Wrapping Up the First Semester

I've read a lot of blogs written by various campus ministers and I can assure you that I haven't gained the wisdom and experience that many of them have and demonstrate in their ability to ascertain and gauge what's going on in their campus.  However, I did want to offer up some observations as a novice in the world of campus ministry on our campuses.

In my first semester, I have seen many things:

College students have to deal with a lot of stuff.  Whether it's simply the little (yet significant) job of figuring out how to become the person they want to be or dealing with a homicide or fatal car accident, the typical college student has to learn a lot.  They are constantly confronted not only with how to assimilate all the information of academic study in their life, but also all of the emotional, relational, spiritual, etc. experiences that need to find a home in their identity and existence.

College students love Jesus.  Often I find that college students mean what they say and say what they mean.  If a college student has made a decision to follow Jesus enough that they will be motivated to worship in all kinds of settings out of their own volition, it will be a faith that has some level of potency.  I find very few college students that have this acceptance of "going through the motions".  It is refreshing.

Give a college student something compelling to buy into and they will show up.  Whether it's providing a community and a place to belong or diving into an intense study of the Text, students aren't nearly as flaky as I was led to believe.  We have consistent attenders of CARE Groups, Life Groups, studies, worship service and volunteer opportunities.  It seems as though the problem rarely lies with the motivation of the student, but rather in the compelling nature of the story we're telling.

This is the time!  As I've watched my first round of graduates head out to the work force this semester, I've never been more convinced of how perfect the timing is to work with college students in this part of their personal development.  Never have I seen a demographic so ready to take on challenges and still be coached -- so hungry to learn and so driven to make a difference.


As I've done different studies on the generational distinctions, I wasn't being led to believe that there was much hope for inspiring this generation.  It made me concerned for our future.  I now am excited about the folks who will be leading our world in the decades to come.  There are still a lot of thinkers, some movers and shakers, poets and prophets -- and yes -- plenty of dreamers.

I only pray that the leadership and shepherding we provide them with will lead them to further the Kingdom, believe that God believes in them, and ask really big questions of themselves, their culture, and their God.  It's a challenge to all of us who have the opportunity to influence the life of a young adult.  It's not a lack of potential, inspiration, or commitment.  Instead, we'll be confronted by how prepared and committed we are to lead them in the best way to live and encourage them to follow the Rabbi that turned the world upside down.