Campus Ministry Strategies
Introduction
Campus ministries are a vital way to connect to today’s generation of kids. There is a
two-way approach to this. The first way is to come to the students by being available on school
campuses after obtaining permission from them. The second way to establish connections off of
campus via campus clubs which meet in people’s homes and youth centers that provide after-
school activities. Some of these activities can be accomplished on church grounds; but by
providing locations outside the church, you can draw in the kids who may be intimidated by
churches. There are a number of varieties of campus ministries including Christian camps and
spring break trips. I would like to discuss some of the practical options that can be put into
practice. One key component to campus ministries is volunteers, and that will also be taken into
account.
A little bit about my church
My wife and I attend Lifebridge church in Burlington, Wisconsin. Having attended there
for about six months now, I have felt the atmosphere of a family setting. John Thorngate leads
worship his sister Suzanna. John’s sister-in-law Kinsey is the events director. The pastor, John
Adams, once invited his longtime mentor to preach on a Sunday morning. Some Sundays, John
Thorngate (also the administrative pastor) preaches.
Lifebridge is relatively small with about fifty adults in the main congregation and fifteen
or so children in two different classes. There’s the elementary kids and middle school kids.
There’s also a nursery with a few infants. That’s what I see on Sunday mornings (before
Coronavirus). I haven’t noticed a significant number of teenagers there. That might be because
on Wednesday nights, they meet at a school, Cooper School. It’s 5th through 12th grade, and the
middle school kids meet separately from the high school kids.
Their values listed online go hand-in-hand with what I’ve experienced there. There is an
emphasis on relationships. They support marriages and partner with parents to bring-up Christ
like children. They reach out, getting involved in the community. There are some other values
listed, but these are the ones that really stand out.
They believe in God as the creator of everything, present in the traditional Trinity: Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. They profess the biblical Jesus, equal with God. This includes the death,
resurrection, and Christ’s return. And because we can do nothing to bring us to reconciliation
with God, Jesus made that possible by His sacrifice. The Bible, written by human authors
through the Holy Spirit is God’s supreme revelation, true and inerrant.
I really like the pastor, John Adams. Over the course of five years that I’ve spent here in
Wisconsin, I’ve met some good pastors. This pastor made a comment one Sunday that I don’t
ever recall hearing from any other pastor. He spoke about the sacrifice Jesus made when he gave
up heaven to be with us. Now I’ve heard about his sacrificial death and his suffering plenty of
times, but rarely does anyone ever mention the part about giving up his seat in heaven. That
made quite a remarkable impression on me, and I let him know after the service.
No church is without problems; there’s never a complaint free church on my end. The
only real issue I have is that we haven’t been able to get into one of the small groups. They say
it’s because these groups have grown so much and they’ve had delegate, and they’re trying to get
new ones started up. They’ve been saying that it will be sometime in the summer. My wife and I
have had this problem before at previous churches; it’s not a new problem. We have come to the
conclusion that we are going to have to start our own group; this is one of her dreams that she
often talks about.
Some considerations and strategies
One of the values that churches and schools can agree on is that students have a “need for
positive role models.”1 Though churches and schools don’t agree on every value, we need to
maintain healthy relationships with school officials so that they will give us permission to be
present at their campuses. We need to be “open-minded to what public school says,” and to
realize that “students are more than a soul.”2 Going to schools is coming to the students. The first
level is being seen on campus. Going deeper involves initiating relationships, learning names.
This leads to a more one-on-one relationships in which communication takes place.3 Being
present at local schools is a great way to plant seeds of truth that can lead to conversion.
Some of the deepest needs of adolescents are love and acceptance and relationships with
meaning.4 For many, their home lives contribute to this need. Today’s youth long for redemption.
Families are disintegrating; even church families fall apart.5 The majority of young Protestants
and Catholics have not developed any worthwhile relationships with adults.4 This kind of
relationship can be developed at a school campus, at church, at a campus club, or at a youth
center. A campus club can become a place of escape for some students who will want to stay as
long as possible.6 It’s also a great way of connecting with fellow students and making friends.
Social media is a virtual world that connects them to their friends, but it cannot take the place of
in person meetings. The apparent addiction to social media stems from this desire to connect.7
When attempting to evangelize today’s youth, it is important to realize that many have
deep wounds from church. Some have left the church, and others have disavowed Christianity
2020)
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2020)
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1Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Major Influences that Impact Campus Ministry (2020)” (lecture, Liberty
University, Lynchburg, VA, March 16, 2020).
