What I’ll Miss About College Ministry

These have been bittersweet days. 

After 7.5 years of serving college students, the Lord is moving me into a different ministry sphere at my church. 

In this post, I share what I’ll miss about college ministry.

What I share below aren’t characteristics only found in college students, but I believe they’re amplified in the college demographic.

Here are 7 things I’ll miss about college ministry, in no particular order: 

1. A faith that’s more passionate than cynical. 

I’ve watched Christians become full-blown cynical in their late 20s, 30’s, and 40s. Followers of Jesus in college can be cynical too, but I think their passion is greater than their cynicism. There is an inclination for many of them to lean towards the ideal. While it may be true that “they’ll see as they get older” I think it’s just as important to fight to see as God sees. College students model child-like passion better than any other demographic (in my humble opinion).

2. Walking with those who are beginning to own their faith.  

I have had youth pastors say something like the following: “I can’t believe how much he/she has grown. I was so concerned about him/her when they were in youth group.” It’s exciting to see college students begin to personally own their faith. There’s something about the newfound freedom of college and the university environment which can catalyze that which someone believes to become real.

3. Ownership of ministry in its purest form. 

I have watched college students do crazy things to serve Jesus. I’ve witnessed some drive hours to give their peers rides to church. I’ve seen students volunteer more hours per week than even part-time church staff. If the design of the church is for God’s people to do the work of ministry rather than “professionals” with a seminary degree, you will not see a purer expression of this than through college students. 

4. The desire to experience the presence of God. 

College students do want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They love big gatherings with energy or initiatives with big goals. But what they desire most is the presence of God. They will flock to where God’s presence can be experienced. If it means going to a Christian conference with thousands of others or singing over a fire pit with 5 of their friends, they’ll pursue it. In this sense, college students are easily satisfied because they long for God more than the bells and whistles of the modern church. 

5. The willingness to try simply because they were asked. 

Almost two years ago, I had dinner with 3 college students and asked them if they would start a campus ministry for our church. They had no idea how much work and energy would go into it, but they said “yes” simply because they were asked. I’ve witnessed over 100 students give their money and time to go on summer missions simply because they were asked. “The ask” is important in the church because it can invite people to their next step of obedience. There is no better demographic to make “the ask”  than college students. 

6. Momentum for every aspect of the church.

College students bring energy to every level of the church. They are willing and available volunteers. They invite their friends. They serve as mentors for youth students. They grow the young adult demographic when they graduate. If there’s a church lacking momentum, I’m convinced college students would be the shot in the arm a church needs. I’ve witnessed college students transition energy-less contexts into mobilizing, catalytic environments. 

7. Seeing emerging adults thrive post-college. 

In the last month, I’ve had two different engaged couples ask me to officiate their wedding. They were all former college students who are stepping into their careers, faithfully serving Jesus, and making key life decisions. There are fewer things more rewarding than watching former students continue to walk with Jesus. It’s the beautiful paradox of college ministry. It hurts when they graduate and leave, but it’s rewarding to see them emerge as adults post-college. 

Conclusion

One of my mentors told me once to stay in college ministry for as long as possible. 

I took his advice to heart and I’m glad I did so. The last 7.5 years of college ministry were some of the most rewarding times of ministry in a local church context.

I’m ready for this next ministry assignment the Lord has for me. I’m excited about what’s next.

But I will miss being a college pastor.