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It was a bitter cold Friday afternoon when I stepped onto campus. I was there to meet a few people I had never met before to do some evangelism. We prayed, got into teams, and went out to see what happened. God showed up, spiritual conversations were had and it was one of the most energizing and life giving afternoons I’ve had in awhile.
Now listen, I am aware that the word “Evangelism” can cause gut reactions of fear, guilt or general disdain. I’m aware that people don’t like it, feel uncomfortable about it, and shrug it off as “not their thing.” However, I have found on the few campuses I have attended, visited or lead, groups that have a desire and vision for evangelism are the most healthy groups around. Why you might ask? Because it gets at the heart of God to see the lost find hope in Jesus. Matthew 15:16. It’s why we do what we do.
According to Merriam-Webster, evangelism means the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ. In the past, all sorts of methods were employed to make this happen. Now I have nothing against handing out tracts or preaching from your campus green, BUT, it has been proven that those methods are not nearly as effective in this culture and generation. Evangelism doesn’t have to be weird. The easiest way to share your faith is to start spiritual conversations. I want to give you three tips to help your students understand and find enjoyment in sharing their faith on your campus:
1. Show em how it’s done
I have told my students from the beginning that the purpose of our group was not to have a “Holy Huddle”, what fun is that?! I wanted to constantly remind them that our purpose was to see this campus transformed by the love of Christ. I understood that words might not be enough to get my point across, so I decided to model what I meant.
When you as the leader model for the students, you are creating an atmosphere that says, “Hey, talking to people about my faith isn’t scary, if she/he can do it, I can do it!” For me, that looks like giving away our extra treats to nearby students after our meeting. I take whatever I have and offer it to the students studying or talking nearby. They are usually really excited to get free food (college kids man!) and willing to engage in conversation.
A few times, I have even gotten the opportunity to pray right there on the spot. Last week, after a semester of modeling, I asked my students to try. Though hesitant at first, they agreed and were excited by the conversations they started! Look for opportunities to model for your students.
2. Do it on the Regular
Evangelism shouldn’t be a once a semester thing. When we make evangelism into a special event, we subconsciously lead students to believe it isn’t meant for every day. I’m all about having special times of planned outreach, but we can encourage our students to start spiritual conversations wherever they go throughout the day.
Think about it, the more you practice something, the better and more comfortable you become. That day I went on campus in the cold, I learned this valuable lesson. I was helping a different college ministry that day and was delighted to find out that they go out every week to evangelize together.
It wasn’t always the same day, or the same people, but every week they were intentional about sharing their faith. I believe that if we make evangelism part of what we do with the students every week, we will find a new level of faith and excitement that compels them to share even more! Crazy!
3. Get Creative
There are a billion and one ways to start spiritual conversations on your campus but it doesn’t always feel that way. I wanted to share one of my favorites, but also give you resources to get more ideas.
I have found that using a spiritual survey is SUPER effective on college campuses. It’s very friendly, non-threatening, and almost always gets students talking about their experience with God and religion. This method lends itself well to praying for students and sharing information about your group if they want to get connected or are curious about learning more. You can make your own or find one on google.
Remember, that you know your students and your campus best. Think about which ways will best engage the students. Is it tabling in your union while passing out candy? Is it a proxy board with an interesting question? Is it chalking on your campus sidewalks? Don’t be afraid to try something new! Check out BASIC’s Ministry Ideas ebook for even more ideas!
Evangelism doesn’t have to be weird! God is just looking for people who are willing to go! I hope these tips helped and that you are encouraged to start some spiritual conversations on your campus!
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