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Greek Night at Langston Baptist: Why Greek Life Should Be On Your Ministry Radar

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If you lead college ministry and have not yet stepped into Greek Life, you could be missing one of the most connected and influential communities on your campus.

Fraternities and sororities are more than social clubs. They are close-knit, tradition-rich groups that shape campus culture, drive service projects, and influence the rhythms of student life. That makes them both a challenge and an incredible opportunity for the gospel.

Langston Baptist Church’s College Ministry in Conway, South Carolina, recently embraced that opportunity by hosting a Greek Night that drew more than seventy students from Sigma Phi Epsilon and Phi Sigma Sigma at Coastal Carolina University. The plan was simple: create a welcoming space, share a meal, and start honest conversations. The result was powerful. Twenty-four students indicated they wanted to follow Jesus, take a step toward baptism, or explore faith further.

How the Night Unfolded

The evening began with Chick-fil-A and open tables, making it easy for students to relax and connect. Along the way, leaders handed out resources, including study Bibles. For some, it was the first Bible they had ever received.

A short teaching on Biblical community set the tone for the rest of the night. Then came a live question-and-answer session where students anonymously submitted their questions. The questions were personal, honest, and sometimes raw. Leaders responded with Scripture, grace, and real-life application. It shifted the night from something people were attending to something they were part of.

Things wrapped up with “Cookies and Conversations,” a chance for small group discussions where relationships could take root. This unhurried ending allowed ministry leaders to connect on a deeper level with students who may have never walked into a church before.

Why Reaching Greek Life Matters

One Greek student can influence an entire chapter. These organizations are already built around community, shared experiences, and loyalty. When the gospel takes hold in one member’s life, it has the potential to ripple outward quickly.

Yet the reality is that many Greek students will not walk into a ministry event on their own. Their schedules are full. Their social calendars are packed. Some have had negative experiences with Christians or simply assume faith is not for them. This is why going to them or creating something designed with them in mind matters so much. Langston Baptist did not wait for them to come. They extended personal invitations, built a night that felt like theirs, and made sure the welcome was genuine.

Lessons for Ministry

Building a Greek outreach is less about a perfect program and more about intentional presence. Relationships come first. Learn what matters to them, show respect for their commitments, and offer something that adds value to their lives. Create environments where questions are encouraged and honest conversation is normal. Be ready for the follow-up since personal connections after an event often matter more than the event itself.

Thinking Like a Waffle

If you picture your campus as a pancake, you imagine one big flat space where everyone is basically the same. A campus is more like a waffle. It has pockets that represent subcultures with their own identity and rhythms. Athletic teams, student government, music groups, and Greek chapters are all different pockets. Reaching the campus means being intentional about entering those pockets one at a time. Langston’s Greek Night worked because it targeted one specific pocket with purpose and care.

The Bigger Picture

Greek Night was more than a one-off event. It was a model for how a ministry can focus on a specific campus community and build real connections that point to Jesus. Imagine what could happen if more ministries committed to stepping into these pockets, not just for one night but for the long haul!

When that happens, you might find yourself in a room full of fraternity brothers and sorority sisters wrestling with questions of faith, perhaps for the first time, and beginning a journey toward life in Christ.

Chad Stillwell is the Evangelism Team Leader and Collegiate Ministries Director for South Carolina.

As the World Cup Begins in America, College Students Are Showing How Soccer Can Open Doors for the Gospel

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The World Cup has officially arrived in the United States. For the next several weeks, the globe will be captivated by the beautiful game. Stadiums will roar with excitement, nations will hold their breath, and legends will be made on the pitch. But long before the first whistle ever echoed across an American stadium, God was already at work. A passionate group of college students from South Carolina had the privilege of witnessing a far greater victory than lifting a golden trophy—they saw God move powerfully, using the sport as a tool to save souls and help a church reach and connect with their community.

In late May, the Lord led ten students from South Carolina BCM to travel on mission to Manchester, United Kingdom. Partnering alongside IMB missionary Kris Kuriger, dedicated British believers, and Trinity Church Manchester, this team didn’t just cross an ocean; they stepped into divine appointments orchestrated by God. Their primary mission field? A neighborhood soccer pitch beating in the heart of one of Europe’s most legendary soccer capitals.

In Manchester, it’s not just soccer. It’s football. And football is the absolute lifeblood of the city. It dictates the rhythm of the week, shapes deep-rooted community identity, and dominates daily conversations. Knowing this, God masterfully took the very pulse of the city and used it as a brilliant bridge for His Gospel.

