A FEW WAYS TO BE ON MISSION FOR JESUS IN
COLLEGE
1) Make friends who do not know Jesus. College
is a time of change and growth for most students, and it can serve as a conduit
to meet new people and gain long-lasting relationships. In conversations with
Christians heading off to college, often their number one goal is to “guard”
and “protect” themselves from those who may influence them negatively. They try
so hard to protect themselves that they may not even notice the opportunity of
individuals / students around them. Get to know those in your classrooms,
clubs, or fraternities / sororities. Remember that Jesus is accused of being
“friends” with those who looked menacing to others.[1] Jesus
is able to protect his relationship with the Father without compromising any of
God’s standards (be in prayer, asking for strength often).
2) Join Clubs or Fraternities / Sororities.
People instinctively desire community with one another[2], and
Christians fulfill that need through Christ’s church, but what about those that
do not know Jesus? School clubs and fraternities / sororities are full of
people desiring a true feeling of love and intimacy with others. Imagine being
there for someone, not encouraging them to see how many bong hits they can do
on their head, but talking to them about something of substance.
3) Gather with other Christians and pray or
bible study. Our culture is “open” to spirituality. I have found that even
if people do not like Christianity, they are always open for prayer or reading
the Bible. Gather Christians on campus and begin to invite non-Christians into
the discussion about / with God. Make the environment safe and do not push an
agenda (salvation, church membership, etc.). The Spirit does the work of
regenerating hearts, not you.[3]
4) Serve others generously in your classes.
Be kind, open, loving, peaceable and wise in your classes.[4]
People can tell when a person is insincere and desire to make their point
rather than learn humbly. You are not serving others in your class when you are
rude or disruptive. Moreover, practical servitude includes buying extra
scan-trons during test weeks, providing pens and pencils to those who may have
forgotten, and encouraging others questions or ideas during lecture.
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