A parent can model spiritually connected behavior in their own lives. When I was in high school we didn’t go to church as a family. Or, I should say, we didn’t make time to go to church as a family. My mom went to CBS (Community Bible Study) every week. Although she wasn’t actively telling my sister and I that we should go to church, we would see her doing her bible study homework every week. We subconsciously understood church and the Bible needed to be a part of our adult lives.

When I went to college my parents and I didn’t talk about whether or not I would go to church. But I knew if I wanted to become an adult with half the grace and wisdom my mom has, Christian community would need to be part of my life. Thankfully, my mom’s lifetime of prayers were answered. As soon as I arrived at UCLA members of my swim team and my new boyfriend invited me to Bel Air Pres.

What can youth workers do better to help a kid make that transition?

Facilitate student leadership and provide a fun, non-intimidating environment. No one can recruit college students to come to a college group or bible study better than other students. No one can plan activities that students will enjoy more than other students.

Students have big questions and need room to think in college. They need leaders who are approachable, firm in their faith, and open-minded. Leaders should encourage students to figure out who they are in Christ, instead of telling them who they should be. Youth workers should provide safe places for students to form lasting friendships and discuss the questions that are on their hearts with their peers (ie facilitate small groups).

What would you tell an incoming freshmen about the importance of finding a church/campus church community early on?

College is a unique time when your friends become your family. They support you, listen to you, act goofy with you, and validate you during a time in your life when you are figuring out who you are and what you believe. The people you meet freshmen year often become your family very quickly because all of a sudden you’re not seeing your family every day. They are the people you will end up living with when you move off campus. They will influence what parties you go to, what media you consume, and what you believe when you graduate. If you are at all sure that God is out there, surround yourself with Christians and a healthy Christian community.

This post was mentioned on Twitter by rhetter: If you participated in a college ministry during your college years, I would love your feedback on this topic, http://bit.ly/4Sj4fw…

Great stuff. i remember you talking about this stuff a bit when we had lunch together. Pray, pray, pray is so important. Often it feels like you aren’t doing much (because people want to do more “tangible”, “immediate” things), but praying for our children on their spiritual journey is so important. Especially I think, when we let them know we are praying for them.

Rhett
.-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..Helping Your College Student Get Spiritually Connected on Campus =-.

If you have any questions for me, let me know. Feel free to send me an email. I will drop you a line as well.

Definitely, experiences that we have, good or bad, especially leading into college can greatly influence our desire for or against going to a ministry. And relationships, dating and friend, are very influential as you have noted.

Rhett
.-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..Helping Your College Student Get Spiritually Connected on Campus =-.

Awesome…the UCLA campus drew you in, huh? Thanks for the thoughts. Those are some good tips for parents, and I think pastors who are available to help kids who are searching for groups is key……a cup of coffee or conversation can go a long way in making a person feel welcome in a group.

Rhett
.-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..Helping Your College Student Get Spiritually Connected on Campus =-.

Whoa! Too much to comment on here. Relationships is key, and I love all the points you have for each of the areas that I was contemplating. I’m definitely going to be using this when I work with parents, etc.

Also, I like how you mention to parents about not making last ditch efforts to get their kids involved, or to manipulate them into going. I think you are right about that. Ultimately, college kids are away from home and will be making their own choices, so hopefully parents model some things at home that demonstrate the importance of being connected relationally to a body of believers.

Rhett
.-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..Helping Your College Student Get Spiritually Connected on Campus =-.

Awesome. So glad you had a great experience there. Who was the college pastor then? Curious. Was Roger Dermody around then.

Thanks for sharing…sounds like you had some great relationships there that really helped get you plugged in, and it sounds like the ministry sent people out to encourage and invite others.

Rhett
.-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..Helping Your College Student Get Spiritually Connected on Campus =-.

You had down so many great things.

First, relationships at every stage is crucial, so I like that you mentioned that because it can be overlooked and taken for granted.

Second, I love the modeling of parents and their prayers as laying the groundwork for the spiritual life that their kids set out on.

Third, I love your practical tips….all great.

Last, I love hearing your personal stories from Campus Crusade and Bel Air….thanks for sharing them.

Rhett
.-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..Helping Your College Student Get Spiritually Connected on Campus =-.