The Lord worked through the South Carolina BCM team as they joined forces with a local British church and an IMB missionary to host a dynamic football outreach camp for neighborhood children. As the student volunteers ran drills, cheered on every child, and forged authentic relationships, the Holy Spirit opened doors to share the ultimate story of love. By using the profound narrative of Abraham and Isaac, they illustrated a Heavenly Father who willingly sacrificed His only Son for our salvation.

God’s impact was nothing short of miraculous. Hearts were softened by His grace, and right there at the soccer camp, the Lord drew four individuals to make life-altering decisions to follow Christ!

Igniting a Generation

But God’s transformative work didn’t stop with the local community; He was actively igniting the hearts of the American college students, too. Tyra, one of the students serving on the trip, watched the Holy Spirit move in real-time.

“One way I’ve seen God move on this trip in Manchester is seeing kids who were not interested in Christ having questions and becoming curious about Christ,” she shared, her faith renewed by the raw spiritual hunger God was awakening.

This is the beating heart of collegiate missions: God using students who are available and willing to go. 

Across the Baptist Collegiate Network, the Lord is raising up a generation of students. Guided by His Spirit, they are dedicating their spring breaks, sacrificing their summers, and giving their absolute best through Baptist collegiate ministries, local churches, state conventions, Send Relief, NAMB, IMB, and other vital mission partners. From the bustling streets of North American cities to remote, unreached corners of the globe, God is sending these students into places of deep spiritual need.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, these young adults realize they do not need to wait until after graduation to fulfill the Great Commission. God is sending them now. Their leaders are helping them recognize that their campus years are not a mere “waiting room” for future obedience. When students are intentionally discipled, equipped, and surrendered to God’s will, He uses their open hands and willing hearts in extraordinary ways.

Collegiate leaders are helping students understand that they are not just preparing for life after college. They are following Jesus now. They are not merely future church leaders. They are present-day witnesses.

Deep Conversations and Breaking Barriers

Beyond the football pitch, the Lord guided the team as they partnered with Trinity Church Manchester to reach out to Muslim families in the northern part of the city. The students witnessed the Holy Spirit empowering local believers to love their neighbors. Students were blessed to partner with church members who themselves give time each week to genuine conversations and intentionality to share the Gospel. One member, an 80-year-old retired nurse, uses her time each week to share the Gospel with people who have little access to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Justin, another student profoundly impacted by the trip, watched God crumble walls through honest, spiritual dialogue.

“I have seen God move in amazing ways,” Justin testified, “and one of those ways is having people coming from a Muslim background who have never been to church asking deep theological questions about Jesus and wanting to really seek Him and learn more about Him.”

IMB missionary Kris Kuriger emphasized that God has made Manchester a profoundly strategic training ground for college students, offering immediate impact.

“One of the benefits of coming to the UK is there’s no language barrier, so you can jump right into ministry,” Kuriger noted. Yet, the spiritual hunger is immense. “Most of the UK is less than two percent Christian now,” he urged. “It is an opportunity for Christian students to come and actually reach the least of these, and so we want to invite you as a college student to join in with what God is doing.”

Ready for His Call

Through Baptist collegiate groups, God is actively helping students discover their divine calling in this global mission. For some, He uses a single, one-week trip to shatter their worldly perspective and open their eyes to His global heartbeat. For others, God uses a summer assignment to forge an unbreakable courage to witness as they learn to rely on Him in a new city.

As the World Cup dominates screens across America, millions will celebrate the world’s game. But in Manchester, God allowed a team of South Carolina college students to see the Creator of the universe use a simple sport to open eternal doors. They saw God love children through time spent around a football. They rejoiced as the Holy Spirit called four souls from darkness into light.

The Lord has made the college generation ready. He is equipping them to serve, giving them the hunger to go, and preparing them to carry the Gospel from their campus quads to the nations. The only question that remains is whether churches, ministries, and leaders will continue to partner with God by boldly calling them, training them, and sending them out into the world He so desperately loves.

Chad Stillwell is the Evangelism Share Team Leader and Collegiate Ministries Director for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

See What is Happening in Houston! 

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Spurring One Another On

Several years ago, a group of young men at UH began meeting regularly for a men’s Bible study. Week after week, they gathered in our building or somewhere on campus to read Scripture, pray, and share life together. This past fall, some of those same men felt led to pursue deeper accountability and spiritual growth.

