Does Your Church Have What It Takes to Reach College Students? Part 3

Jan 11 | Pastor J.D. | 1 Comment |

Here are the concluding points of the 9-point article on how to effectively reach college students in our churches. Here is part 1 and part 2.

7. “One-on-one” and “small-groups” are often more effective for evangelism than are large groups:

The “come and get it” approach of many churches and campus ministries has become less effective with today’s students. Plus, there are usually a lot of groups already doing that on campus, and that “market,” if you will, is already glutted. All that to say, there are more lost kids on campus than ever, but most them won’t go to the typical “large group evangelism” events. We have found that one-on-one and small group approaches will, however, reach many of these “radically un-churched” students.

Also, it’s easier (and cheaper!) to draft younger, “just out of college” workers than it is to hire a career “college pastor” (which is what you’ll need if you’re going to run an effective large group on campus). Not only are these younger workers easier to find and employ, they have an easier time engaging students one-on-one and in small groups. They are also less likely to be arrested for hanging out in the dorms.

8.Providing multi-generational connections for students within the church is essential to discipleship:

Students need a Titus-2 type connection with older men and women. This can happen in both the formal and informal settings: by encouraging healthy couples and families to integrate students into their families; in multi-generational small groups; and through having students help out with children’s and student ministries are all ways students can connect. Five college students guys hanging out together sharing their collective wisdom is not the “manifestation of God’s varied graces” that God promised in the church (Eph, 3:10; 1 Peter 4:10); it’s more like Lord of the Flies.

9. Cultural adaptation is important, though not essential: 

Personally, I have a hard time understanding why churches hold on to the cultural mores and styles of previous generations and at the same time complain at their inability to reach this one. I know we can’t make the gospel more attractive through our “coolness,” but, face it: if the 1950’s ever come back, many of our churches are going to be ready. But they are not coming back. We need to reckon with that.

That said, the real appeal of the church is in its timelessness, not its trendiness. The authenticity of the message is more important than the coolness of the messenger or the loudness of the music.

The “traditionalism” of most of our churches usually kills not because it is “uncool,” but because it is a counterfeit of the gospel. I know of churches very effective in engaging students that have more of the ancient, reverent feel than a vibrant, energetic one. Our church has more of a modern feel, but the gospel’s power can reign in both settings. We would encourage you to lay all cultural elements of your church at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to show you how to prioritize the mission over preference. Every effective missionary in every culture has thought this way. God help us if we value our cultural traditions more than our children!

One Response to “Does Your Church Have What It Takes to Reach College Students? Part 3”

1. Kevin R says:

   January 11, 2012 at 9:49 am

   Thank you for your commitment to college students. It is b/c of your outreach in your area that we saw a young man saved in our town, Brant Lake, NY; and I was able to baptize him a few years ago! That was truly an exciting moment for us. Thanks for the blog.