College Crisis?

The growing struggle for churches in college ministry is alarming. The statistics out there are showing that the majority have strong spiritual or religious beliefs but a very small percentage of them are found plugged in to a local church. The church we attend is starting another college/career/?? class to help out our students. One of my close friends living in Chattanooga is beginning a college ministry outreach and I wished him all the best with my prayers because it is an area in need of serious examination in church life. If I know anything it is that I do not have all the answers but I do know there is a clear distinction that can help shed light on the problems. Ministering to believers who already know Christ and were involved in church ministry and reaching out to those who do not know Christ or who are "seekers" are unique but very similar, each having their own set of challenges.

With so many students who were involved in youth ministry but are not actively involved in church ministry when in college, the issue goes back to before they walk the stage at high school graduation. Youth ministries that are completely disconnected from other age groups and ministries in the church may draw the largest number of kids in the short term, but in the long term do not produce as many growing disciples of Christ. The results are often college students who will only attend youth meetings but couldn't tell you about anyone or anything else going on in the church. The growing worship movements through local campus ministries is an awesome thing, but I have talked to many campus ministers that are frustrated by how few of those students at the big gathering will come for Bible Study and prayer. Simply put, a true life of worship is a life of obedience. The solutions offered in many churches is putting college students or those who are fresh off the college campus as the leaders of the college ministries. This idea sounds great because it apparently meets the relevance and peer relationship needs, but is it best? I don't think this is wrong as much as it is counterproductive since there is still a disconnect with the church body and does not help answer what is out there for the believer after they eventually do graduate college (see photo).

For reaching unbelievers, I believe that churches can learn a great deal from the worship movements in campus ministries and the most fundamental lesson for them to learn is that God is enough. We don't have to try to add creative lures and extras on top of the gospel because when Jesus is lifted high He truly does draw people to Himself. Churches must also be willing to meet the challenging issues and go deeper into some of the life struggles that many face on college campuses. We must be willing to meet unbelievers where they are and not expect them to conform to church pews and hymnals they have never seen before they are allowed to hear the gospel. This is a battle ground for Christians to pay close attention to with the growing anti-Christian message that college students hear from professors who practically brainwash the masses with new age philosophy and naturalism. On the other end of the spectrum, genuine believers who are being encouraged and discipled in their churches and campus ministries are a spark of revolution on these same campuses. The solutions may come in asking the right questions and looking where, or to whom, we should've been looking all along for the answers.