At our January leadership retreat, our male staff met with these student leaders and asked what they hoped to see in ministry to men. From those conversations, accountability groups were formed for any men who wanted to participate. Now, each week, these small groups meet to pray for one another, encourage one another, and engage in evangelism together.

It has been a gift from the Lord to watch these followers of Jesus step up and intentionally invest in their relationships with God and with one another, seeking to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” After just one semester, we are already seeing the fruit of their faithfulness and intentionality in the spiritual growth and maturity of our young men.

Watching Expectantly

“UH BSM, this is Shannon.” “Hello, is there a priest there that I could meet with?” “No, but I am a minister, and I’d be happy to meet with you.”

That was how I first met a wonderful Iranian student I’ll call M.

M came to my office, and we spent a couple of hours getting to know each other and hearing her story. Week after week, she returned. She was not a believer, but she was open to conversations about faith. She described herself as someone who had once been atheist but now considered herself agnostic. During our conversations, I would share stories from Scripture that related to her circumstances, and we would close our time together in prayer.

Toward the end of the semester, life became especially difficult for M. The demands of her academic program intensified, while concerns for her family grew as tensions escalated in Iran.

Around that same time, another ministry in Houston, Global Gates, was hosting a group of gap-year interns. They hoped to connect with Iranian students during their four days in Houston in order to build friendships, learn more about Iranian culture, and create opportunities to share their faith. Kevin reached out to ask if I knew any Iranian students who might be interested.

M was one of the first people I texted. A few days before the event, she met with Kevin to hear more about the plans for the week. In the end, M not only attended herself but also connected five other Iranian students to the group.

The evenings were filled with conversation, shared testimonies, cultural exchange, dancing, games, and genuine friendship. At the end of the week, M texted, “I had an amazing time with my new friends, and I miss them already.”

I continue to watch with great expectation as the Lord works in M’s life. It has been a privilege to walk alongside her patiently, trusting God to continue drawing her to Himself.

Old Into New

Rose came to college with a Christian background, but during her freshman year, she began drifting from her faith. Through Instagram and campus platforms, she started seeing information about the BSM. She wanted to check it out, but she was hesitant. What if the group was strange or overly intense? She noticed that the BSM regularly hosted coffee outreach on campus and thought that might be a low-pressure way to connect.

One morning, while walking through the student center, Rose saw students giving away free coffee. She grabbed a cup and walked away, but after a few steps, she realized this was the very group she had been wanting to meet. She turned around, went back to the table, and met Moriah and Ashley.

Ashley, who leads the Freshman Bible Study, invited Rose to come check it out, and she decided to give it a try. After meeting the group, Rose told the leaders, “Wow, y’all are cool Christians.” That moment became the beginning of Rose diving fully into community and discipleship.

Rose soon started attending free lunch gatherings, where one of our staff members, Hannah, who also co-leads the Freshman Bible Study, had the opportunity to hear more of her story. During one of those conversations, Rose shared that she had previously accepted Christ but wanted to be baptized again because her first baptism had been forced on her. This time, she wanted it to be her own decision and expression of faith.

At our final worship gathering of the semester, we were able to celebrate that step with her baptism. Rose invited several of her non-Christian friends to attend. When asked to share her confession of faith, she said, “I am ready to take the Lord with me through all walks of life and turn the old into new.”

Shannon Lambert is the Student Minister for BSM at the University of Houston. Follow the ministry on Instagram @uhbsm.

God Moving in AZ!

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God is moving in Arizona! This year,  Challenge AZ is partnered with 20 local churches reaching out to 24 college campuses. There are 35 missionaries spearheading these ministries. Below is an update from Ellie Lambert, Campus Missionary at Arizona State University’s downtown campus.

“At the end of 2025, I celebrated 5 years of serving with Christian Challenge as a collegiate missionary!

When I started my college journey, I had no idea the Lord would call me into vocational ministry, but I am so thankful for his intentional and careful direction in my life. Through Challenge I have been able to cultivate a lifestyle of living out the gospel, sharing Christ’s love with others and raising up leaders for his church.

This semester we have a student leadership team of eight: one senior, three juniors, three sophomores and one freshmen. Together they are leading two small group bible studies on campus as they dive verse-by-verse into the book of Genesis. Please be praying for our leaders and these intentional small group studies.

