By Lyle Rideout, ‘26
Before I came to Carolina, I had never been in an environment that fostered discussion about ideas like theology, sanctification, or the metanarrative of Scripture. Now, as a senior, I’m reflecting on the past few years here in Chapel Hill, and it is so clear to me why God has made the Study Center such a big part of my faith journey. The community, hospitality, and friendship that God provided me through the Study Center is amazing and I can’t even imagine my college experience without it.
On a deeper level for my personal faith, the Fellows program has taught me how to read Scripture in a new and exciting way. Sitting in Fellows freshman year, I felt in constant awe of the beauty of Scripture and how we were taught in a way that always pointed to Christ. When I think about it now, the truth and authority of Scripture is something that I believe and trust so much that I don’t even think twice about it. I feel that this is the biggest testament to how God has used the Fellows program to form me in my faith thus far.
I’ve gotten to ask and wrestle with the big questions surrounding faith and learn about the character of Christ through studying Scripture in a way I never knew how. The Study Center has shaped me in ways I will continue to reflect on and appreciate beyond just my time here at Carolina.
This is an excerpt from our 2025 Fall Newsletter.