College Students Find Home at First Baptist Church, Fort Collins

Walking in to room 240 at First Baptist Church feels like entering a typical college recreation room. There's a Foosball table in one corner, multiple worn couches that have seen better days, coffee shop style tables and stools, art on the walls, a big screen TV cheerfully repeating Guitar Hero theme songs, and bedraggled band equipment just begging to be played.

There's something much different about this room, however. The wooden cross leaning up against the white cinderblock wall is one. Another would be the multiple pictures of a small African boy leaning up against stacks of Bibles on every table. The boy is a "Compassion Child," a sponsored child receiving medical attention, schooling, and aid through Compassion International, and the room belongs to the Net.

What is the Net?

The Net is the college and career ministry at First Baptist Church of Fort Collins. It is pastored by Jim Giveans, graduate of Colorado University and student at Denver Seminary, along with his lovely red-headed wife, Erin. There are approximately 20 regular attendees and more are always, always welcomed. "We are a church community of love, faith, and hope, living to share life in Christ with Colorado State University, Front Range Communinty College and Northern Colorado young adults," says Giveans on his crew of collegiates and career kids.

When and where?

Every Thursday night at 7:11pm, the Net gathers in this upper room for fellowship, food (often donated by Great Harvest Bakery), lessons, and worship. They also meet Sunday mornings at 9:30 for "NetFast," a more formal breakfast and fellowship meeting, complete with long white tables and delicious food.

First Baptist Church is located at 900 E. Prospect Road in Fort Collins, near the intersection of Lemay and Prospect roads.

Find more information on The Net at their group site on Facebook.