Christian sorority Sigma Phi Lambda and Christian fraternity Beta Upsilon Chi recently kicked off their year with recruitment and big/little events, providing some of the traditional aspects of greek life along with a Christian community to call home.
While 25 percent of OU’s student population may be involved with a Panhellenic Council or Interfraternity Council organization, men and women on campus can find their place in Christian-based greek life if that’s their better suit. Phi Lamb President Emily Roberts estimated over 100 women joined the sorority this year, while BYX President Kevin Choate estimated over 60 men joined the fraternity.
Mattie Smith, a political science freshman and new Phi Lamb member, found her place in the Christian community. While going through Panhellenic recruitment, she did not experience what she wanted.
“Going through Panhellenic recruitment I always envisioned myself being in a Panhellenic sorority … but I didn’t feel like I had a place to be. Joining Phi Lamb just felt like home,” Smith said.
There’s a place for everyone on campus, and that’s why it is so diverse, Smith said. Along with Phi Lamb, Smith participates in several clubs on campus and also works on campus along with also being heavily involved in her church. She has found her niche. However, Smith said she still wants to try Panhellenic recruitment in the spring to give it another shot.
Because Sigma Phi Lambda isn’t a Panhellenic sorority, Smith has the opportunity to be a part of both Phi Lamb and a Panhellenic sorority. Compared with Panhellenic recruitment, Phi Lamb recruitment is more laid back and up to the potential new members, Roberts said.
“Our motto is ‘we don’t choose you, you choose us.’ So anyone that wants to be a part of (Phi Lamb), we want them to be in it,” Roberts said.
Those who belong to Phi Lamb and BYX believe that everything is guided by God, whether it’s the chaplain’s weekly plans, elections for executive positions in the chapter or even joining the chapter itself.
Choate stands by the idea of letting faith be the guide.
“BYX is a certain fit for a certain individual, and I think it really depends on what you’re wanting to get out of a fraternity … that’s ultimately a decision that you need to come to on your own,” Choate said.
If men who are initially in BYX then drop out and join an IFC fraternity, they are not offended, because that means that they’re where God needs them to be, Choate said. The opposite was the case with sophomore Steven Fedell, when he left an IFC fraternity last semester to become a member of BYX.
“I realized that (the IFC fraternity) wasn’t exactly what I was looking for in a fraternity … (now) I really like that there’s a defined purpose of BYX … it's clear to see the vision, (which is) to develop Christian men. Everything is structured with that in mind,” Fedell said.
He appreciates how the theme of Christianity plays out in everything that they do. BYX utilizes small groups, called cell groups, to provide the members with the opportunity to bond over their faith and have a support group. They also have chapter every week where prayers and testimonials play a big part, and they even pray together at the start of date parties.
“Everything is in place to build you as a Christian and a better man,” Fedell said.
“It was very difficult to leave (the IFC fraternity) … but I feel confident in my decision and have been truly blessed by BYX already,” Fedell said.
