After a few months, Russ and company settled into the old Cambridge Baptist Church.

Call Him Russ

Schlecht often begins his sermons with a personal story to draw the congregation in, not afraid to use himself as an example to deliver a message.

“Watching the response of the students is unreal,” says Schlecht.

“He shares a lot about his own struggles and faith journey,” says Daniel R. Bryan ’02, who started attending Grace Street services as a student at the College.

Students also say his youthful language—he uses “totally” and “man” frequently—make them feel at ease around Schlecht.

“He’s not old and boring,” says Simeon M. Zahl ’04.

Schlecht said that at first, the idea of ministering to college students intimidated him.

“The last place I wanted to be was next to Harvard,” he said.

But, as it turns out, Grace Street has never had to contend with low numbers—Harvard has given it a healthy endorsement.

“We haven’t advertised at all—just word of mouth,” Schlect said, and yet even for the first meeting a large crowd turned out.

“It’s a place everyone wants to go on Sunday night,” said Matt M. Mulder ’05.

Schlecht is also a chaplain for the United Ministry at Harvard.

The Faithful

Though they come from different backgrounds, Grace Street’s congregants offer similar reasons for attending the church.