Over five years ago Mere Christianity Forum started when a small group of students at Furman University (Greenville, SC) met together, with no agenda or pretense, simply because of their interest in discussing C.S. Lewis’ famous work Mere Christianity. The thoughful and open discussions of theology, philosophy and culture that emerged attracted a diverse group of participants from different backgrounds including Protestants, Catholics, agnostics, and even a Muslim student.
The strong number of students who expressed great relief in finding a safe space to explore Christianity led Furman students Shawn Plunkett and James Granberry to form an offical organization on the Furman University Religious Council in 2002. Excited by Lewis’ brand of thoughtful, ecumenical faith, these students began to invite lecturers such as Peter Kreeft (Boston College), Wesley Kort (Duke University) and Drew Christiansen (Drew University) to come and speak at Furman about C.S. Lewis, the unity of the Church, and how faith and the life of the mind can interact.
Eventually, in addition to bringing in professors from outside of Greenville for lectures, students met once a week for lecture and discussion on theology, philosophy and culture led by a Furman professor. Faculty from almost every department at Furman have come to engage students on their latest research or on a topic that interested students inquired about. Students even stayed engaged during the summers, as Mere Christianity Forum sponsored two “pilgrimages” to Europe in order to experience first-hand the history of the Christian Church.
In 2003, Mere Christianity Forum opened up Vista House. After a successful first two years, Vista House is housing its third intentional Christian community of Furman students and continues to serve the Furman community as both a place for rest and a place for invigorating discussion and community life.
July 2005 marked the beginning of a new era at the Mere Christianity Forum as the organization welcomed its first Executive Director, Gary Eichelberger. Gary, a Furman University alum, has degrees in law and divinity from Duke University, and took Mere Christianity Forum to the next level, overseeing many new projects like the Vista House organic garden and hosting guests including theologian Stanley Hauerwas (Duke University), Bishop Will Willimon (United Methodist Church, North Alabama), professor Michael Baxter (Notre Dame), and others. After two wonderful years of service at Mere Christianity Forum, Gary moved to Durham, North Carolina, where his wife has begun a medical residency at UNC.
In July of 2007, Rev. Rimes McElveen took over the reigns at Mere Christianity Forum as the new Executive Director. Having graduated from Furman University and Duke Divinity School, and served local churches for the past 7 years, Rimes brings a wealth of talent and ministry experience to the position. His wife, Rev. Kathryn McElveen, also a Duke Divinity School graduate, and their two young sons, Luke and Samuel are excited about uniting in ministry with MCF and making Greenville their home.
You can read more about Rimes by clicking on the Director link on your left.