Religious sororities seek to worship God and grow their groups

By Kelly Lu Holder ~ The Arrow

There are about 50 Greek organizations at Southeast Missouri State University, with classifications ranging from social to academic and professional to service. Only five of the organizations base their values solely on religious beliefs, like Alpha Theta Omega Christian Sorority Inc. and Sigma Omega Mu Christian Sorority Inc.

"Although we are a Greek letter organization, we are a ministry first," said Stephanie Bird, a member of Alpha Theta Omega Christian Sorority Inc. "Before someone sees our letters, or recognizes our colors, we want them to know that Jesus is Lord."

Alpha Theta Omega Christian Sorority Inc. was founded at Southeast in March 2007 and rests its beliefs on its foundation Scripture, Romans 1:16, which says, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Bird said the purpose of Alpha Theta Omega is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through discipleship, fellowship and evangelism.

"Alpha Theta Omega has impacted my life on so many levels," Bird said. "It would take hours to tell you each and every way. This organization has not only helped to strengthen my relationship with Christ, but it has given me a sisterhood out of this world.

"Every single woman in this ministry has a tremendous testimony. Many of my sisters have dealt with abuse, addictions, bad habits, low self-esteem, depression and so many other issues. But, now we can say 'To God be the glory.'"

Bird said the faith-based sororities and fraternities are underrepresented on campus. They are not here to judge, but to make people recognize that all have sinned and by the grace and mercy of God he has forgiven people.

Another faith-based sorority on campus is Sigma Omega Mu Christian Sorority Inc. It was founded at Southeast in April 2010 and has adopted the Scripture Matthew 22:14. It says, "For many are called, but few are chosen."

According to Sigma Omega Mu's website, its purpose is "to honor those ladies that have shown strong ministry leadership skills, who have first served in their communities as volunteers and are not ready to go out into the highways and hedges to compel people to come to Christ."

"There is no limit to where you are with the Lord," Crystal Vinson, president of Sigma Omega Mu, said. "When you join, we still want you to grow, as well, so there is no standard, as long as you have some kind of belief in the Lord."

According to Vinson, with roughly around 10 to 12 members, her sorority may not have as many members as other Greek organizations, but she believes the members represent their chapter well.

While Vinson is proud of how her chapter is represented and the standards they have, she believes the members could improve on the number of events they have on campus to get their chapter recognized.

Sigma Omega Mu recently had an event called "Girl Talk: My Black is Beautiful" on Feb. 28 to celebrate Black History month.

Vinson said they hope to have more events like this in the future.

"I've grown to really develop a sisterhood with these girls," Vinson said. "They are my sisters, and we have so much fun together. It's also given me a place where I can worship and love God with people that have the same interests that want to grow with me and help me grow. We kind of hold each other accountable."

"Sigma Omega Mu has impacted my life greatly," Melissa Hester, a member of Sigma Omega Mu, said. "It has made me a stronger woman, given me sisters I've never had and strengthened my faith in Christ."

Each sorority has weekly meetings at a set time and place of their choice. To learn more information or ask questions, email Angela Spearman, Alpha Theta Omega Christian Sorority Inc. chapter president, at ATSpearman1s@semo.edu, or contact Sigma Omega Mu Christian Sorority Inc. by emailing questions to sigmaomegamu.alphachapter@gmail.com.