Keeping the Faith on the University Campus

Written by Paul Turner

Colleges used to be seen as the in loco parentis, “in place of the parents,” which meant that if a student did something unethical or wrong, the college would step in to help them through discipline and instruction. Today’s campuses are basically free-for-alls with little consequence for “minor” infractions. Unless a crime is committed or a student is involved in another major offense, most schools do not even care what students are doing. All of a sudden, students are placed in a position to police themselves, and few are able to do that.

Along with this new found freedom comes the question of  “How do I continue to stand up for my faith?” How can you help students find stable ground in their spiritual lives in the midst of such a time of change? Share these pointers to help them get started…

 

Get Involved in Something Solid
On just about every college or university campus in America, there are many religious organizations. Most of these are listed in the directory that is handed out to incoming freshmen or placed on the institution’s Web site. In fact, one can pretty much choose just about any belief system and join in on a meeting that is termed “religious.” At the core of all of these offerings is a common thread. They reflect faith in someone or something.

Make sure that the group is consistent with Scripture.
While many claim to hold to the truth, the real test is how closely they stay to the Word. Do they add to it? Only talk about the good parts? Do they consider the whole counsel of Scripture? Do they adhere the principle of grace and truth? Scripture talks about Jesus’ being full of grace and truth, which meant He not only shared the truth of God but He shared the grace of God as well. Take a look at John 1:14, and you will see it for yourself.

Being around other people who know Christ and are grounded in the Word can be beneficial. It cannot replace a student’s own diligence in growing in relationship with God, but it can encourage students in their daily walk in a new environment.

Know What you Believe
This would seem to be a no-brainer, but most people struggle with things they do not know. In many student ministries today, we have the tendency to tell students what they are to believe and fail to help them search out the Scripture for themselves, and thus, they rarely know why they believe the things that they think they believe. The things they do, however, reflect what they really believe.

Don’t Give Up
Easily said and much harder to do, but surrounding yourself with those who are seeking to grow in Christ, knowing what you believe (and revisiting this on a daily basis and asking God to help you with your unbelief), and praying your knees to callouses are three main ways to stay faithful while in college. Check out J. Budziszewski’s book, How to Stay Christian in College for some more in-depth support. And the Bible is a really good resource to use as well. It provides strength, knowledge, wisdom, and information as you stand strong in your faith on the college/university campus.

God will get you through whatever you come up against. Not meant to sound like a cliche, but it may sound like one. Remember what He has brought you through already, and surround yourself with those whom He has delivered and is continuing to deliver.

Pray, Pray, Pray
Seemingly, prayer is one of the most talked about practices in most churches but among the least actually practiced. Knowing what to pray at times is a mystery when you find yourself being bombarded on every side. At these times many find themselves praying, “God, I do not even know what to pray. Please make sense of these thoughts and feelings that I am experiencing.” How the Spirit takes what we pray and intercedes to the Father on our behalf is one of the greatest mysteries to me. He promises us that He will do it for us though.

Ask some adults and other leaders you know to pray for you on a regular basis. Keep them updated on your prayer needs, and allow them to speak into your life the things they see need to be prayed for you. Make praying for others a priority in your life. As you pray for others, you will find the joy that comes with supporting and encouraging fellow Christ followers.

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