College Student Weekend - Faith Builders

July 4-6, 2025

College education can be an opportunity for Christians to learn more about the creation of God and interact with people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. At the same time, this opportunity comes with a unique set of challenges socially, spiritually, and intellectually. For example, conservative Anabaptist college students are often a minority in both their churches and colleges.

Faith Builders hosts College Student Weekend at the River Ridge Mansion, an early-20th-century mansion built by an oil baron near Franklin, PA. At College Student Weekend, we reflect on issues related to higher education and membership in conservative Christian community. How does Anabaptism shape the college learning experience? How do your studies shape you as an Anabaptist?

We gather to explore our calling to humility and faithfulness. We talk about the issues raised at many campuses, hear from each other, and enjoy God’s presence. Attendees share their stories in small groups and pray for one another. Speakers, staff, and students mix for times of food, fellowship, and recreation. We seek to nurture a faithful, reverent pursuit of learning that deepens love for God and equips us to serve his people.

We welcome applications from full-time and part-time college and university students currently in school and/or planning to begin a program in the next academic year. Registration priority is given to full-time students and students who are currently in school and will continue their studies next year.

In 2025, we are offering sessions about engaging with our various college experiences with integrity. How do we engage without losing ourselves, the ways our communities have shaped us, and our loyalty to our commitments?

Plenary Session: Engaging the College/Professional World for Christ

Curvin Gordon, Emergency Medicine Physician’s Assistant

For the Christian, all of life is to be lived coram Deo, before the face of God. How can we engage the college/professional world in bringing God to our profession/colleagues with wisdom and integrity? What practices/ideals are effective in bringing Christ to our profession/colleagues? How can we be true to the way our faith community has shaped our lives while also being sensitive to the expectations of the professional world? What professional considerations need to be honored?

We will examine these dynamics from the standpoint of the speaker’s personal experience, Biblical mandate, and ethical/philosophical considerations.

Breakout sessions & Speakers in 2025

Close Readings: Following the Road Ever On and On Carita Keim
Imago Dei Meets AI John Mark Kuhns
Thriving in College: Cultural Experiences, Personal Habits, and Meaningful Initiatives Sergio and Brianna Penner
Maintaining Integrity While Accommodating New Intellectual Ideas: Can Your Wineskins Contain the New Wine? Jonas Sauder
Campus Engagement for Anabaptists Seeking Education Byran Smucker
Language, Practices, and Performance: Building Bridges Between Anabaptist and Academic Worlds Kyle Stoltzfus
Fleeting Temples: Engaging the Stranger Anita Yoder
Developing Jesus Friendship Nathanael Yoder

General Information

We look forward to a stimulating and refreshing weekend!

Who: We welcome applications from full-time and part-time college and university students currently in school and/or planning to begin a program in the next academic year. Registration priority is given to full-time students and students who are currently in school and will continue their studies next year.

Where: Faith Builders hosts the College Student Weekend at the River Ridge Mansion, an early-20th-century mansion built by an oil baron near Franklin, PA.

When: College Student Weekend 2024 begins on the afternoon of Friday, July 5, and continues through lunch on Sunday, July 7.

Cost: The cost of attendance is $255 per person, including two nights of lodging and five meals. The event is limited to 48 participants. Registration is required.