The Rowan Jesus club was originally conceptualized back in 2023 by Rowan Alumnus, Michael Beckford, after a dream he had.

“There was darkness everywhere, literally dark (wicked) figures, and then in the dream, I stand up, and I just start shouting at these things and commanding them to leave in the name of Jesus, and they start disappearing,” said Beckford. “At the end of the dream, someone spoke to me and said, ‘Now is the perfect time to start a Jesus club.”

It would take a little more time before Beckford was fully convinced by the people around him, including the currently attending Rowan students. Eventually, building up enough of a size to bring the club to the Student Government Association (SGA).

Despite the doubts of others about officializing the club because of the abundance of religious clubs already here on campus, the Jesus club wouldn’t have any struggle in their pitch to the SGA, as they had no spending costs regarding the club.

“We didn’t need a budget because we’re just here for Jesus,” said Becker. “Everybody was against it, and when they went to that hearing, they couldn’t have said yes faster.”

While the Jesus club has been meeting since 2024, the club became official with the SGA in March 2025.

The club had multiple meetings throughout the week. Each with different events from general camaraderie, to studying, to charity work.

On Mondays, the main club meeting day, the club hosts a gospel night, a time where the club comes together to join in camaraderie, preach the word of God, and sing and dance to gospel music.

Tuesdays, they host a men’s prayer gathering that looks to be just a men’s gathering.

“Young men will get together, whoever’s able to, and we will just pray,” said Becker.

Thursdays hosts a Bible Study at James Hall. During this time, everyone who can make it will come with their Bibles and will spend the time studying the scriptures and the word of God.

On Fridays, the club hosts a fellowship at the student center. The club does a variety of activities, like games, to build relationships.

The club does its part in community service when it can, such as a trip to Kensington the weekend of Feb. 28 to help the homeless and those in need. 

Rowan senior psychology major, Sapjah Zapotitla, talked about how she found out about the club.

“There’s something called National Prayer Day (early May each year). I saw them outside the student center two or three years ago,” said Zapotitla. “They were praying and worshiping [as in gospel music] … What brings me here every time is the fellowship.”

Jesus Club president and junior molecular and cellular biology major, Chimnecherem (Neche for short) Obiadazie, spoke about the importance of the club.

“It’s community, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a culture,” said Obiadazie. “We are aspiring to become like him and leaving with the way that he professed. The way of life. … We are aspiring to be like him, righteous and true in that regard.”

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