One leader I have had the pleasure of growing close to in discipleship and development is Rhiannon. (Above is a  photo of Rhiannon and I at tabling.) Rhiannon was a brand new believer when I first met her freshman year. Since then she has grown exponentially in her faith and enjoys discipling other girls, sharing the gospel with anyone she meets on campus, leading bible studies and organizing missions projects. It is clear the Lord has placed a call to ministry on her heart and she has been working closely with me to take on some of my role as a missionary. Praise God for her faith and growth! It is a true joy to watch as the Lord uses our ministry to mobilize servants for his kingdom!”

You can follow the ministry at ASU DT on Instagram @challengeasudt, and Christian Challenge AZ @christianchallengeaz.  

International Student Ministry: Thankful for God Moving!

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This school year has brought about some new challenges in our world of international students. Across the United States, the number of international students has greatly declined because of the political climate. It wasn’t a surprise, but we have seen its effects now. However, this past Thanksgiving was wonderful! At Purdue University, we have a program created by our university called, “Host-A-Boiler”. In this program, international students can sign up with it and be assigned to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with a family from the community.

For our organization, Launch Campus Ministry (formerly known as the Purdue BCM), and families, we hosted over 60 students between two homes. We had students from 16 different countries. Between two homes, we prepared over 34lbs of turkey and 10lbs of ham. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

One Korean grad student shared, “Thanks so much for your invitation! I truly enjoyed the food. I was alone and lonely, but you helped me a lot.” Another Columbian grad student shared, “Thank you so much for hosting us! It was a wonderful Thanksgiving day and a great opportunity to learn from different cultures. God bless you and your family!”

Plate filled with Thanksgiving food sitting on a Thanksgiving table cloth beside a plastic cup of tea.
Shoes stacked in a pile beside a door at the bottom of a staircase.

Some Gospel conversations were had, but hospitality speaks loudly as well. We would highly recommend finding ways to show the biblical practice of hospitality to the “foreigner” as often as you can. It is a sacrifice, but a rewarding one at that. Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Dennis Runner is the International Team Minister with Launch Campus Ministry at Purdue. Learn more about the ministry at launchcampusministry.com.

Saying Goodbye to Graduating International Students

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Giving international students a good send off and finding ways to stay connected is so valuable in keeping an ongoing relationship with them. It is encouraging to see God at work in their lives, even beyond the time they spend on your campus.  As the semester is ending, here are things to consider as students are graduating or transferring to another college.

  1. Determine the best way to stay in touch – Signal, Whats App, Instagram, Telegram, etc. Some of these communication tools need to be set up before the student leaves the country.
  2. They may need help distributing items they are not planning on taking with them, such as household items, bedding, etc. If you have a place to store them, you can offer them to incoming students in the fall. If not, you can help them get the items to a donation spot.
  3. Plan a recognition service where you can thank them for their time with your ministry. Provide some type of gift. The BCM where I served had a picture of the city of Atlanta with the verse Numbers 6:24-26 imprinted on it.
  4. Set up time to meet where you can make sure they understand the message of the gospel.
  5. Connect them with any Christians you know in their home country if they are graduating or at another university if they are transferring. If you need help finding a connection, you can contact me at troyall.bcm@gabaptist.org.
  6. Pray that these students will connect with Christian community at their next destination. I had a student from Malaysia who heard the gospel message several times but was not ready to profess faith in Christ. However, after returning home, she connected with a Chinese Christian group who reached out to her. Through involvement with this community and her being aware of the gospel message while in the BCM, she became a follower of Christ.

Teresa Royall is the Campus Expansion Consultant for Georgia.

Recruiting and Leading Next-Level Leaders

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It’s been said that who leads your college ministry will largely determine who your college ministry will reach. I’ve seen this to be true over and over again. The selection of staff and lead team members matter, and it ripples (or doesn’t) throughout campus. 

When selecting lead teams, select leaders from the parts of campus that you want to reach. If you want to reach all sections of campus, ask God to open doors with leaders who represent all parts of campus. This includes gender, melanin, and campus activities such as sports, clubs and Greek life.  Seek students who spend time in a variety of campus locations as well, including an assortment of residence halls, apartment complexes, and academic buildings. 

Share a clear and honest vision and invite leaders into the vision.  King Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs 29:18 speaks to this; “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”  Repeat the vision of your ministry often, keeping leaders on track and affirming the part they play in it. 

Enlist people who are NOT like you yet have chemistry with you and are unified with the vision of your ministry. Try to include people who are introverts and extroverts, morning people and night owls, planned and spontaneous, detailed and big picture, grace and truth, risk takers and safe players. Paul encourages believers in I Corinthians 9:20 to “be all things to all people so by all means possible some might be saved.”

