Over the last few months I’ve been getting some feedback on my book coming out, College Ministry 101. I’ve been humbled by those that have endorsed it – and yet a little confused by some others. Not to say I’ve gotten a lot of “negative” feedback. Let me explain.
As I was brushing my teeth this morning (I know, kind of weird) this popped in my mind: people are referring to my book as a “discipleship model” for churches to minister to college-age people. Honestly, I think that’s kind of weird. I guess my question is: what other type of model would we want?
I don’t mean to be rash here – maybe a little sarcastic though – but I’m pretty sure Jesus didn’t say, “Go therefore and make programs that attract as many people from your city as possible…”
Ok, I know some might react to that negatively – wrongly assuming that I’m speaking negatively about large gatherings, or efforts put into programming. I’m not saying that in any way. I’m just talking about the reference to my book. On one hand I’m glad people are referring to it as a “discipleship model” because that’s what we need in the church right now (people who understand the heart and mind issues college-age people are facing so that we can walk them toward biblically mature conclusions).
College ministry needs this focus. For the record, I hope every book dealing with college ministry has this label on it.
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Chuck Bomar is pastor of Colossae Church in Portland, Oregon and founder of CollegeLeader (
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chuck. nice one.
will you come personally speak to my elder board and sr. pastor….
adam, i would be happy to….that is, if they’re willing to talk with me
So, is the alternative to discipleship supposed to be developing programs, and vice versa?
Timotheos – I wouldn’t say so. I don’t think it’s an either or thing at all. But, I would say that it’s all about discipling people toward maturity in Christ – no matter how many people come. I would also add that there is often a difference b/w saying or agreeing with that statement and actually developing a philosophy of ministry that models it.
I’m with you. Ministry should be about discipleship. I help to shepherd a young adult ministry in the African-American context in Houston. Much of our work is discipleship and modeled after Matthew 28:19. What’s crazy is that this generation is so de-cultured from church that real discipleship is a very natural and uninhibited way to relate to them.