A growing number of college women at the University of Kentucky are finding more than fellowship; they’re finding purpose, belonging and a place to serve through Delight Ministries, a national Christian organization that fosters Christ-centered community on over 200 college campuses and reaches over 15,000 women.
Every Wednesday night, dozens of students gather for Bible study, worship, and conversations in small groups that go deeper than just the surface-level exchanges in the classroom.
Nation Taylor, the university’s Delight Team Director, said the heart of the organization is more than a weekly meeting.
“Community. That just embodies Delight, having girls that surround and uplift you,” Taylor said. “The mission of Delight is to surround girls with a Christ-centered community that encourages them, that uplifts them in their walk and transforms stories.”
Founded with the goal of empowering women in their spiritual walks, the ministry offers weekly gatherings, service opportunities and events throughout the semester. For many, it’s an outlet to be vulnerable and grow in their faith.
“College is such a crazy time, and I feel like there’s a stigma around not being able to follow Christ in college,” Taylor said. “Delight proves that’s wrong.”
Rachiel Lee, Delight’s Service Project Coordinator, agreed and said the organization’s impact stretches far beyond the walls of their meeting space.
“Delight Ministries to me means a place that fosters spiritual growth,” Lee said. “The most rewarding part is seeing girls come to know Christ in a deeper way than they ever have before. When they start speaking up and sharing their own stories and sharing how God has been good in their life, that’s the best part.”
One of Lee’s recent service projects involved packing over 100 backpacks with essentials and Bibles for Lexington’s homeless community. What began as a friend’s passing idea turned into a major outreach initiative.
“It’s amazing and it’s going to serve so many people,” Lee said. “It’s just so fulfilling to be on this side, the giving side of it when you just get to see the light being shared to them and it’s all through love.”
Through service, small group studies, and deep conversations, both leaders say the ministry continues to leave a lasting mark on campus.
“My hope is that we would have a lasting impact on our campus,” Taylor said. “Even just through our weekly Bible studies or by just having one conversation with a girl that we are planting seeds and proving that Christ is on UK’s campus and that every girl would hear the name of Jesus.”
