Help College-Bound Students Find Christian Community on Campus

One of my favorite questions to ask college students is this: what was the best advice you were given before going to college? Here’s a response I received a few weeks ago at a picnic: “My youth pastor told me to be intentional about finding Christian community. He was so emphatic about it that I remember frantically walking around campus asking everyone I met if they knew about any Christian groups. One of the first people I talked to was a Christian and she’s one of my best friends today. Together we were able to find a group and get connected to a church.” This story reminds us of two things we all need to know about students transitioning to college.

First, the first two weeks of college are critical. Nationally, 25 percent of students do not return to the same school for their sophomore year. Many colleges and universities have discovered that they can significantly reduce this number by helping students find good, supportive community quickly.

Second, the opening story reminds us that Christians need to intentionally seek out Christian community on campus. During the first few weeks of college, students are bombarded with different activities to fill their schedules. Everything is new: people, buildings, classes, meal times. Many students are navigating these daily activities on their own for the first time. It’s easy to drop worship and “Bible study” from an already hectic schedule.

Youth workers can play a vital role in helping students get connected to Christian community before they head off to college. Consider using a youth group night to talk to college bound youth about the value and importance of community and church. Take time to visit college websites to find what Christian groups are available on campus. Encourage students to track down the college leaders and make contact with them before they reach campus. Helping students find a place to belong can make all the difference in the world as they transition to college.

Check out www.CPYU.org/CollegeGroups to learn more about national college ministries and to discover the college campuses where they are located.