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Back on this again for part two. It’s no doubt that the mission of Christian colleges has changed dramatically over the last 100 years. And frankly, I’m fairly certain we’re not heading in the right direction with them.
I’m concerned that Christian colleges feel the need to provide yet another separate community apart from local churches. They have “spiritual life” directors and programs, campus pastors…you name it. Let’s think about this for a minute. Is that really the best thing? Is it really best to provide everything on a campus rather than putting that time and energy into connecting students into the life and body of a local church?
Why not connect them with a pastor in a local church? In my experience there can even be animosity in these situations. I have personally faced harsh opposition by seeking to be involved on some Christian college campuses. These campus pastors or spiritual life directors are very clear what their role is and what mine is. And I can tell you from their perspective mine is not on their campus. They have it under control. On these campuses, I simply leave that campus pastor to do their “job” – but frankly I leave with a broken heart, knowing full well that those students are being robbed of the beauty of being involved in a local church.
Let’s say we suggest it’s appropriate to have all a church ought to be doing in the life of an individual on a Christian college campus. What happens when the student graduates? They’ve likely been disconnected from a local church for 4-6 years. They don’t know where they fit, have little of any relationships with others in the church, and will likely not go back to the one they grew up in – that would be going backwards in their mind. How does this make sense?
I’m getting more concerned about the role Christian colleges are playing in the lives of people. I certainly don’t think it’s ill motive or a bad heart, but I do think Christian Colleges are inherently saying through their actions that the church is not important.
Oh man, I’m gonna get into trouble with this series. I’m just beginning too…
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I agree with you. Christian colleges should be focused on connecting students to local churches rather than trying to be church for their students. It is natural for students to feel like chapel replaces church… it is also natural for students to want to sleep in on Sunday mornings.
If they DO go to church, they often opt for the Friday or Saturday night services which tend to be more young and hip. This presents another problem because students are not engaged in multi-generational relationships. I’ve included a list of some things that I’ve experienced in the school where I work that help with these issues:
-I Provide a comprehensive list of local churchs and service times to all new students in their orientation packet.
-Develop a carpool system for church the first Sunday that students are on campus. Current students who attend a church give a ride to new students who want to visit.
-Invite local pastors on campus during the first week of classes to connect with students at a community involvement fair.
-Provide opportunities for students to serve in a local church.
-invite local pastors on campus to host small groups and/or Bible study.
-Use campus ministries not just to minister to the needs of the campus, but to provide opportunities for students to serve off campus.
-Be very clear with students that chapel is not church and does not intend to take the place of being connected to a local body.
Christian colleges have the tendency to be a “bubble.” Our staff and faculty are constantly discovering new ways to challenge our students to “break the bubble.” In no way do I intend to communicate that we’re doing everything right but I WILL say that we are diligently trying. Thanks for this post Chuck!