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Here is part 3 of this short series. This is one I hear a lot. I understand this to a degree, but…well, you can read here:
This is taken from Appendix E: Seven Reasons for Not Having a College Ministry (and why you shouldn’t let them stop you) from the book, College Ministry 101.
“All the students go away to school. I hear this defense all the time, and on the surface it seems like a valid reason for not doing anything. In this situation, it helps to think of your work not as a college-age ministry, but as a ministry to college-age people. It’s about making sure college-age people know they’re loved, exposing them to the life and body of your church, and walking them through the developmental issues they’re facing. This undertaking can happen from a distance—through Facebook, over the phone, through e-mail, with a regular newsletter, with the help of campus visits, and of course, through one-on-one talks over coffee when they’re home on break (see appendix C for more ideas). The idea is to initiate relationships with college-age people and consistently put ourselves in their lives for the purpose of mentorship. Regardless of our ongoing relationship with them, we at least have the obligation of making sure they plug in somewhere else. Just because they’re not adding numbers to our church events doesn’t mean we can drop them. College-age ministry isn’t about getting as many people into the church building as possible. It’s about showing them the benefits of being a part of the body of Christ.
And of course, no ministry should be insular. Just because the kids who grew up in your church aren’t around after high school doesn’t mean there aren’t college-age people in your community longing for someone to guide them into maturity. I started with six people. Maybe you’ll have four. Maybe you’ll have 20. It doesn’t really matter. Ministry isn’t motivated by numbers. It’s motivated by need. And believe me, wherever there’s one college-age person, there’s a need for loving, patient spiritual mentorship.”
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Chuck,
You are right on! While many do go away for school… not all do. And of course there are the summers. What ultimately must be understood by leaders and decision makers in the church is that the college years are some of the most formational of life! For the Church to say that they are not going to attend to the specific needs of a demographic that is in such a molded season of life seems absolutely absurd! I get some of the reasoning you’ve listed… and how church leaders can end up there… but if you’ve ever spent any amount of time with a college student you know that the are so ready for someone to walk along side them during these critical years of life.
Guy, I love and appreciate your passion for college-age people. I obviously agree full heartedly. Man, it seems like if you agree this much with me on things – from reading portions of appendices, you should probably buy College Ministry 101 – if you haven’t already. I think it will not only affirm much of your thinking and passion, but hopefully fuel it even further! BTW, I realize that can come across as a “sales pitch,” but it is far from that. It’s simply a way to encourage you. I have been saying the same things for over 10 years now – as I’m sure you have been for a while too. It’s just nice that a publisher like Zondervan is willing to give it some legs…you know what I mean. Thanks for your input!
I’ve recently started a “prayer blog” for college age students. It’s targeted for the student as well as the parents and others concerned about their welfare. I agree this is a pivotal time of life, where kids challenge, question, and determine for themselves what they really believe and why they believe it. It’s critical that we surround them with support, encouragement and lots of prayer! Check it out and be sure to add your own comments, suggestions, and prayer requests. Blessings!
http://www.collegeprayerblog.blogspot.com