WAXAHACHIE, Texas (Sept. 04, 2026) — Nelson University hosted its annual Church Expo on Aug. 27, bringing more than 30 churches from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area to campus to connect with students.

The event, held during Spiritual Saturation Week, saw increased participation from previous years and encouraged students to take the next step toward finding a faith-filled community beyond campus.

“I think it’s really important that students are plugged into a local church wherever they are,” said Madeline Schmidt of North Dallas Assembly. “Having the opportunity to explore local churches from a big radius around campus is really cool because it’s going to give people the opportunity to plug in.”

Throughout the expo, students visited church booths to meet pastors and church members, ask questions and learn about ministries, service opportunities and upcoming events. Many churches also offered giveaways, snacks and resources students could take with them as they explored potential church homes.

For many students, the event provided a simple way to explore local churches and begin building relationships with congregations.

“My experience at the Church Expo was amazing,” said junior Ana Martinez. “It was so informational being able to talk to different churches, seeing what’s the best fit for me.”

By introducing students to churches across the area, the expo helped create pathways to community, mentorship and spiritual growth outside of campus. Organizers said those connections can play an important role in helping students thrive during their college years.

Youth Pastor Braden Abrams of Gracehill Church in Dallas emphasized the importance of those connections. “Learning how to plug into a church as a young adult is one of the hardest things to do,” Abrams said. He said events like the Church Expo “offer a way for that to happen and create a community where young adults can come together, regardless of the season of life they’re in, and build relationships and grow together.”

Whether students were looking for a place to worship, serve or build community, this event provided a starting point for those conversations.

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About Nelson University

Nelson University is a private Christian institution located in Waxahachie, Texas, just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Established in 1927, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs on campus and online. With a mission to integrate faith and learning, Nelson equips students to pursue their God‑given callings within a Spirit‑empowered community. For additional details, Request Information or call 1‑888‑937‑7248.