Michigan Public Campus Ministry Advisory

by | Apr 16, 2020 | Blog, Idea Feed

Each year, an advisory composed of pastors, the presidents of our student organizations (President’s Council), and public campus ministry coordinators of the local church discuss the direction for ministry on our college campuses. The PCM Advisory is always held Sunday afternoon after the Winter Retreat at Camp Au Sable.

The agenda included evangelism funding, pastors hosting meals for students, collegiate Sabbaths, communication between campuses, and creating a joint meeting with the President’s Council and the CAMPUS governing board.

The students were excited about the possibility of both current student leaders and incoming student leaders meeting in Lansing the first weekend in May. This weekend would service as a time to study the Bible together and help in the transition of the new leadership. On the first Sunday of May, these leaders will then meet with the governing board. However, we will adapt the face-to-face meeting since almost all of our students are not back home due to their campuses being closed for the remaining of the semester.

In order to build relationships with the local pastors and the students, Pastor Ramos proposed a small budget to give to pastors for a meal once a semester to have the students in their home. This was passed and will begin the following school year (2020-2021). Also, to connect the universities and the local pastors, a WhatsApp group was created to share events that are open to students from other campuses.

Each semester a collegiate Sabbath is held at a university. However, planning ahead for the collegiate Sabbath has often been difficult. Therefore, we proposed that we set regular weekends. Students suggested dates and locations for next year. The fall collegiate Sabbath is slated for the third weekend in September at Grand Valley State University. This campus has begun a small group Bible study and hope to have a registered student organization by the fall. The collegiate sabbath will be at the end of a public evangelism to be held on campus.

In Proverbs we are reminded that “a man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” We do not know what the future holds for public campus ministry. The COVI-19 has ended public ministry on campuses for reasons of safety. We have set these plans and will continue to minister to where God opens the door. Please continue to pray for the students who are finding platforms to minister in other ways as they are separated from those interested in Bible study.

This is Love: Winter Retreat

This is Love: Winter Retreat

by | Apr 16, 2020 | Blog, Idea Feed

“This is Love not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10. The ultimate expression of love is revealed in Christ coming to earth. God also gives us illustrations of love through our relationships with each other. The winter retreat was themed “This is love” and held at Camp Au Sable in Grayling. The unusually cold weekend was warmed by the fellowship of friends and the study of God’s Word. The time was spent reflecting on our relationships with others, and most importantly our relationship with God.

Pastor Ron Kelly, Berrien Springs Village senior pastor, spoke for the main session and shared from his college experience courting his wife, but more importantly how God led him to accept Christ’s invitation to love Him first and most. Pastor Leeroy Hernandez, from Grand Rapids, led the attendees in united prayer each morning. It was encouraging to see the students brave the early morning frigid air for prayer together. Pastor Israel Ramos led a Sabbath School centering around 1 Corinthians 12 and 13. The attendees were split into groups of four.  One side of the auditorium studied chapter twelve while the other studied thirteen. At the end of their discussion, they had to draw the meaning of the passage. On Sunday, Pastor Jermaine Gayle called attendees to make a decision to be baptized in the final charge.

We encouraged Adventist students to bring their friends for the weekend. We treat these weekends as evangelistic gatherings. Over twenty percent of the attendees were from friends of our Adventist students. The messages at the retreat are unashamedly Seventh-day Adventist. We believe in cross-platform evangelism. In other words, the messages encapsulate the theme from the distinctive Adventist perspective. As a result, those who attend will in many cases make decisions to join our church or seek to know more about the Bible and our faith.

One student summarized his experience this way, “I put the weekend into three words: Rest, Reflect and Restore,” Daniel Patrick, Grand Rapids. He continued to describe how he looked forward to this weekend because of how he was able to grow closer to God. Daniel was invited for the second year through the ministry of Pastor Hernandez and his wife Cori (MSU graduate). The couple has been asked by InterVarsity to train and lead Bible studies for some of its leaders.

Over twenty years have passed since the first CAMPUS Winter Retreat was held at Camp Au Sable. The needs of the students continue to change as much as the young people themselves.  Yet, God continues to use this venue to impact the lives of our young adults for eternity. We appreciate your support of this generation to be able to come apart and rest awhile at the Winter Retreat each year.

CAMPUS PROGRAM DIRECTOR AS CHAPLAIN

CAMPUS PROGRAM DIRECTOR AS CHAPLAIN

by | Oct 21, 2019 | Idea Feed, News, Uncategorized

It has been a few months now, since the time I was pulled over by the officer, and each time I sit in a police car I am thankful for the opportunity to serve. Having done a few ride alongs I am learning a new culture, my eyes are being open to new needs in my community. My prayers are being answered by a God who cares for and extends grace to me as a Pastor and to those in uniform who work to keep us safe.

