Starting a club is an opportunity to turn personal passions into shared experiences that reflect your values, interests, and aspirations. For many students, this means creating a space where they can connect with others around issues that matter deeply to them– whether it’s academic interests, hobbies, or, for some, their faith. At Vandegrift, several Christianity-focused clubs have emerged, each with its own mission and approach to sharing faith. These clubs are more than a place of worship– they foster community and offer support to provide students with the opportunity to grow personally and spiritually.
Christian Club
Nylah Berkley, a senior and the president of Christian Club, believes that the club’s welcoming environment is what sets this club apart. For her, this club offers a space for anyone to feel accepted, whether they’re devout in their faith or curious about the teachings of Christianity.
“You don’t have to be Christian to be in the club. [We have] a really nice and chill atmosphere that we want to create, which I think helps with the sense of community,” Berkley said.
The goal of Christian Club is simple: spread the word of God and help students learn more about the Christian faith in a supportive environment. The club’s primary interest is sharing the teachings of Christianity in a way that feels natural and approachable.
“Our club really wants to just spread the light of God and get people to know more about Christianity,” Berkley said.
For Berkley, Christian Club has strengthened her faith and has provided her with a community with like-minded individuals. The positive sense of community grounded in fellowship and mutual support has been a source of renewal for her.
“To me, this club has been such a great resource. [It] brought me back to God and grew my faith more by being around people who are Christian and [who] want to have a positive atmosphere,” Berkley said.
While Christian Club is deeply rooted in faith, the club has a place for everyone. Regardless of spirituality, the club is committed to inclusivity and personal exploration.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re Christian or not, it’s a nice space to just learn about who God is and see if you’re interested,” Berkley said.
Younglife
Young Life offers a more relaxed, social approach to the Christian faith–creating a space where students can connect in an informal setting. For Young Life member and senior Ellie Bergquist, the club has become a big part of her social life, providing opportunities for meeting new people and strengthening friendships.
“It’s really fun to meet people that go to the same school as you but you may not see them all the time, and it’s all in one place, and it’s where I’ve met my best friends,” Bergquist said.
Younglife’s blend of friendship and faith is what makes this club specifically stand out to students. The focus of the club is not only on spiritual growth but on creating an environment where students can enjoy each other’s company outside of school.
“Everyone there is rallied around the same faith. It’s cool that we get to meet outside of school and have fun with each other, but then bring that community to school,” Bergquist said.
Young Life’s inclusivity welcomes students from all backgrounds, regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. This open atmosphere welcomes everyone with open arms.
“You don’t have to be in a certain place in your faith, we still want you there and we’re still going to accept you,” Bergquist said.
Ultimately, Younglife’s emphasis on fostering friendships, coupled with Christian values, makes it a place where students feel included and free to explore their faith on their own terms. Through social events, fun activities, and community, the club provides a welcoming environment for all students.
Vandy Collective
Vandy Collective was born out of the desire to create a space at Vandegrift where students could grow closer to Jesus in a supportive environment. For junior Lawson Lombard, his vision for the club was to offer Christianity without pressure, providing an open door for students to explore the faith.
“[Me and my brother] wanted to reach the kids at this school and give them an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus,” Lombard said.
What makes Vandy Collective unique is its diversity. The group pulls members from all corners of Vandegrift, creating a community that reflects the school’s wide range of interests.
“Our club is diverse in a way that we have people from all over Vandegrift. We have people from band, choir, and theater. We have people that play every sport, we have people that are in the top 10 in their class and people that are far away from [that],” Lombard said.
The diversity of the group not only enhances the group’s discussions but also emphasizes the message: Christianity is for everyone. Vandy Collective provides an inclusive space for all students to experience the teachings of God.
“We don’t want to force it down people, but we want people to have the opportunity to come and experience the love and joy that we experience every day,” Lombard said.
The club has made a collective effort to reach out to members of the student body for outreach; the open-door policy ensures everyone feels welcomed to join the club’s gatherings.
“We’ve passed out invite cards, we’ve pushed on social media, but we just want to let everybody know that anybody is welcome, and we’d love to have everybody there,” Lombard said.
Each club has their own unique mission and approach to sharing their faith. These clubs go beyond religious worship– they provide a space for students to gather socially and share their beliefs with each other in a supporting environment. For some, it’s about deepening their faith, and for others it’s about exploring Christianity. Each club reflects the aspirations of their founders and members, and they all contribute something distinct to the Christian community.
