Just for Congregations
Pastors, Church Secretaries, Youth Leaders, and all those in our congregations interested in campus ministry:
The connection between the congregation and campus ministry is an
important one, one that should be strengthened in service to our
collegians. The transition from high school to college is a
critical time. For most of them, this will be the first time in
their lives when they will have to be self-motivated to participate in
the life of the church. True, too many already disappear after
confirmation, but at least they live with parents whom, it is to be
hoped, encourage continued participation. In the dorm or
off-campus apartment, the student often has no one but
him/herself. Complicating matters is the lack of information
students have about campus ministry. At WVU, e.g., students
receive no information packet about religious services from the
university. Information is buried on the WVU website, but its not
easy to find. WVU also does not conduct a religious preference
census of students, meaning we get no info about incoming
students. That's right, we don't know who or even how many
Lutherans are on campus, and the university is disinclined to find out
and pass the information on.
So, how do students find out about campus ministry? And how does
the campus ministry find out about them? We advertise on campus
and hold various PR events. We also count on our currently active
students to invite others. Another part of it is the
congregation. Congregational leaders can help by reminding
students and parents that campus ministry exists in different forms at
colleges and universities across the country. This can be as
simply done as handing out a sheet of paper with a webaddress or
telephone number. Referrals can also be made. By sending a
campus ministry info about the incoming (or current) student, the
campus ministry can attempt to invite. Of course, some students
want to run as far away from the church as possible during their
college years. Others will just find the local campus ministry
not to their taste or convenience. The reasons students give for
not participating in campus ministry are as manifold as those given by
adults for not attending church. Still, the one reason that we should
never hear is "I didn't know there was a campus ministry."
These items are the first steps in creating resources for the
congregation. We welcome your suggestions and your continued
partnership.
Prayer for the Start of the Academic Year
Please include a
petition in the prayers of the church of your congregation on a Sunday
close to the start of the (college) school year. Here is the one
from the LBW.
O eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and
universities [and especially __________], that they may be lively
places of sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and
grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the
source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
WebFora
Friends of the LCM@WVU WebForum
Our WebFora provides a medium for on-line, asynchronous communication:
no need to be in the same room at the same time. You are invited
to participate in this WebForum. Share your ideas, observations,
etc.. This is just getting started, so don't be shy. It
might feel a little odd to be one of the first to post, but someone has
to do it. Soon enough, it is to be hoped, we'll find a vibrant
conversation.
Downloads
"Not Even Close to All About the Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU"
A very brief introduction to the LCM@WVU. Includes URL and very
brief descriptions of four major program areas (worship, education,
service, and fellowship). Good for bulletin inserts.
5½" x 8½", one-sided, 2 per letter-sized sheet, PDF.
Student Referral Form (WVU)
A short form on which a student (or referring person) can sumbit basic
contact information for the student. Also allows referring person
(if not the student) to submit contact information for
him/herself. Format is on a third sheet of letter-sized.
This makes it very easy to mail. 32/3" x 11", one-sided, 3 per letter-sized sheet, PDF.
Student Referral Form (for any college or unversity)
A short form on which a student (or referring person) can sumbit basic
contact information for the student. Also allows referring person (if
not the student) to submit contact information for him/herself. Format
is on a third sheet of letter-sized. This makes it very easy to mail.
32/3" x 11", one-sided, 3 per letter-sized sheet, PDF.
Links
ELCA Campus Ministry Website: Resources for Congregation Pastors
ELCA Campus Minsitry Website: Resources for Parents
ELCA Campus Minsitry Webstire: Resources for Students