Written by Isabelle Hendrich, staff writer
DAYTON, Tenn. — Chris Savley is a junior Christian Ministry major at Bryan College. As of this semester, Savley is a Resident Assistant of Woodlee Dorm.
Growing up in a Christian home, Savley prayed to God when he was five years old starting his personal relationship with Christ. Savley learned during his years as a Christian that having a relationship with God is important. Having a daily devotional can help a Christian grow spiritually and help them be more committed to Christ.
During high school, Savley began to realize that he didn’t have to be a “people pleaser” to prove his work ethic. “I had to change my motivation from being focused on getting things done and helping people out into being joyful for what Christ has done for me so that I would be joyful in doing stuff for other people,” Savley said.
During this process, Savley learned Christians can be more effective in ministry if they are serving a person’s physical and spiritual needs at the same time. While at college, Savley also learned that loving people is not just about sharing the Gospel with them, it is also about serving their physical needs. For instance, if someone is hungry, a person can show Christ’s love by giving them food.
Matthew 22:37-39 says, “And he said to him “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (ESV).
Concerning service, Savley believes it should come out of a place of concern for other people because they are made in the image of God. Savley said, “Service is about the people first . . . Love God, love people.” Savley continued on to say that serving other people is not just about evangelism, it is about loving them for who they are as individuals.
There are several people Savley notes in helping his relationship with God grow. His parents, his youth pastor, Dr. Randle (professor of Christian Ministry at Bryan College), and friends are all people who influenced and helped Savley during his time at Bryan College and in his relationship with God.
Being concerned for each other’s needs cannot be lost in today’s world since it is such an important aspect of Chrisitan ministry. By meeting each other’s physical needs, Christians can grow spiritually and help others come to faith in Christ. Savley expounds upon this idea by concluding, “Part of our love for the people around us should be simply loving them and simply taking care of them.”
Isabelle Hendrich is a communication major and history minor at Bryan College. Besides running, Hendrich likes to read and do crafts. She is a triplet whose siblings, Benjamin and Savannah, are also attending Bryan College.
