Delight at CU is redefining what it means to be a campus ministry by prioritizing intentionality and genuine relationships.
“I feel like [Delight] is just a night where you can get with the gals and laugh about silly little things, and then also end off the night with literally crying your eyes out with each other and praying deeply and intensely,” said Nina Irvine, team director. “I feel like we’re all a bunch of sisters getting together, laughing at one another and encouraging one another on. It’s just very real.”
This feeling of inclusion is intentional. Irvine said that Delight welcomes those who might feel like outsiders in traditional ministry settings.
“I know with campus ministries specifically, sometimes it’s hard when people come to those events because they feel like there are cliques in the ministry,” said Irvine.
However, Delight has created a space where the “underdogs” — those less involved or less known on campus — can come together.
“[Delight is] an opportunity for people to show their true colors without feeling they have to be judged,” Irvine said. “When you go to church, you know, you have a reputation that you kind of got to hold up. Like, you can’t just burst out laughing during the middle of a sermon. It’s a different environment.”
Delight’s welcoming atmosphere is especially important given the real struggles many students face on campus. There are students dealing with suicidal thoughts, addiction and depression – problems that can often go overlooked even at a Christian campus. Irvine said most of the girls she knows at CU usually have some challenge they’re facing, whether it’s struggling with anxiety or something more.
“So many people have real problems on this campus,” she said. “I think sometimes you forget about how serious college students struggle in their college career… There are these real problems that people just overlook and kind of write off. So, just allowing ourselves to be open to those conversations rather than just small talk – being like, ‘hey, how are your classes’ and then also pushing further than that.”
Irvine understands the extreme importance of these deeper connections, which align with the main heart of Delight’s mission.
“One of my favorite words is ‘sonder,’” said Irvine, “and it’s the realization that everybody else in the world has a complicated and detailed life like you. I want to teach other people even if you do feel like you’re overlooked, even if you do feel like you’re not included in things, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t loved or that you don’t have worth, because you do as a child of God.”
This message of intentional connection is ingrained within the Delight’s leadership, as reflected by Ally Bush. A senior from Bowling Green majoring in English literature and the book coordinator for Delight, Bush believes the foundation of the group is built on intentionality, intimacy and accountability. Since her freshman fall semester, she has been actively involved in Delight, though her positions on the lead team have fluctuated due to her playing softball for CU.
Having few Christian friends back home, Delight was a place where Bush felt “seen,” and where the studies were “specific and relatable – actually geared towards college women.”
“What sets Delight apart [from other campus organizations] is the intimacy of it,” Bush said. “It’s all centered on community – actually knowing the girls and seeking out the outsiders. Not to shade the other organizations, but with groups like The Vine, you show up and you leave. At Delight it’s a very small circle. There’s no preaching. We’re all talking to each other.”
The sense of belonging Delight offers has built deep connections that go beyond Campbellsville.
“The girls you meet at Delight may just become the bridesmaids at your future wedding or your roommates after college,” said Bush.
If you’re someone who may be considering joining Delight but haven’t attended a meeting yet, Bush wants to encourage you.
“Take that step and be bold,” she said. “Be willing to get out of your comfort zone. If you’re even thinking about it, that means you should try it. The Holy Spirit is moving, and you’re going to meet people that will change your life.”
Melody Faith Moore, Delight’s social media and outreach director, says that Delight “catches the people that typically fall through the cracks; the people that don’t find their community in other campus organizations.”
Moore has been using her role to promote Delight and engage with the campus community digitally. She works with the other team leaders on “Tuesday Takeovers” where each lead team member “takes over” the Delight Instagram page for the day, posting like an influencer, answering girls’ questions and sharing motivational content. Her role also includes making the page’s reels, including the popular video from the ice-cream social, which featured CU students putting on the Delight sunglasses and capturing joy from the event.
Moore encourages those who haven’t attended Delight:
“Delight will always be there for you,” she said, “even if you can’t come every week.”
Moore also shared that the campus community can help support Delight’s social media ministry by liking, saving and sharing posts.
“It helps with the algorithm so that it can reach more people,” said Moore.
Chelsie Pierce, a junior majoring in elementary education, is Delight’s date coordinator.
“I first heard about CU’s Delight Ministry chapter through welcome week,” said Pierce. “I remember seeing a pink booth with a lot of girls standing around, and I walked up to the booth and was so amazed by the leaders that were there. They were so kind, genuine and filled with love. I could see Jesus shining through them. They told me about their kickoff, so I made sure to come. During kickoff, I encountered Jesus in the chapel and knew that He wanted me to be a part of this ministry. I knew that God wanted me to be a part of this ministry, and I knew that I did, too. I just didn’t imagine that I would be serving on the lead team.”
Pierce said she very evidently sees Christ-centered community reflected in the group.
“To me a Christ-centered community means that you’re surrounding yourself with other believers,” said Pierce. “A Christ-centered community is a place where you feel safe and comfortable to be yourself. There’s no room for judgment, just love. To me, Delight is a perfect example of a Christ-Centered community because we pray and hope that every girl that comes to our meetings feels loved, valued, heard and seen.”
As the Delight dates coordinator, Pierce plans one-on-one relationships and connections for the girls. Every two weeks, she pairs the girls up one-on-one, and they will go on a “date” together.
“Sometimes it might be cute partner cards and other times it may be drawing out their names and pairing them up like that,” she said. “I truly love it so much, and I know the girls do, as well.”
Pierce said she’s excited about the community-building events planned for the month. On Oct. 23, they will be doing pumpkin painting.
“I believe that the foundation of community starts by building and creating events that are welcoming,” she said. “These events are welcomed to all of the girls on campus, and I truly hope that everyone can come. We want to make you feel loved, seen, valued and welcomed.”
For those still thinking about joining the Delight community, the message is simple: Take that leap of faith.
“Be willing to get out of your comfort zone,” Bush said. “At Delight, every girl matters, and everyone’s story is worth sharing. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect and grow in both your faith and in a loving Christ-centered sisterhood.”