Engage people who are already leading, not necessarily in your ministry but on campus. These are the students who people want to be around. If they throw a party, everyone will want to come.  In Henry Blackaby’s Spiritual Leadership, he states that “a spiritual leader leads all people not just church people.”

Some common characteristics of next-level leaders include:

1. Next-level leaders can lead themselves. 

Spiritually and emotionally, they aren’t perfect but they are committed to the journey of growth. John Maxwell has said that “the secret of your future is found in your daily routine.” Eugene Peterson writes, “The spiritual life is long obedience in the same direction.” Next-level leaders are committed to following Jesus, one good habit at a time.

2. Next-level leaders relate well to a wide variety of people. 

Romans 12:10 says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” This kind of leader can walk in the middle of campus and be at home with whoever they may find there, showing honor to the sinner and the saint alike.

3. Next-level leaders are humble.  

Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests but take an interest in others too.” They have the correct perspective about their own weakness, sin, and need for God. This allows them to easily enter into another’s life with grace and humility.

4. They are spiritually aware. 

We read in Galatians 5:25, “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”  It truly is a paradox – God has called us to do something that only He can do.  Spiritually aware leaders get this. 

5. Next-level leaders are eager for more. 

Jabez’s mom named him a Hebrew word similar to a word meaning distress or pain because his childbirth was so painful. He prayed the opposite of this for his life, and God granted his request. His prayer is found in I Chronicles 4:10.

“Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory? Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain?” Next-level leaders hope for more, pray for more, and plan for more!

6. They are high-capacity leaders. 

Galatians 6:10 teaches, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone…” Next-level leaders tend to respond to opportunity with, “YES!” They are committed to excellence, which is different than being a perfectionist, and they don’t get too bent out of shape with lots of moving parts. 

7. Next-level leaders have a bend for both visionary leadership and practical leadership.

They will likely have a natural gift of one or the other, but they see the value of both seeing the big picture of where we would like to go and how we can move from point A to point B. 

Next-level leaders need and appreciate several things from you, including clarity, freedom, and time. Lead with clarity. Let your leaders know what you want from them, what result is desired, and the why behind the tasks. Repeat the why or the vision often. Give your high-capacity leaders freedom to lead with a safety net if needed. Show them how something is done. Do it with them. Watch them do it and give feedback. Finally, let them do it alone. Let them know you are in it with them and have their back. Failing forward is still a win. Give them regular time with you to share life, speak truth, and develop them as leaders and disciples. This can be as little as 45 minutes every two weeks or as much as an hour per week, but the key is for it to be a consistent priority. 

Once these high-capacity leaders say yes to serving on your team, invest in them in a way that makes them want to continue!

Linda Weir is Director of Ministry at Pinelake Church in Starkville, Mississippi. You can follow Pinelake’s Starkville campus on Instagram @pinelakestarkville.

Kingdom Impact Through Vocational Discipleship

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“What is God’s will for my life? I think I’m going to change my major. What do you think I should do? I’m freaking out because I’m graduating and have no idea what to do next. Can you help me?” How often do you get questions like these from students? 

We all desire work that is fulfilling, meaningful, and aligned with who we are and who we strive to become. However, such opportunities are hard to find. The statistics consistently show this, but you don’t need to hear them; you see it around you—in people you know who feel unfulfilled, unhappy, burdened, and depressed by their jobs. It is frustrating to witness students struggle without effective tools or frameworks to address their challenges.

Students are at a stage where some key input from seasoned leaders could have a lifelong impact in this area. Because they don’t know their purpose, students often lack passion and confidence in their vocational direction. They struggle with anxiety, disengagement, and apathy because they lack clarity or a sense of God’s direction in their career choices. You have the potential to help every student you know avoid the trap of unfulfilling work.

Every student is unique, individually called by God, and gifted in special ways. Yet few are aware of how these factors should impact their lives or vocations. They need assistance in discovering a path that leads not just to a good job but to a fulfilling life centered in God’s design for them. To build the right foundation, they must ask the right questions, gain a clearer understanding of themselves, and gain real-world experiences and feedback.

Implementing a vocational discipleship plan for your students likely requires only minor additions to your current activities. However, the level of insight and deeper conversations with students could be revolutionary. Helping them find the intersection of their gifts, strengths, passions, and preferences with their calling will guide them toward career fulfillment, confidence, effectiveness, and the freedom to advance the Kingdom as they lead in ministry, mission, and marketplace.