CLICK HERE to read the full article published in the Lake Union Herald.

RESEARCHING THE UNIVERSITY

RESEARCHING THE UNIVERSITY

by | Aug 27, 2019 | Idea Feed

INTRODUCTION: The following questions are a guide to researching your university. In reference to
campus ministry, Ellen White mentions, “Each one should study to see what is the best way to get the truth into the school” (2SM p. 234). By researching your university, you will have an informed understanding
of how to better minister to the needs of the people, inviting them to be citizens of Heaven. Remember, at the core of every human being God has placed a desire to know Him. Since these questions are generalizations, you will find many students who may not fit into your research. These questions will give you broad strokes of the cultural norms and philosophical influences that shape the minds those who work at or attend your university/college.

THE GOAL: To prayerfully discover how you can present the truth to those God has placed on your
campus.

USING THE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER
The campus publishes news about what is important to the student body and to the campus as a whole.
These publications come in the form of articles on website, emailed newsletters, printed papers, social media posts, etc. Therefore, reading these publications will give you an idea of students’ opinions and
what they think is important. Especially look at the editorial pages or comments to understand the pulse of student opinion. Also, the newspaper and websites will help you to know how and where you can advertise on campus.

 

KEY QUESTIONS (COLLEGE LIFE)

How many publications (check social media) are on campus?
How often are these communications sent
out?
Is there a Christian publication?
How many student publications are there?
How are they used? Satire? Social Justice?
How many publications does the University
use? How are they used?
What stories are covered in the
publication?

 

What do these stories tell you about the
opinion, thoughts and perspectives of the
people who are writing/reading these
stories?
What is the main form of distributing the
news? Is it printed, on websites, through
social media? (This will also let you know
how students get information/news on
campus.)
What articles are posted on their Facebook
Page? Twitter? Intagram, etc

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ON CAMPUS

Knowing the student organizations at your campus will give you a pulse of the students’ interests. Once you are acquainted with the student organizations on campus, you will be able to network and potentially be able to participate together in events. It is a good way to outreach and give your group a presence on campus. You can begin by going to the university/college website to see the groups that are registered. This may be helpful in deciding the kinds of events you would like to advertise/plan. For example, one group planned a ‘sober BBQ’ and invited all the sororities and fraternities surrounding their home.

KEY QUESTIONS (STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS)

How many student groups are there?
Are there Christian groups? Is there a group
where all Christian student leaders come
together?
What are the Religious groups?
What are the International groups?
What are the Health groups?
Are there Outdoor groups?
How active are the fraternities and
sororities?
How many fraternities and sororities are
there?

 

What is their influence like on the campus
community?
Which student organization fliers capture
the majority’s attention, and why?
When you walk on campus, which
organizational posters or fliers do you see
the most?
Based on the fliers, what kind of activities
are the Christian groups hosting?
This may be helpful in deciding the kinds of
events you would like to advertise/plan

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

To research the activity of student organizations on campus, look into the student government budget allocations, which is public information. The allocation will usually be found on the student government website. Researching the student government will also help you to know how to get funding from the
university.

KEY QUESTIONS (STUDENT GOVERNMENT)

What is the budget for the student
government?
How many organizations asked for funding?
How much did they ask for? How much did
they receive?
When are the budget hearings?
What is the focus of the student
government? Are they looking to see more
student organizations work together on
events and programs?

 

What is the process of asking for money for
your student organization?
What kind of leaders are involved in the
student government?

How involved are these student-
government leaders in the student body?

What kind of events does the student
government want to see on campus? (e.g.
Weekend alternatives to parties) 

UNIVERSITY 

Each university is unique and attracts a certain type(s) of students. Additionally, each university ascribes to a certain philosophy in which they educate every student. For example, if the University seeks to expose the “evils of globalizations,” the decentralization of power, and so forth, then you will hear buzz words in your classes like globalization, decentralization, and the like in your classes. One way for Adventist to connect with this philosophy is to look at the life of Christ as He always reminded the Jews that His kingdom was not of this world. Christ recognizes the “evils” that surround the centralization of power on earth was often gave a voice to those who did not have a voice; for example, consider the under-privileged woman at the well. Below are some questions you can use to help discover the underlying philosophies of the university. A lot of this information can be found on the university website, and especially on the registrar’s web page.

