For many young adults, college is the time when individual interests and beliefs are first defined. Students have the freedom to develop their own opinions, from political views to religion.

For Matt Hoven and about 50 other South Dakota School of Mines & Technology students, involvement with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on campus has helped them define and grow in their individual faith.

The campus ministry organization is part of the InterVarsity Christian Fellow-ship/USA, an evangelical campus mission serving more than 35,000 students and faculty on more than 560 college and university campuses nationwide.

"It is kind of a fun time because you get to see a lot of what different people believe and really come into decisions on what your faith is going to look at," said Hoven, a senior at the School of Mines and the chapter president of InterVarsity. "(College) is one of the main points of their life where they define themselves."

The group meets regularly for discussions on topics such as spirituality, the Bible and faith.

"It is fundamentally a Bible study, but that is not the extent of it," Hoven said. "It's an opportunity to get together and talk about being a Christian. It is a support group somewhat."

The students meet in small groups that focus on certain topics and then meet as a whole for Catalyst, which is similar to a Sunday service. During Catalyst, students have worship time and then usually listen to a speaker, such as a pastor from the community. During a recent Catalyst, a Lutheran pastor spoke about service on campus and in the community, Hoven said.

The students also meet to go hiking or play video games on the weekends and have a big campus-wide event each semester.

Some college-age students can be apathetic about church and religion, many times due to the pushing of one religious doctrine or another, Hoven said. InterVarsity, however, encourages spiritual discussions so students can make their own opinions, he said.

"We don't tell you what Catholic or Lutheran doctrine is, which is really what young people seem to be used to," he said. "This is an opportunity for students to really go out and support what is really found in the Bible."

As a sophomore, Hoven was a small group leader and had a student in his group whom he didn't think really wanted to be there. Hoven began to challenge the student, who eventually began having spiritual discussions with other people in his dorm.

"He was really curious about what different denominations thought," Hoven said.

Aside from building a relationship with God, students involved with InterVarsity also develop friendships with each other.

"The relationships and friendships that I have been able to cultivate through IV have been the best part of being in IV," said James Kliewer, an InterVarsity member. "Building relationships with God and other people is what life is really all about, and IV gives you a chance to do that. "They also hold you accountable and make sure you are still on track in your walk with Christ."

Ashley Osen, a freshman at the School of Mines, became a member after hearing her roommate talk about the organization. She went to a Catalyst and met a lot of people, so she decided to get involved.

"Two of the best things that I have found in the group is seeing other people with the same love for God that I have, and I am so glad for all the friends that I have gained who also are involved in IV," she said.

Both Kliewer and Osen said their involvement with InterVarsity now will help them in the future.

"I believe IV will greatly impact me later in life, not only by the relationships I have made with fellow students, but also in giving me a place to serve God and watch Him work," Kliewer said. "I have grown in my relationship with Christ, and IV has been a big part of that."

Osen agreed.

"I am learning leadership skills that will be greatly beneficial in the future. Not only are my leadership skills improving, but more importantly, IV has helped me become closer to God," she said.

Aside from their campus meetings and activities, InterVarsity members do outreach in the community as well as around the world, Hoven said.

"I think almost every year we help Cornerstone Rescue Mission in some shape or form," he said. Students also go on mission trips. One member spent some time in Russia helping with an after-school program.

"(In Russia) there is a window of opportunity for religious organizations where there hasn't been for so long," Hoven said.