The process requires two crucial building blocks: information and application.

These blocks enable students to ask the essential questions needed to discover their calling. To grow, you need a solid understanding of yourself, knowledge of your options, and an honest assessment of your current reality. With this understanding, you can develop a plan and take actionable steps to move forward. As students apply this information and gain experience, they will progress further and faster with a guide who regularly evaluates their progress toward their goals. When you create opportunities for students to engage in real work and receive constructive feedback, growth can occur rapidly.

Information is the first step, and you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

Many great discovery tools are available to help students get to know themselves. The best tools reveal students’ motivations, preferences, interests, behavioral tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, and growth opportunities. Great books and online tools can help, as can assessments like Strengths Finder or the Harrison Assessment, which I use almost exclusively. Some are inexpensive or like the Harrison Assessment require some investment.

The key is creating a systematic way of ensuring students in your ministry have a dialogue about these topics. Simple tweaks and additions to how you develop students to create vocational discipleship opportunities can have a game-changing impact on student confidence in this area. 

When it comes to Application, it is about the process.

You likely already do this, at least with your student leaders, interns, and staff. This should include planning, implementation, testing, feedback, course correction, and redirection. You can do this through group interactions with your leadership team and in one-on-one sessions as well. 

For leadership development to be effective for our students, it must include at least three elements: a plan or task that provides them with something to accomplish; implementation, where they actively engage in the task—typically, the best learning tasks are repetitive and occur consistently over a semester; and finally, reflection, where they can think about the positives and negatives, consider potential improvements, and receive feedback on how they can improve. 

Reflection is where you provide the most support. Asking insightful questions prompts them to pause, reflect, and possibly change their behavior, attitude, or thoughts to improve and change. I’ve found that coaching is the most effective format for this process. In coaching, the student is the one doing the thinking and reflecting; you don’t do it for them. By asking good questions, you help them draw out what went well, what needs improvement, and how to create a plan for next time. Personal ownership is crucial.

One of the greatest strengths experienced Collegiate Ministers have is their capacity to effectively gauge students’ spiritual and emotional health. Often, through a few conversations, you can gain a solid understanding of a student’s maturity and developmental needs. Tools like the Harrison Assessment offer extremely accurate and quick insight into these same dynamics, removing guesswork. The knowledge acquired in a single session reviewing a student’s results dramatically shortens the time needed for discovery through one-on-one meetings. This speed in understanding students can greatly enhance their growth during their time in your ministry. 

Here is my encouragement:

  1. Find ways to talk about vocation and calling with your students, and develop a process for students to discern not only calling to ministry and mission but to the marketplace. 
  2. Develop your coaching ability; this has been a game changer for me personally. Going through some training to understand the fundamentals of using coaching as a tool with our students has totally changed how we have conversations, and produces much more student ownership of outcomes. 
  3. Build your vocational discipleship toolbox.  If you would like to request a free demo of the Harrison Assessment, email me at chad.wilkin@gmail.com. 

Your impact in this area has countless potential ripples. Students with a fulfilling vocation aligned with their calling, empowered to influence God’s kingdom, represent a beautiful vision. It’s disheartening to see students continue to grapple with confusion about majors, vocation, direction, and calling, particularly when they lack effective strategies for support. Surely, God’s plan is to deepen the pool of potential ministry and mission-focused students. The process isn’t complicated, but it’s not always easy. If you would like to continue this conversation, I would love to talk!

Chad Wilkin is the co-director of the BCM at Indiana State University in Terra Haute, Indiana.

Sharing Jesus with International Students

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Developing the Vision in Our Students and Congregation

In today’s fast-paced world, the need for clarity and engagement in our communities has never been more important. Whether we are speaking to our students or our congregation, establishing a strong vision is paramount for fostering genuine participation and growth. 

The Importance of Developing the Vision

To effectively engage our students and congregations, we must illustrate what they are joining in on. The first step in this process is to articulate a compelling vision. In our organization, Launch Campus Ministry, we have specific teams assigned to different aspects of our organization. Initially the team we had set aside to engage with international students was titled the “International Team.” The name of the team inadvertently conveyed a message that excluded many who might have participated. We learned this lesson through trial and error, transitioning to the more descriptive “Cross-Cultural Team.” This change not only clarified our purpose but also highlighted our mission to foster cross-cultural friendships rather than simply existing for only international students.