2 Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Incarnational Witness (2020)” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA,
March 16, 2020).
3 Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Contacting (2020) (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, April 6, 2020).
4 Kinnaman, David. You Lost Me. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011).
5Mueller, Walt. Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture. (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2006).
6 Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Campus Club (2020) (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, April 13,
7 Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Gen Z and Beyond (2020) (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, March 23,
because they feel disconnected and ousted. Take, for instance, Anna (a Lutheran) who “after
years of feeling, she was pushed away, finally, by the ‘fire and brimstone’ sermon the pastor
preached at her wedding ceremony.”4 Church is described as “archaic and irrelevant.”8 In the
mainstream (not singling out any churches) the integrity of faith, the heart of Christianity is
being compromised. This is a continuation from what actually begin in the modern era. “I believe
that there are too many accommodating preachers, and too many practitioners in the church who
are not believers.”9 (C.S. Lewis) These times require us to be diligent and uncompromising when
it comes to our own faith. Before we can approach teens with Christ, we need to be sure that our
version of Christianity has need been compromised for a softer, easier to hear rendition of the
gospel. The problem with this is that the church has allowed pop culture to water down the
gospel to make it more appealing.
Before I get into the dark side of today’s culture, let me point that there is hope. Whether
or not they’re Christians, “religion is a significant presence in the lives of teenagers.”10 There are
a growing number of religions that young people are exploring. I believe that it is better to have
some kind of belief in God rather than none at all, which, for the atheist, removes just about all
truth. All too often they leave Christianity because they never really developed more than
shallow faith, which is often a result of mass-production approaches to discipleship. “Our
posture toward students and young adults should be more Socratic, more process-oriented, more
willing to live with their questions and seek answers.”4 This is the sort of thing that makes other
religions so fascinating, especially ones like Hindu that are inclusive. All too often, Christians
make people feel like outsiders if they don’t join the club.4
We live in the post-modern era whose culture has redefined Western values. The family
has been redefined; the lack of presence of parents means they don’t influence their kids’ values.1
Logic and reason from the modern era are a thing of the past; emotions now rule. Youngsters
lack a moral compass as family, schools, and churches have lost their voice. Absolute truth, right
and wrong no longer exist. Young people have grown suspicious of Christianity’s truth claims.11
The world is telling us that we define what truth, that right is and wrong depend on who’s asking.
Pop culture and the mass media have bombarded this generation with images and sounds that
really hold their attention and sever the connection to reality. The church is in competition to get
young people’s attention.
8Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Psychology of Unregenerated Young People (2020)” (lecture, Liberty University,
Lynchburg, VA, March 23, 2020).
9 McCracken, Brett. Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 2011).
10 Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Trends and Faith (2020)” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, March 23,
2020).
11 Mueller, Walt. Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture. (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2006.)
Going to the students on campus is a great way to expose them to Christianity. But the
odds of getting through to them are much better when they encounter Christians by coming to
them. I had mentioned the campus club. This type of setting is typically in someone’s home
where people meet on a weeknight.6 I believe the biggest advantage of this type of ministry is
word of mouth; the students that really like it tell their friends about it. The other big
advantage is that it’s not hard to find a church member with the heart to open up his home
and probably volunteer to help. Now if you the resources to go big, youth centers are the way
to go. They help kids stay out of trouble by providing a place for students to go for recreation
after school. They create great opportunities for sharing Christ, and a place where these kids
can attend Bible studies and develop meaningful relationships.12 Camping ministries are
another great opportunity for youth ministry. They provide a different environment from the
day-to-day routine. By doing so, it allows them to reflect on their lives and to see the
possibility of a new life.13
We have a responsibility to this generation to proclaim the gospel. “And how can they
hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). I have always thought of missionary
work as travelling thousands of miles from home to a faraway country to present the gospel. But
my research has shown me that there is a huge mission field right here at home in our own
culture. We must have an intact relationship with Christ based on truth. In this style-driven
culture, there is an intense desire for Christianity to become cool. “…one thing most of us agree
on is that Christianity is facing an identity crisis.”9 We want church to appeal to people, but we
must maintain a solid foundation of biblical truth and refuse to compromise our Christian culture
to cater to mainstream culture. When Paul ministered in Athens, he had to become a philosopher
to penetrate the Greek culture there. Without losing our own identities, we need to
become
familiar with the postmodern culture of the Millennial generation. We need to connect and learn
their culture.7
My future plans
Presently, I am not part of a ministry. However, Lifebridge is altering now the online
service to small group discussion. Starting Sunday, my wife and I will be participants rather than
mere observers. I am excited about that, and I feel that it will give me an edge when I become
involved in ministry.
