Faith Builders College Student Weekend three people talking

College Student Weekend

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.

Breakout Sessions In 2024

  • Instant Connections, Buffered Relationships, and Tentative Conversations: Exploring Effects of Digital Technology over the Decades, Jonas Sauder, educator
  • Artificial Intelligence and Imago Dei: Being Human in a Machine-centered World, John Mark Kuhns, science educator
  • Cultivating a Childlike Faith in the Midst of Scientific Facts, Faith Zook, biology instructor
  • Humor and Self-Absorption in C. S. Lewis’s Fiction: Why Laughter Matters, Lori Eby, housewife and lover of literature
  • A perspective on activism Nathan Zook, pastor, professor of political science 
  • Care and feeding of the student soul, Janelle Glick, counselor
  • Maintaining Christian Faith and Witness in the College and Professional World, Curvin Gordon, ER physician
  • Christianity and Labor Unions: What, How and Why, Ryan Hoover, administrator

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 12, and continues through lunch on Sunday, July 14.

Cost: The cost of attendance is $230 per person, including two nights of lodging and five meals. The event is limited to 48 participants. Registration is required.