For a vision statement to resonate, it needs to be clear and simple. Overcomplicating our messaging can lead to confusion and disengagement. For example, one straightforward vision statement could be “Reaching students from all cultures.” This simple phrasing encompasses our goal without adding unnecessary complexity. 

Each group—whether it consists of students or members of a congregation—will possess a unique “DNA” that affects outreach efforts. This diversity should be embraced rather than avoided. For instance, our students on our campus identify with a certain culture; they are typically more “nerdy” than athletic. Thus, reaching out through sporting events may not be the most effective strategy. It is vital to assess the specific attributes of our international student body as well; for example, some Nigerian male students typically gravitate toward sports like soccer, while a lot of Bangladeshi female students often find joy in dressing up. Understanding these nuances not only allows us to tailor our outreach efforts but also equips us to engage meaningfully with those we serve.

Relationships Are Greater Than Events

While events can be a means of creating community, it is relationships that ultimately lead to impactful Gospel interactions and a fruitful community. Therefore, our vision should serve as a foundation for building these vital interactions. By prioritizing relationships over mere programming, we can create an environment where individuals feel valued and connected. The trust built within these relationships will allow the Gospel to be received with freedom. 

To facilitate this, we encourage idea-sharing conversations among our group members that can guide training and engagement efforts. These discussions can help us identify practical challenges and obstacles that may inhibit relationship-building with those we are inviting to join us. From there, we can work together on solutions while ensuring that our efforts remain grounded in shared purpose. To avoid these discussions, unity among the group will be impossible. 

Practical Challenges and Obstacles

Navigating the landscape of outreach and engagement can present specific hurdles. You may have different schedules than the students you are trying to reach? Strive to be flexible. Be willing to take advantage of small increments of time. Even making yourself available via texting or phone conversations can build open communications. 

You may struggle to find common ground? There is always common ground to be found. One way to begin conversations is with the two-handed approach (FFFFF & WWWWW)- family, friends, future, festivals, family & who, what, when, where, why. Any combination of an “F” and a “W” are simple ways to begin and sustain conversations. 

Simply being a learner will show a person that you want to be a true friend. 

Evangelism and Bible Study Ideas

As we engage our students and congregation, provide opportunities for evangelism training and spiritual growth. Some potential strategies might include:

  • Creating Events that Facilitate Gospel Conversations: Design gatherings that encourage open dialogue about faith in a relaxed setting. Some examples include: movie nights with discussion questions, taking international students to church as observers, even weddings.
  • Training and Engaging in “Raw” Street Evangelism: Approaches such as the “3 Circles” method can help prepare our community for real-world discussions about faith. Training on different religions and how to engage them with the Gospel. 

When it comes to Bible studies, there are several engaging formats we can explore:

  • Discovery Bible Studies (DBS): These studies allow participants to explore Scripture collectively and draw personal insights.
  • Investigating Christianity: Our version spans the fundamental aspects of faith in an accessible way.
  • Christianity 101: A foundational overview of the Christian faith.
  • “What Do Christians Believe?”: This format invites questions and provides solid answers.
  • “Story Friday”: A narrative-driven approach to sharing faith stories.
  • Works by Lee Strobel: Titles like “Case for Christ” and “Case for Easter” offer investigative insights into Christianity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, developing a clear vision amongst our students and congregations is essential for fostering engagement and facilitating genuine friendships. By emphasizing relationships, understanding the unique attributes of each group, and providing practical strategies for outreach and spiritual training, we can effectively guide our groups toward a shared purpose: making disciples of Jesus. 

Dennis Runner works at Purdue University as the International Team Minister for Launch Campus Ministry. You can learn more about the ministry at launchcampusministry.com.

COLLEGE MINISTER: WHAT IS YOUR MISSION & VISION?

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Why do you do college ministry? What is your ministry’s specific mission? How do you accomplish it? How do you know if you’re on target? Can you put these things into concise and compelling statements? 

Getting clarity on your mission and vision is essential for a leader who wants to impact the next generation for Christ. Moreover, putting your mission and vision into clear, concise statements allows you to recruit others to the movement. A good mission statement becomes an anchor that reminds you of “why” and “what” you’re doing. It also allows you to share the mission with others and invite them to join!

