Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Why are you called “Mere Christianity Forum”?

We are an ecumenical Christian organization, meaning we relate to the universal Body of Christian believers, and promote the unity of the Church. In C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, he attempts to describe the Christian “common ground” among believers.

"I hope no reader will suppose that "mere" Christianity is here put forward as an alternative to the creeds of the existing communions — as if a man could adopt it in preference to Congregationalism or Greek Orthodoxy or anything else.

It is more like a hall out of which doors open into several rooms. If I can bring anyone into that hall, I have done what I attempted. But it is in the rooms, not the hall, that there are fires and chairs and meals. The hall is a place to wait in, a place from which to try the various doors, not a place to live in… It is true that some people may find they have to wait in the hall for a considerable time, while others feel certain almost at once which door they must knock at. I do not know why there is this difference, but I am sure God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait. When you do get into the room you will find that the long wait has done some kind of good which you would not have had otherwise. But you must regard it as waiting, not as camping. You must keep on praying for light: and, of course, even in the hall, you must begin trying to obey the rules which are common to the whole house. And above all you must be asking which door is the true one; not which pleases you best by its paint and paneling.

In plain language, the question should never be: "Do I like that kind of service?" but "Are these doctrines true: Is holiness here? Does my conscience move me towards this? Is my reluctance to knock at this door due to my pride, or my mere taste, or my personal dislike of this particular door-keeper?"

When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall. If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. This is one of the rules common to the whole house."

C.S. Lewis


Who can live at Vista House?

Furman University juniors and seniors who maintain a 2.75 gpa can apply to live at Vista House, as well as recent college graduates.


Email Rimes to ask about our guest room. It is free of charge, and the room is located on the second floor, and has a private bathroom.

How can I book the Vista House guest room?


Are you affiliated with a church?

No, we are an interdenominational campus ministry led by Furman students looking for a space to thoughtfully explore the Christian faith. Many students who are involved with MCF are simultaneously involved with various other campus ministries, such as Catholic Campus Ministry, RUF, Wesley Fellowship, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and more!


Do you have any animals?

We have a no-pet policy at Vista House—but we do have a resident groundhog named Clive who wanders our property :)


How is MCF funded?

As a 501c3 nonprofit, we are funded by generous donors like you. We are also thankful to be funded by grants, including John I. Smith Charities, the Lilly Endowment, and the Sewell Foundation. Because we are members of Furman University’s Religious Council, we also receive annual funds for on-campus programming from Furman. Click here to learn how you can support our ministry!