DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship, one of Shippensburg University’s most active student organizations, has more than doubled in size since 2021 and continues to attract students from all backgrounds interested in exploring faith.
The organization, commonly referred to as DCF, is part of the larger DiscipleMakers ministry, which began at Penn State in the 1980s and now operates on more than 25 college campuses across Pennsylvania. The SU chapter has existed since at least 2011, but its recent growth is unprecedented.
“When I joined in 2021, we had about 40 to 50 people coming to Primetime,” president Joe Wenger said. “Now we’re averaging around 100 each week, sometimes more.”
Primetime, DCF’s main weekly event, takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and includes worship and small group discussions. While it is rooted in Christian teaching, the group emphasizes that all students are welcome regardless of their religious background.
“We’re not assuming anyone is a Christian,” treasurer Carson Benedict said. “You don’t have to believe anything to come. We just want to be open about what we believe and create space for questions.”
That openness is part of what has made DCF so popular. In addition to Primetime, the group hosts more than 10 Bible studies during the week, organizes one-on-one mentorship meetings and provides a free community dinner on Friday nights, often feeding 40 or more students.
“It’s about helping people grow, whether they’re new to faith or just curious,” secretary Makayla Hall said.
Student leaders and full-time DCF staff also engage in campus outreach events, especially during the fall semester. During Welcome Week, DCF participates in events like Big Red’s Block Party to meet new students.
One student recalled meeting a freshman who identified as agnostic. After a few friendly invitations to events like volleyball and Primetime, the student began attending regularly and later became a Christian.
“It’s probably the most meaningful experience I’ve had in college,” Wenger said.
DCF is staffed by three on-campus staff, supported by additional volunteers and alumni. Staff help lead events and offer guidance to students navigating both faith and college life.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as showing someone how to use Google Calendar,” vice president Sarah Oiler said with a laugh. “We want to care about people’s whole lives: spiritually, emotionally and practically.”
As attendance grows, DCF leaders say their biggest focus is on maintaining a welcoming, close-knit community.
“We’ve had to switch rooms multiple times because of capacity,” Benedict said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s a good one. If our only struggle is that we’re growing too fast, that’s a good thing.”
In all of its outreach, students say the goal of DCF is to share the message of Christianity and create a space where students feel known and supported.
“We all feel like Jesus has personally changed our lives,” Hall said. “We want others to experience the joy, hope and peace that comes with that.”
Primetime is held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays in Old Main Chapel. Learn more on their Instagram page @shipdcf.
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