There are several opportunities for young women on campus to make positive connections with each other and with Jesus through studying His word together.
Photo and Story by Lydia Milan
Are you a young woman? Would you like to connect with other young women on Missouri Baptist University’s campus?
If you answered yes, you should join one of the several small group Bible studies on campus.
The Bible studies, overseen by MBU’s Christian group, A Mighty Passion, meet on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Times and days might change during the spring semester, but stay tuned to MBU Timeline for a follow-up story.
The Wednesday Bible study, led by Glynis Sekarski and Kelly Barns, meets at 11 a.m. in the Perk and ends at noon.
The rate of the group’s growth in numbers is not important to Barns, but she cares “about how the girls grow spiritually,” she said. “I want them to have a strong faith so they can go love the world.”
Sekarski, a communication studies major and public relations minor, has led a small group Bible study at her church for over three years and met Barns at a home group.
Sekarski said she started this Bible study because there was no convenient time for commuter students to attend the other small groups and she wanted to make sure the commuting students would not miss out on fellowship with other believers on campus.
Barns, an exercise science major, said she started to lead small group Bible studies because “I felt that MoBap needed more leaders.”
Maria Dugo, a psychology major who attends the 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible study, said she found the small group Bible study to be a great way to make friends and find mentors.
“I like it because I can be closer to people and so that I can share God with people,” said Dugo. “I like that I can have mentors and close friends.”
Another young woman, DeAnna McBride, a senior worship arts major, found the small group Bible study through a friend.
“I like it because I like to get together to read the Bible and to help encourage each other in our walks,” McBride said.
A typical 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible study meets inside the Perk for about five minutes and then moves to another quiet building.
The meeting begins with prayer requests and a time of prayer. After praying, the women dig into the lesson prepared for them by Sekarski.
“Kelly and I decided to let the girls say what they would like to learn about,” said Sekarski.
Then they took this information to build lessons targeting those areas the women wanted to learn more about.
Sekarski and Barns use other resources besides their experience and the Bible to help teach the women because, “We are smart, but those who have written books are smarter,” said Sekarski.
“Glynis has a bookshelf full of great books and resources,” said Barns. “We meet every Monday at 11 a.m. to go over the material she found and discuss it.”
The women attending the Bible study take turns reading and discussing the lesson and/or Scripture and so far the women have read about patience, prayer and relationships.
This year this small group Bible study has attended MBU’s Health and Wellness fair, had bagel parties, a Pintrest party and plan to go see Christmas light displays together.
The different meeting dates and times can fit almost any schedule of any student, commuter or resident.
A women’s Bible study which meets at 3:30 p.m. Monday in the Perk is led by Jordan Weller and Beth Kinsey.
Another study, which meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the lobby of Spartan Village Apartments, Building 503, is led by Kelsey McDowell, Amy Penner and Mary Kate Walton
A women’s Bible study led by Victoria Byrd and Leah White meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in the North Hall lobby, and Barns and Sekarski lead the Bible study at 11 a.m. in the Perk.
A co-ed Bible study led by Barns and Brandon Van Marel meets at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday in Pillsbury Huff in the RD apartment.
To contact Barns call 314-712-5997. To contact Sekarski call 314-766-6052.
Emma Tihen 
Jessica Kunkel