College ministry: Creative ways to engage with students

College ministry seeks to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to college students on campus. It’s a calling to go, make an impact, and help others.

Campus missionaries in different parts of the world spread the Gospel and disciple students to advance God’s kingdom on the grounds of universities.

Why is college ministry important? 

College ministry has positively affected its students’ mental health, relationships, and education. To ease the transition from high school to college, this group can set up social structures and support groups for its members.

According to Joshua Hawkins, campus missionaries and local churches working together can help college students develop a deep trust in Jesus.

Jesus’ light shines forth ever more brilliantly when disciples are discipled and produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Fun engagement ideas and activities for college ministry

Students, their parents, teachers, and pastors have various perspectives on college ministry. It is an integral aspect of the campus community for Christian college students. 

Students can expect opportunities for them to serve others. Volunteering may be a rewarding experience for college students on campus and in the larger community.

Since we want to engage more students in the ministry, there are some fun activities for them to participate in. These activities will provide students with opportunities to meet others, and they will surely get closer to God, too. 

Host service groups

Serving people is one way you can engage students in a college ministry. Students get to do community service while simultaneously forming relationships with others. 

With this, encourage the students to invite other clubs or groups to collaborate on a significant community service initiative. 

You can also urge kids to pray for their friends and ask God to open up opportunities for them to share their faith in Him.

Lead campus worship meeting

Campus worship services are another excellent example of student ministry students frequently lead. 

Eastern Nazarene College shared that religious students like having a place to worship God while attending college. 

For musically talented students, this will be their first chance to lead worship. Also, many Christian universities host weekly worship services and other events. Only in Christian colleges can one find this kind of worship ministry. 

Even if there may be Christian clubs in secular universities, it’s different from having the excitement of worship in campus life.

Hold Christian festivals for college ministry

The ministry can host performances of Christian spirituality-themed music, poetry, talks, and the visual arts. Film screenings are another option for them.

Movies that start conversations about God and life by exploring topics like God’s grace and sovereignty. You can also add in the films the common misconceptions of Jesus, God’s favor, the necessity of worship, and other similar themes. 

In addition, you can use these videos as a time for group conversations.

Image: Anthony DELANOIX|Unsplash 

‘Ice Cream Social’ for freshies

A Christian group on campus will be in charge of organizing this event. Usually, they offer ice cream to Christian students and share their views.

Cru suggested having three or four lectures for three to five minutes each on making the most of high school to turn this into a missionary event. Someone should give a testimonial about how faith in God has shaped their lives and how it can shape the lives of others.

Have a prayer ministry

For ENC, it’s important to remember that student ministry is not necessarily hands-on, especially for students who feel powerless to change the world.

Another distinctive aspect of Christian colleges is the widespread acceptance of the beneficial effects of prayer.

We think that God is the ultimate agent of a global transformation. Our students’ futures are in his hands. So, prayer and requests for His intervention are often the most effective forms of ministry we can participate in.

At least twice a year, at a central location on campus, they are ideally led by students. That way, ministries can mark their calendars and prepare accordingly.

Host college prep seminar

You may help students prepare for college by holding a seminar. Christian college grads can attend and share their experiences. 

High school students can benefit from a curriculum that uses multimedia and comedy to explain how college life works.

Have one of the college students talk about how Christ is providing direction and meaning in their life at the outreach. Also, you can encourage students to accept Christ by sharing the gospel with them.

Image: Sam Balye|Unsplash

Hold world’s religions panel

Members of the college ministry can hold a religions panel, where students of faith are invited to share their views. 

Per Cru, all four groups will be asked four questions to educate listeners. Attendees are provided dinner after the students speak.

Christian students should be trained to lead discussions and explain Christianity. With the help of this event, the students form relationships with students of other faiths.

College is a formative experience for many American youth and may be the most crucial time of their lives. Those four years are crucial as their habits, attitudes, and long-term lifestyle decisions are created and tested. 

With the help of college ministry, they can turn their difficulties into triumphs and receive support from others.