College-Level Faith

Faith is in on college campuses across America, according to a recent Christian Post article. Some of the largest campus ministry groups have expanded dramatically in the past two years, and even seminaries are seeing record enrollment numbers.

Harvard University’s preacher told the New York Times, “There is probably more active religious life now than there has been in 100 years.”

Terry Erickson, the director of evangelism for InterVarsity commented that, “In the last two school years we have seen exciting growth in the number of students who have come to faith in Jesus Christ.” The group reported that over 1000 college students came to faith in Jesus Christ through their ministry events during the 06-07 school year.

A 2004 UCLA study found that nearly half of university freshman say they are seeking opportunities to grow spiritually.

But summer is nearly upon us, and many of these baby Christians will be returning home for three to four months to meet old friends, work part-time jobs, and either encourage or forget their new faith.

How many will return to your town? Does your church have a ministry that speaks to the culture of college students? Is there space in your facility where they will feel comfortable and at home?

With half of those returning home from their first year of college, “seeking opportunities to grow spiritually,” your ministry may not need to emphasize outreach – they’ll come to you. But will they return? Will your ministry be able to encourage and strengthen their faith before they return to the mission field that is the American college campus?

A Rainer Research Group report conducted for the Cornerstone Knowledge Network earlier this year found that comfortable worship space and inviting social (third place) spaces are the two most important areas of a church facility to the formerly unchurched. That third place space is most important to those between the ages of 18 and 24. How well will your facility be serving your community this summer?