Lots of college ministries know WHAT they do. They engage in outreach and promotion, organize Bible studies and worship services, and plan mission trips and social events. Fewer still can clearly and concisely articulate WHY they are doing it and how it connects to Jesus’s Great Commission in Matthew 28. A good mission statement communicates both the “what” and “why” of your ministry. 

Will Mancini differentiates a mission statement from a vision statement. In Church Unique, he describes five facets involved in building out your “Vision Frame” for your ministry.

  1. MISSION (mandate) – What are we doing? A clear and concise statement explaining what your ministry is committed to be doing. The mission MUST be connected to Jesus’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 but applied to your specific context.
  2. VALUES (motives) – Why are we doing it? What is important to us? These shared convictions guide actions and reveal the ministry’s strength. 
  3. STRATEGY (map) – How are we going to do it? Strategy is the process or picture that demonstrates how your ministry will accomplish its mission on the broadest level. Strategy is a plan. It shouldn’t be overly elaborate. Focus on doing a few simple things like disciple-making, evangelism and leadership development really well.
  4. MEASURES (marker) – When are we successful? Measures are attributes that define or reflect the accomplishment of the mission. They are things you track! Measures are milestones that allow you to evaluate progress. Measures could include the number of small groups, the number of students engaged, the number of alumni joining staff or being sent, etc. There are both “lead” measures and “lag” measures. Lead measures are things you have control over, such as the number of new students you contacted and how many gospel shares you made. Lag measures are the results of your activities, like how many people attended an event or how many professed faith in Christ. Which should you track? Both! 
  5. VISION PROPER (mountaintop + milestones) – Where is God taking us? Vision Proper describes an anticipated future. These are God-sized but measurable and attainable goals. Ideally, Vision Proper describes success as 2-5 years in the future. This isn’t a pie-in-the-sky wishlist like, “We want to see ten thousand students saved!” It answers the question, “If God blessed all of our current plans, where would we be in 2-5 years?” It’s attainable with God’s help. 

Mission never ends because the work is never done until Jesus returns. Vision keeps us motivated because, by faith, we can see God accomplish it in the intermediate future. Andy Stanley says, “Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.” Mission is a not-until-Jesus-returns activity of the church. Vision CAN be accomplished. We can’t just stay motivated by mission because it’s too far off. We need a VISION of where our ministry could be, by God’s grace, in 3-5 years.

In the campus ministry that I led for 21 years, BSM at the University of Texas Arlington, here were ours:

  1. MISSION: To lead college students to become lifelong disciples of Jesus.
  2. VALUES: Christ as the Center of Everything, God’s Word, Prayer, Accountable Community, and Witness. (You might recognize these from the Navigators Discipleship Wheel, a resource we utilize in our discipleship. Don’t be afraid to borrow stuff that works!)
  3. STRATEGY: Evangelism, Discipleship, Missions. We strive to WIN college students to faith in Christ, BUILD them into mature disciples of Jesus, and SEND them as lifelong Gospel workers.
  4. MEASURES: We track lots of stuff!
  5. VISION PROPER: To increasingly saturate the campus with a gospel witness by pioneering two new niche ministries per year and to pioneer a new campus ministry at an additional local campus every 2 years. To have 10% more students meaningfully engaged in discipleship every year for the next 3 years. To send 25 graduates to campus ministry staff or the mission field in the next 5 years.

If your mission statement is clear and also emphasized repeatedly, then it helps keep your ministry from drifting away from the mission. 

One question that I’ve been asked is, “Should you share your mission statement word-for-word or paraphrase it?” The danger of reciting it word-for-word is students may feel like it’s canned or that you are trying to brainwash them. It can feel inauthentic. When you share it word-for-word, make sure you communicate naturally and from the heart. The danger of paraphrasing is that students might not catch the vision. It’s not clear and sticky enough, so they don’t remember it and can’t repeat it. 

In our campus ministry, we repeated the vision like a broken record. Sometimes paraphrased, sometimes word-for-word. “God put you on the campus to help reach others for Christ.” “God wants to grow our faith so we can reach people Jesus for the rest of our lives.” Repeating the mission and vision is one key to creating a strong culture in your ministry. So, repeat the mission. And repeat the mission.

So what are yours? Do you already have a thoughtful statement of your mission, values, and vision? Does it need improving? If not, take some time to pray, dream, and create a God-sized, Great Commission mission statement!

Gary Stidham is the Director of Training for Texas BSM and Adjunct Professor of Collegiate Ministry at Southwestern Seminary. For more helpful articles and information, check out garystidham.com.

This article was originally published on Via Students.