Getting Plugged Into the Christian Community at College

by Debra Walters

Sending your child to college can be a nerve-wracking experience.  You wish you could be there to cook, clean, nurse, and guard them.  The reality is that as much as you would like to:

You cannot go to school with your child.

The next best thing: helping your child find a Christian environment.  All universities have Christian clubs and organizations that help students deal with the transition to college.

For the Student-

The best place to find such people is through a local church.  Find out which churches in the area have Campus Ministries.  Visit the church and get a feel for the program.  Do they seem to genuinely care?  Meet the leader and exchange contact information.

Church-based clubs are the best because they give students access to a variety of people that can become part of their lives.  Locals can be helpful when needing directions, rides, home cooked meals, job leads, and more.  Also, involvement in these clubs is safe because the burden of its success falls on the local church and not on the students.

The best way to get to know a club is to visit a meeting in progress and observe.

Ask yourself these questions when you are ready to select a club:

• Do their beliefs line up with our family values?
• Do they show genuine interest in students?
• Are they personable? Do they give you access to the leader’s contact information?
• Is it run by students, adults or a combination of both?
• What kind of activities and supports to they offer?
• How often and how long are the meetings?
• Where do they meet?
• What do they expect from students?
• Do the current members seem to like it and get along?
• Is it the right size for you?  (You may prefer a large group or a more intimate group.)

Joining a campus organization can be a beneficial way to get involved and improve leadership skills.  It looks great on resumes, but it can also become a distraction from school work, if there are too many demands placed on the students.  Make sure you find a club that is well-balanced. As cool as it would be, you cannot major in “Socializing.”

Below is a list of the top 5 campus organizations.  They have chapters in most universities.  Find out if there is a chapter at yours.

1. Chi Alpha (XA, often linked to the local Assemblies of God Church)
2. Campus Crusade for Christ
3. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
4. Great Commission Ministries (GCM)
5. Baptist Student Union or Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BSU or BCM)

Many universities also have Christian Greek organizations, groups that have grown significantly in the last 20 years.  Through these organizations you can get involved in socials, formal parties, volunteer work, and missions work; all in a clean and Christian environment.  The best part is that everyone is accepted – they do not rush.  Christian Greek organizations often hold co-ed events where you get to meet others with similar values.

Once you choose an organization to join, get involved! Attend outings, volunteer, and find out how to become an officer.  Bear in mind that college clubs are always going through transitions, losing students to graduation and gaining new members.  Don’t be afraid to walk up to people and introduce yourself.

Getting plugged in to a campus ministry will help with the transition to college.  If your campus does not have a Christian club, start one.  You can begin with a small weekly prayer and Bible study group.  College can be a lonely place, but there is no need to go at it alone. “God sets the solitary in families.” Psalm 68:6 Fellowship with other Christians will feel like home away from home.