Mere Christianity Forum, Inc.

• Get Directions »

About

History

Ten years ago Mere Christianity Forum initially began 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 thoughtful discussions of theology, philosophy and culture that emerged attracted a diverse group of participants from different backgrounds including Protestants, Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, agnostics, and even a few students from other faith traditions.

The strong number of students who expressed great relief in finding a thoughtful and inviting space to explore Christianity led Furman students Shawn Plunkett, James Granberry and others to form an official on-campus religion organization at Furman in 2002. Excited by the interest in Lewis and theological exploration, they began to invite lecturers such as Peter Kreeft (Boston College), Wesley Kort (Duke University), Michael J. Christiansen (Drew University) and author Os Guinness to come and give forums at Furman on C.S. Lewis, the unity of the Church, and the intellectual quest for faithfulness.

Eventually, in addition to bringing in professors from outside of Greenville for forums, 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 to balance the life of the mind with the life of hospitality, community and prayer. Vista House, a 6 bedroom house sitting on 8.5 acres of land just a mile from campus, is housing its seventh intentional Christian community of Furman students this coming fall and continues to serve the Furman community as both a place for rest and 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, with degrees in law and divinity from Duke University, 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 has brought a wealth of talent and ministry experience to the position. Under his tenure, MCF has hosted several top flight lectures by such thinkers as Rev. Canon Sam Wells (Duke University) and prolific author and emergent church leader Leonard Sweet. He has also created a new summer program for students called the Servant Scholars program where summer Vista House residents live, learn and pray in community at Vista House while contributing over 2400 service hours in poverty-focused non-profits and ministries in the Greenville area. You can read more about Rimes by clicking on the Director link on your left.

As MCF steps into its 10th year in ministry, we are thrilled with the quality of our students who through their new ideas and contributions, continue to keep our organization vibrant. We look forward to a Vista House full of new residents, a schedule replete with timely forums, and a garden overflowing with many delectable delights!