Flames of Faith: The spiritual firestorm sweeping Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD- Shemzheru Tenkawur, a junior at Morgan State University(MSU), noticed a trend of people leaving religion, particularly during college.
“It seems like people are walking away from religion and college is the place to begin that exodus,” said Tenkawur, who was raised Methodist.
He left his Methodist church at 19 years old because no one would answer the questions he had about faith, purpose, and life.
“It wasn't enough for me,” he said, “ too many missing pieces.”
Many college students across the nation have similar feelings. Barna Group, a 40-year-old leading research firm, collaborating globally with religious institutions, reported that 70% of young adults who enter college as professing Christians, leave with little to no faith. Studies by institutions like the Pew Research Center, an organization conducting global research on public opinion, demographics, and social trends, show a significant shift in religious affiliation among college students.
“Why should I commit to something that seems to be losing relevance?,” said a student at MSU. “I’m constantly juggling deadlines, trying to keep up with my friends, and the Christianity thing just doesn't add up.”
Morgan State University, founded as a Christian school transitioned to a public institution in 1931 like many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Young Life, rooted in the prayers of an elderly woman in Gainesville, Texas, in the 1930s, was later led by seminarian Jim Rayburn and local pastor Clyde Kennedy. They engaged teens through lively club meetings centered around Jesus Christ. The movement expanded globally by 1953, introducing discipleship programs, transformative camping experiences, and diverse specialized ministries, continuing today worldwide.
Young Life at Morgan State University Club Meeting, Captured by Morgan Lewis
Young Life began at MSU in 2018 at a point when religion was in decline. It is one of several Christian organizations among others at MSU. At the time many college students wanted a purpose in life besides consumerism.
"I've been coming since sophomore year, and I haven't missed a club yet,” said Marvin Spinner, now a senior at Young Life.
Another Young Life member, Amari Briggs, said “You don’t have to be religious or Christian; it’s a great time with good people.”
Dr. Angela Howell, an MSU anthropology professor, and Young Life leader, says that Young Life has a significant impact. "I have walked with people through nervous breakdowns,” she said. “I used to call a young woman and wake her up every day to get her out of bed otherwise she'd be in bed with depression. I have sent people food, driven them home, and Done interviews for students. I come on campus and take people to lunch to hear about their problems, and help them with their schedules."
Clarence Waymond, assistant director of non-denominal chapel operations at MSU, said churches are important in society. He praised Young Life for their ways of teaching. “I believe in today’s society the church needs a leading role,” he said. “Along with the energy Younglife club brings the teaching. It’s the spirit of togetherness, of community that I think helps them to interact and learn from each other.”
Student faith journeys vary.
Lloyd Vumpa, a Morgan Senior, said she was particularly affected by an experience at Rockbridge Alum Springs in Lexington, VA. During one of the annual trips, she was sitting in the pitch dark and she said, “I remember the quietness and being able to see the stars clearly and how the pastor spoke on how we don’t have to check off boxes to come to God.”
Young Life has programs for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and university students. Dr. Howell said that young people are concerned about many things: “Who am I? How do I get to where I'm going?” she said. “Who do I confide in? What are the next steps? And for me to walk alongside them is to help them figure that out."
By: Morgan Lewis
Contributions: Pew Research Center, Barna Group, Shemzheru Tenkawur, Marvin Spinner, Angela Howell, Clarence Waymond, Amari Briggs, Lloyd Vumpa
Photo: Morgan Lewis (Morganthestoryteller)
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