospel due to the religious restraints of their home country. These students then return to their home countries and share the truth with friends and family, people we otherwise would never have an opportunity to reach.

Additionally, 70% of the world’s leaders are currently studying on college campuses. The leaders of tomorrow are being shaped today, and if the values of the Bible and the message of Jesus Christ do not reach these people as students while they are most vulnerable, the probability that they will ever accept Christ is substantially reduced. The most effective way to reach the top political leaders, leading business professionals, famous film makers and actors, etc. is to reach them before they become they reach that position of power. The values instilled these students during their college years will follow them the rest of their life, which will shape the world we live in.