KEY QUESTIONS (UNIVERSITY)

What is the university’s mission statement?
What are some buzz words that you often
hear in your classes? What do other
students notice?
What are the subjects of the core classes
that students are required take? What are
the topics of these classes?
What do these topics and buzz words tell
you about the university’s philosophy?
What are the largest departments on
campus for student enrollment? (Education,
social work, engineering, medicine, etc.)
What are some of the philosophies of these
departments (can often be found on their
website)?

 

What are some of the departments
featured at the university? How do these
departments rank in the US?
What are some of the majors for
undergrad? Grad?
How strong is the universities research? In
what areas to they receive funding, i.e.
NIH?
What is the cost for enrollment? How does
it rank with other campuses in your state?
What does this research tell you about the
students that are attracted to the
university?
What are some of the focuses in your
department?

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC

The demographic of the university will give you a better idea of the specific needs of certain student
populations on your campus and how to cater your events to meet their interests. Think especially of
the international population on your campus.

KEY QUESTIONS (UNIVERSITY)

What is the total enrollment?
What is the undergrad enrollment? Number
of each class?
What is the graduate enrollment?
What is the international enrollment? What
are the top countries?
What is the percentage to instate and out
of state enrollment?
What is the male to female ratio?
What are the students’ study habits?
What are the students’ recreation habits?
How do students respond to different types
of information on campus? News? Fliers?
Poster Board? Chalking? Email? Surveying?

 

Will students take a flier and read it?
Do they read table tents?
What is the religious climate of the
campus? Antagonistic? Pluralistic?
Accepting? Indifferent?
How are religious groups received on
campus?
How many students live on campus? Is it a
commuter school? Are there many dorms?
(This may influence when you have Bible
studies and social activities.)

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BIBLE BOOTCAMP 2020

BIBLE BOOTCAMP 2020

by | Jun 26, 2019 | Idea Feed

About Bible Bootcamp

Dates: Aug. 16-21, 2020

What is BBC: Bible Bootcamp is a free event that involves practical training sessions designed for student leaders who are dedicated to doing ministry on public university campuses. 

What is the purpose of BBC: These training sessions emphasize what it means to experience the Word of God, and what it means to utilize the Word of God in leading others closer to Christ. We will study the Bible together, cook together, play together, and worship together!

The benefit of BBC: Are you looking for mentorship? Opportunity to connect with like-minded peers? Want to be spiritually prepared for the school year? Come to BBC!

Frequently Asked Questions

When: August 16-21, 2020

Where: Camp Au Sable in Northwoods. We will be camping. CAMPUS will provide the tents and showers, you will need to bring a camp chair and other additional items. (see to bring list) 

Cost: Free for Michigan students

Who should come: Students who are dedicated to doing ministry on public university campuses. 

Purpose: To provide practical training and peer-mentorship for Adventist students attending secular campuses. 

Benefits: Are you looking for mentorship? Opportunity to connect with like-minded peers? Want to be spiritually prepared for the school year? Come to BBC!

Schedule: Check out the tentative schedule here (Google Drive). 

Arrival planning: Arrive Sunday, Aug 16 between 2-5 PM to set up your tent

Departure Planning: Leave Friday, June 21, after camp strike which begins at 11:00 AM

Speaker: Pr. Alex Niculaescu 

What to bring: Check out the comprehensive list (Google Drive).

2020 Bible Bootcamp Registration

HOW DO I STAY FAITHFUL ON A SECULAR CAMPUS?

HOW DO I STAY FAITHFUL ON A SECULAR CAMPUS?

by | Apr 25, 2019 | Idea Feed, Student Ministry Resources

For a young person, college is such a huge transition time in life. They pack up their bags and move to a college campus, making new friends and becoming independent from their family. For a lot of Christian students, they are leaving their churches, their youth groups, and the influences of their parents. College campuses are a whole new world to many, and it is easy to get swept away into the culture that surrounds every student. The pressures of classmates are high and are at times hard to resist, causing many students to add their faith to the list of farewells as they leave their hometowns. For a young person, college is such a huge transition time in life. They pack up their bags and move to a college campus, making new friends and becoming independent from their family. For a lot of Christian students, they are leaving their churches, their youth groups, and the influences of their parents. College campuses are a whole new world to many, and it is easy to get swept away into the culture that surrounds every student. The pressures of classmates are high and are at times hard to resist, causing many students to add their faith to the list of farewells as they leave their hometowns.

It can be quite daunting as a young person to have to defend your faith against so many different beliefs, and it feels overwhelming to think that there are no fellow believers in the sea of diversity. It is hard to hold strong beliefs that differ from peers, and even harder to be mocked or ridiculed for them. Jesus knew how we feel, and so do His disciples. They were mocked, beaten, imprisoned for their faith. However, they brought so many people to God because they were willing to serve Him no matter the cost. If the disciples were able to stay Christian during all the suffering they went through, is it possible to remain faithful on a college campus?

