TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Hundreds of Florida State University students gathered on campus on Tuesday, Sept. 22 to discuss the intersections of faith, community and college life during an open forum hosted by a visiting minister.
Minister Bryce Crawford led the outdoor event, which drew in hundreds of students looking to engage in an open dialogue about modern Christianity. The forum allowed participants to ask public questions regarding sensitive topics. Students raised questions about how religion connects with sexuality, race, and other global faiths. Discussions also heavily focused on mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
The event highlighted a growing desire among college students to find safe spaces to discuss spiritual and personal struggles.
Nissreen Maswadeh, an FSU college student believes faith-based spaces are important to foster a community with positive core values.
“My faith has helped me through a lot of things I had a very tumultuous childhood, half of my family is Muslim half of them are Christian, there’s always been a lot of tension with that and forces pulling you one way or another” said Maswadeh.
Organizers noted that university life often brings intense academic and emotional stress, making community support systems vital. For many attendees, the forum was an opportunity to connect with peers who share similar values while navigating the pressures of higher education.
Ava Thorton is another FSU student looking to engage with other people interested in faith-based community.
“I am newly Christian,” said Thorton. “I mainly wanted to see other Christian’s at FSU because I think it’s really hard to find other Christians, when you go to a big party school.”
Crawford’s ministry focuses on engaging younger generations by meeting them directly on college campuses. By bringing the conversation straight to FSU, the forum aimed to break down traditional barriers and encourage honest communication without fear of judgment.
Hannah Suddeth, Project Manager for Crawford Ministries wants to bridge the gap between those in the faith and those outside of it.
“We just had a heart for college ministry; for empowering students,” Suddeth said. “To reach people, reach the lost, and encourage people to be bold in their faith and spread the gospel.”
Organizers hope the forum will spark ongoing conversations about faith and community.
