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As BLW Society, we believe in making an impact on our campus in any way possible. Firstly, our society would benefit and give opportunity to those who have identical or similar faith and beliefs to practise on campus. Becoming a society will allow us to reach out to so many more individuals as opposed to meeting a few handful individuals through other cultural societies e.g. Afro-Caribbean Society.

We offer our structurally and innovative ‘cell system’ to provide a fertile ground for personal relationship development, which will minimise the overwhelming impacts of psychological overload, social invisibility and social isolation which is very noticeable amongst many students on campus. Within this structure, the opportunity to build a community of like minded individuals and life-long friendships arises as the cell system gathers together and holds bible study sessions, worship nights as well as social events such as games night, bowling or just eating out together. These activities offer the chance for students to fellowship with each other and to get to know one another more, hence removing any form of social isolation they may have previously experienced, particularly in the case of international students and first year freshers.

We also want to provide an environment where people from different belief backgrounds get the chance to understand one another’s faiths. There is a place for different kinds of faith but not really a place that promotes students to come together and understand each other’s beliefs impacting students in a multicultural way and diversifying their knowledge as well as ours.

What makes us different from other faith societies?

Faith based societies tend to have some similarities but Believers LoveWorld is unique. Our members and people that have visited us that have been to other faith-based society events testify that we are dynamic and distinctive. Faith is not something so clear-cut. However similar, there are unique fundamental differences in the way it is practised. There are some key fundamental differences including beliefs/differing practices between us and other faith-based societies that would be a clear mismatch of values if merged that will leave many students feeling marginalised and unhappy.

Prayer in many faith-based circles is a very key influence that separates even similar sects. The structure of our core activities like the way prayer which is a major component of our group is done is not a norm amongst many faith-based gatherings or any faith-based group currently on campus and it is not an activity that a person can enforce or influence on another group that may not have it as a core value or fundamental. There are different kinds of prayer, one of which is speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia. Speaking in tongues in many faith groups is still an unknown phenomenon and currently we are the only group on campus that has taken on and excitedly encouraged this ministration of the Holy Spirit in our members. We actively aim to seek and exercise this ministry along with prophecy and other ministrations of the Holy Spirit, and experience the full benefits of these gifts mentioned in the Scriptures. Speaking in tongues is not something that can be slapped on to any other faith-based society, because it is spiritually distinctive and therefore must be implemented as part of the foundations of any faith group. This makes us unique to other Leeds ratified faith groups, in our society it is fully acknowledged and practised, and the importance emphasised.

BLW is part of a vast network throughout higher learning institutes in the United Kingdom. Though we function independently on a university level, we occasionally host events in collaboration with other BLW Societies ensuring that there is a spread of ideas and maximum impact in pursuing our vision. Previously, we have held worship concerts in the University of West London Alpha Church and also training programs such as T.I.E. conference where members of BLW across the country gather together to receive guidance on how to set themselves up on a path of success. Additionally we have flagship events which are seasonal such as Love and Lust: an event targeted at raising awareness of and tackling issues students face on campus in relation to love, relationships and sex. This event has previously been hosted at University of Nottingham and Coventry University. We believe in the relevance of the message of the Word of God in this day and age to provide solutions, inspiration, training and we have various ways in which tailor this message to meet the needs of the youth today.

Activities and programs privy to as a member of Believer’s Loveworld Society

We meet with students on a weekly basis, at a convenient time during the weekday. As mentioned earlier we have our cell structure where we group ourselves into a “cell” or “cell groups”. These essentially are group of students who may or may not be linked by similar interests or characteristics such as sport or gender, and cater to their development strategically and uniquely, thus creating a ‘more than a society feel’ but rather a family and a care system. A cell, like in any organism is the smallest structural unit, which has its own independent function, however, not independent of the organism as all activities of the cell contribute to the growth and development of the organism. So also our cell groups remain sub-groups in our society, but their functions still result in the development and growth of the society.

We also would have congregational meetings on a Sunday, to cater to those who may not have found a church to go to, ensuring and facilitating that they are still able to worship and learn more about God.

