Chi Alpha, also known as XA, is an international Christian fellowship originally founded in 1953 at Missouri State University. Chi Alpha has expanded into over 300 campuses throughout the United States and around the globe.
Chi Alpha’s mission is to lead students into a relationship with Christ and bring them encouragement through prayer, worship, discipleship and community. They motivate students to make an impact in the university and others around them, teaching students to spread the love of God through kindness and respect.
At USF, many students feel welcomed and at home in the community that Chi Alpha offers them. From students who grew up Christian to others who question Christianity, Chi Alpha offers them a safe place to learn and grow as an individual, as well as with others. On Tuesday nights, Chi Alpha holds their large group in the Marshall Student Center, welcoming students and even those who aren’t USF students to join. Throughout the week, Chi Alpha offers “small groups” where students can thrive and form Christ-centered friendships in smaller gatherings. Through Chi Alpha, students can grow genuine friendships with others that they can rely on.
A typical Chi Alpha service at USF consists of worship, a message and prayer. During worship, the worship band consisting of drums, acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, keys, and a couple of singers plays around three songs, inviting the congregation to sing along in worship. Stephen and Kasey Widner preach a message from the Bible and end the service with a prayer for the students and the community.
Steven Widner directs Chi Alpha at USF alongside his wife, Kasey Widner. He preaches during Tuesday large groups, while also leading the worship team from time to time. Steven emphasizes worship’s importance as it encourages students and glorifies God.
Hear a snippet of what worship sounds like at Chi Alpha’s Tuesday large group.
Editor’s Note: The story was produced by a student in Mobile Storytelling who is a member of Chi Alpha.