1. Daily Prayer and Devotions

Being mindful of the challenges that present themselves, there are things we can do as young people to stay active in our faith. The first and foremost of these is daily prayer and devotion time. The way we communicate with God is by praying to Him and reading His Word. As we build an authentic relationship with our Creator, He helps us with everything we are going through. Psalm 46 says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The reality is that there will be difficult times, but God promises to be our refuge. We can take shelter in Him and His word. He has so much help for us in the Bible, and we can face the world when we have God’s word written on our hearts. No matter what we are going through, God is there for us, and wants to help us!

2. Guarding The Avenues, 

Another way to stay Christian in college is to guard ourselves. Amidst all the temptations, distractions, and influences, it is easy to slip into habits that aren’t holy, but we need to be careful about what we let into our minds and our hearts. As a principle, by beholding we become changed. If we examine the Bible every day and learn more about our Creator, God will change our hearts, and we will grow closer and closer to Him. However, if we watch, listen, or even partake in things that aren’t pure or holy, those things will change us and cause us to drift away from God. Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.” God tells us to spend our time beholding pure, good, and true things, not the opposite, and the best way to stay faithful is by being committed in the small day to day decisions on how to spend our time. So when you catch yourself doing things that take you away from God, turn away and pray, ask God to help you change those habits.

3. Surround Yourself With Godly Christian Friends,

Along the same lines as the last way, surrounding yourself with people who will bring you closer to God and not away from Him is very important. As humans, we need community and friends to strive, and as Christians, we need fellow believers to help us along on our walk. By joining a Christian student group and becoming part of a church family, we can form bonds with people that will help us withstand the forces of the evil one. There is something extraordinary about being able to worship and praise God with your closest friends, and when you become friends with fellow Christians, you can uplift each other, pray for each other, and understand each other better than you will be able to with your other friends. By joining a church family, you will find amazing mentors and people who will become like family. They will be there to help you and encourage you as you are navigating your college years, give you advice, and care for you when you need it. Having friends and church members by our side lets us know that we aren’t alone with what we are going through as a college student, and gives us hope for our futures in Christ.

4. Share The Word With Others,

Although taking classes and studying will already keep us very busy, getting involved in service is another way that will help us stay faithful. Jesus’ mission here on earth was to seek and save the lost, and on public universities, there are many lost people. When we get involved in serving God, not only do we bring ourselves true joy, but we can show other people about the love of God that what we have found in Christ. When you serve God, it creates a love for God and His people in your heart, and there is nothing more rewarding than when someone you have been witnessing to gives their lives to Christ. Serving God makes us want to know Him more, especially when we witness the amazing things He does for people. It grows our faith in Him when we are working for Him because it isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. So get involved with a Christian student group, with your church’s community outreaches, and personally reach out to the people around you.

5. Make God a Priority,

Lastly, but most importantly, we must keep God as the priority in our lives. We do need to focus on school and our degrees, but God has us in His hands. We can bring glory to Him with our studies and by doing well in school, but we need to put Him first. Before our exams, before our friends, before even our family. Because we have God, we don’t need to worry about these things, and when we put God first in our lives, He will honor and bless us. Mathew 6:33 tells us to “ seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well.” When we decide to choose God over all other things, He provides for us, and in college, there will be times when you have to trust God to help you in trying situations. When your professor wants you to do something against your beliefs, or when your study group wants to meet during the time you go to church. When you are overwhelmed by papers and assignments, and you want to skip church and personal time in the Bible to finish everything you need to do. These situations are tough, but when you seek God first and stand up for Him, He provides everything you need. Put Him first in your life, keep Him at the center of all that you do, and your faith will grow as you see all He does for you!

In conclusion, it is a challenge to stay faithful to God on a public university, but through God it is possible. So as you face the challenges set before you, claim God’s promises He has for us in His word, talk to Him about everything going on in your life. Fill every second of your day with things that bring you closer to God, and make your circle of friends people who will encourage your faith and not deter it. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23) and fill your life with loving other people and God. You may feel alone on your campus at times, but know that many other people have felt the same way, and God will provide for you as you serve Him during your college years.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1,2

Here the Scriptures inspires us as Christ followers to run the race and endure the trials, looking to Jesus. He endured all for us so we could be with our Father, and He will help us face the trials and challenges presented before us at college. So please don’t lose hope and stay faithful on your campus, because it is all so worth it!

 

 Written by: Miranda Lentz

CAMPUS Missionary 2017-2018