The musty smell, dim lighting and drafty corridors of Demonstration Hall are more reminiscent of an old barn than a modern-day place of worship.
Still, the aging arena is home to weekly fellowship gatherings for about a dozen Christ-following soccer players and their friends.
Each Saturday afternoon this month, the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship plays an indoor soccer match. In addition to a Sunday dialog, the game is the main event for the group.
While Chi Alpha member Will LeCorn said discussions and Bible study are essential parts of a life of faith, spending time with friends is very important.
"This is something that grew up naturally," the Lansing resident and 2000 MSU graduate said. "It was almost like they weren't getting enough fellowship out of our normal weekly meetings."
LeCorn has organized both indoor and outdoor games for the past two years. He also took a leadership role on the floor.
"Stay left, stay left," LeCorn shouted as an opposing striker crossed the blue line. After a teammate missed, LeCorn was left one-on-one with the forward. The speedster bolted by him and shot the ball past the goalie into the net.
LeCorn laughed as he retrieved the ball and bounced it back to midfield. He said he is competitive, but mostly wants to have a good time with his mates.
"I do keep Christ in mind when I play," he said. "Since we are playing with friends on a regular basis, I feel like the relationships keep getting deeper."
Players in Saturday's game varied in both skill and style. One forward sported a Manchester United jersey and Adidas shorts. A defenseman wore jeans and a gray polo. Some looked like Pelé-wannabes, others played like jubilant children.
Teammates didn't even all share a religion. Chi Alpha is an Assemblies of God ministry, but players of all different faiths and backgrounds came out for the game.
LeCorn said only about half of the players are Chi Alpha members. He says that is a positive thing.
"In theory, maybe that is what you are supposed to do in church anyway, not exclude anyone," he said. "People who come are just natural friends."
