Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!julius.cs.uiuc.edu!apple!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: geoff@pmafire.inel.gov (Geoff Allen) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: Consultation sought: training & skills dedicated to God's service Message-ID: Date: 13 Dec 90 09:10:23 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: WINCO Computer Engineering, INEL, Idaho Lines: 52 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu lvron@saturn.lerc.nasa.gov (Ronald E. Graham) writes asking for advice on a conference on teaching college students about involvement in local churches. >The three of us working on this conference session have determined that a >difficulty with IVCF, at least in this region, has been that it has not >prepared students sufficiently for contributing to the life of the Church >after graduation. I don't think it's local to your area. I have known students who were heavily involved in Campus Crusade for Christ (the main ministry on our campus) who shipwrecked their faith after leaving college. Sad to see. >I need more to consider. If anybody has a contribution, I would be beholden >if you could e-mail it to me. I will also e-mail. My reason for following up here is to discuss the basic problem of getting students plugged into churches. >[You might also consider trying to involve your members in local >churches while they are in school. Absolutely! There's no substitute for practice. :^) That's tough to give in a conference, but you can at least *strongly* encourage it in a conference. When my wife and I were in college (we were dating then), we taught Sunday School, and I sang in the choir and led worship on Sunday mornings. I think it's important for everyone to have a ministry opportunity, whether a college student or a ``real world'' adult. Check out the book ``Unleasing Your Potential'' by . The book addresses this issue quite clearly and effectively. >It's hard to know exactly what to suggest, as it depends a >lot upon your local situation. When I was a grad student at CMU, a >lot of the Intervarsity members were active in a local Presbyterian >church (one that had a rather evangelical orientation). In Pocatello, Idaho, we've had an incredible opportunity. A little over a year ago, a group formed a church on the campus of Idaho State University (right across the street from the library!). The congregation is at least half college students. We have students involved in various ministries of the church. In fact, the children's Christmas program this year was entirely written, rehearsed, and organized by college students. It's great to see them involved, and will help with the transition when they graduate to the ``real world.'' -- Geoff Allen \ Since we live by the Spirit, uunet!pmafire!geoff \ let us keep in step with the Spirit. geoff@pmafire.inel.gov \ -- Gal. 5:25 (NIV)