When asked to describe me in three words, often the word passion comes up. I am passionate about a lot of things. I can get really excited about a good deep conversation, a great coffee shop, or my cat. I love talking theology, hand-lettering and design. But of all the things, God has made me most passionate about one thing: college students.
You can call me obsessed, you can call me crazy, but there is nothing I love more than seeing college students come to Jesus and be transformed by His love. You may ask why is this significant or important?
HERE IS WHY: College ministry is the most effective way to evangelize the world. That’s right, you heard me, the WORLD. I wanted to give three reasons why we do what we do. Three reasons why reaching the college campus is the most strategic plan for reaching the world for Jesus.
1. Revival Movements Historically Start on the Campus
If you have done any kind of research into revival or social/political movements, you would find that the majority of them start with young adults on college campuses. Take for example, the Haystack Revival of 1806 that launched a huge missionary movement that influenced many to give their lives to reach the unsaved overseas. In the 18th century, a group of passionate students started a small prayer meeting to contend for their campus at Oxford University in England. John Wesley was one of those students and went on to start the Methodist Church, which in the early years was known for their missionary sending and church planting.1 In 1905, nearly one fourth of Yale’s student body were part of campus prayer and Bible studies.2 The campus historically serves as a starting place for something much bigger
2. College Students are Searching
As a campus minister, one of my favorite things about working with college students is their desire to know more. Students are generally open, passionate, and hopeful at this age. Young adulthood is a time to make some major life decisions (spouse, career, beliefs) and college is just the setting to do it. A Barna study shows that college students are more likely than any other age group to be searching for truth.3 This unique season in life lends itself well to sharing and receiving the Gospel.
3. Nations Represented
In the United States we have 2,634 college campuses and about 900,000 international students! China, India, and South Korea represent about 50% of all international students in the US. And there has recently been an increase in students from places like Kuwait, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela.4 As campus ministers we have the unbelievable ability to bring Jesus to the nations without ever having to board a plane!
I love college ministry and I am passionate about it because I truly believe God wants to use young adults to stir up the world. College students are young, available, willing, and ready to be used by God. I hope this encourages you and excites you!
If you are a minister, know that your work is purposeful and not in vain! If you are a student, know that God has strategically placed you on your campus to be hope and light! This is our Why. We work together for something much bigger than ourselves.
1.www.luke18project.com
2. www.youthnow.org
3.www.barna.org
4.www.csmonitor.com