Other key activities include:

1) Bible study sessions: these are weekly sessions where we come together to discuss, grow deeper in the knowledge of God’s word and build our relationships with God thoroughly. These sessions would include times of prayer and worship as well as fun, interactive activities relating to the Bible. Our study sessions provide room for fellowship and discussion where anyone can feel welcomed, and fully express themselves in their race/ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability or differing social settings.

2) Academic support: as students, our academics are vitally important therefore our society takes precedence in ensuring each of our members are supported academically. We offer study sessions where members can come together and spend a few hours studying, motivating each other and also have access to support from their peers.the frequency of these sessions available to members increase during exam periods, and we also hold prayer sessions specifically for exam preparations and results. Outside of exams, we propose to hold career seminars where we are able to empower students to be successful and increasingly relevant in their various industries, making an impact in their working environment by encouraging new entrepreneurship ideas.

3) Faith seminars and self-development workshops: we aim to integrate faith in a number of provided workshops titled “how to achieve academic excellence”, ‘the power of your mind”, success motivation (based around how students can achieve academic success) , confidence building, networking and building healthy relationships, creative workshops e.g poetry, how to song write, singing lessons, media skills such as graphic design, photography and many more to help equip students with a number of skills outside of their course. Such skills they would be able to use to develop their CV’s as well as their all-roundedness. We will integrate faith in these workshops by basing them on messages and doctrines in the bible at the same time we will have speakers which we have met through networking events to offer their time in these workshops. We also hold seminars that will consist of in-depth discussions and debates on several topics within the Christian faith such as “spirituality, self and society” or “what is worship? How do we worship God?” or “The Ten Commandments- are they still relevant today?” using the Bible to answer questions pertaining to these topics.

4) Creative arts: We use creative arts to allow students to build their communication skills, their confidence, and concentration levels. Learning to effectively cooperate with one another whilst developing expressive emotions. Within our congregational meetings, we offer the opportunity for students to join our choir where singing skills can be enhanced or a new instrument can be learned. We also allow the opportunity to learn a variety of technical and media-related skills, such as presentation design, audio-visuals, photography, video-editing and content creation. We want to remain inclusive and work tirelessly to ensure there is something for everybody. As our membership strength grows, we plan to put up productions throughout the year, allowing members to get involved in acting, dance, directing/producing, and set/stage design.

5) Seasonal activities: Christmas and Easter time are particular moments of significance for the Christian community. As such,we plan on hosting a series of tailored events such as an outreach on the true meaning of Christmas, Christmas dinner, Christmas games nights as well as a period of volunteering and fundraising to help provide basic supplies so that others are still able to celebrate the season. At Easter, we aim to host worship concerts with the theme based on the resurrection of Jesus as well as themed bible study sessions and events such as scavenger hunt for the members of our society..

6) Volunteering opportunities including Day of Service and International Youth Day: We are linked to a few registered charities and we work alongside them to share love to our nation and world. From volunteering in soup kitchens and food banks to hosting fundraisers to help support indigent children in the villages of Africa, we plan to get more people involved in spreading love in our communities. We have seen as students we feel more empowered doing good to others and being of service to other people. It has proven effective in building our own interpersonal skills whilst showing love to people in our communities. We are about putting smiles on other people’s faces and demonstrating the essence of God's love physically. Our international Day of Service is run across all the BLWs in the country and is a period where we actively seek out to meet a need in our immediate environment, whether it is giving sanitary items to the homeless, sweeping up, picking up rubbish, anything that adds value to our environment or university. This is a display of love and appreciation for our world and an opportunity to give back to our environment.

7) Social events: These include fun and sociable activities like every other society run such as games nights, movie nights which are held on campus as well as external events such as bowling, ice skating, restaurant trips or paintballing. We aim to make these as affordable as possible to promote inclusivity within our society. 

Accessibility

This society will be open to all and publicised to all. As BLW we believe in building a happier world with the love of God and impacting our world with the investment God has made in us. Consequently, we seek to ensure that we interact with those in our university campus in order to make sufficient impact. The wide range of events we will hold will target all aspects of student life including entertainment, lifestyle, academics and careers meaning that there is something for everyone. Our structure ensures that all students will feel welcome in an enriching and inspiring environment.