I don’t know how many of ideas will be allowed if I work in someone else’s church.
Eventually, when I have the resources, I want to start my own church. But that is likely in the
distant future. But I do have some ideas of how to engage youth.
In my first year of service, I want dream big but begin small. I would like to disciple a
handful of students to being, about six to eight of them. By doing that, I’ll be able to recruit some
help. Not only that, but, as I mentioned before, word of mouth is a powerful thing. They will tell
their friends about the church and discipleship, and it will grow. Just two students could grow
into a larger group. By starting small, I can gain invaluable experience without becoming
12 Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “Youth Centers (2020)” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, April 27,
2020).
13 Dr. Steve Vandergriff, “The Use of Camping Ministry (2020) (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg,
VA, April 20, 2020).
overwhelmed. It is possible, however, that God has bigger plans for me than that. I will pray
continually for His will over my own, and for courage because I’m scared.
Once I have gained some experience, I will become more adventurous. So maybe within
the first six months I’ll plan a trip for the youth. This early on, I wouldn’t want to travel very far
with a busload of kids. So I would like to start here in Wisconsin with a snow-skiing trip in the
area that will last a weekend. I will establish two meeting times: once in the morning before
starting to pray, and once in the evening to have a short fellowship with a lesson plan. This will
give me a chance to figure out how to handle a group of youngsters, and it will get them excited
for future plans.
My second year, after I have begun to earn their respect, I’ll plan a trip out of state. My
Dad owns an RV park, and he has 27 acres. He also allows tents at his RV Park. The biggest plus
is that my Dad is really good with kids of all ages. Dad has already told me that he will support
me if I get into the ministry. He has a pond where they can go fishing. He also has a swimming
pool. There is a climbing rope and harness, and we could show them how to repel from one of
the trees on his property. There’s a spot for campfires at the RV Park, and Dad loves cooking
outside. He his own beef from the cows he raises. And not too far from there is Caddo Lake.
They rent canoes there; the place is like a Bayou with its beautiful scenery.
As the Youth Group grows, I fully intend to recruit from the students. The third year with
them will produce seasoned warriors. I remember as a youngster, I burned with the desire
to
serve. I tried to do just that, but all the preacher said was “keep coming back.” I refuse to give
such an empty response to a young man who knows in his heart that God has called him. If he’s
anything like me, he will spend some time as a nomad and drift away from God like I did after I
was overlooked. God respects elders, but I don’t think that he takes chronological age into
consideration when he calls forth someone into the ministry. This is why I want to start my own
church. I don’t want to stray from a solid foundation of biblical truth, though I will be judged by
other Christians for wanting to start my own ministry.
“But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will find yourselves
fighting against God.” (Acts 5:39) Because I stand on God’s promises and I am confident in
Him, I have been told that I’m cocky. There’s a reason for that. God is who He says He is; his
words are not empty like shallow Christians make them out to be. I’ve even been told that I have
put myself above God, simply because I believe His promises. The thing is, I used to let them get
to me. I lived a sad, defeated life of backslidden Christian. Now, I can’t blame my choices on
other people; that is not what I am for. But I was discouraged and became afraid to become the
man God wants me to be.
It’s best that I start from the beginning. The first time I said the “sinners’ prayer” was at a
Southern Baptist Church in my hometown. I was in the third grade, and my parents had just
divorced. I heard the message loud and clear: if I didn’t accept Jesus right then and there, I was
going to burn in hell. I can totally relate to Anna’s description of the ‘fire and brimstone. It
wasn’t a real commitment on my part; it was a get-out-of-hell free card. I do remember that my
prayer was real; it wasn’t a total sham. But because the message was fear-based, that prayer,
that
church, only created a doubtful heart. My young adulthood was marked by a wandering. I did go
to church at least once a month, but I wasn’t committed. I eventually got to a point where my
hunger for God and for righteousness made me say this prayer: “God, I’m so confused. You’ve
given me so many choices, but I have no since of direction. I know you have given me free will,
but I am asking you to take away some of my choices. I don’t care what it takes.” God did exactly
what I asked him to do. One of the times I was sitting in County Jail he reminded me of that
prayer. The resentment I harbored toward authority began to fade when it hit me what was going
on. Now I have a deeper relationship with Christ.
It’s going to take a lot longer than three years to accomplish the task God has set before
me. I have a tendency try to look a lot further ahead than that. I am learning to focus on today.
God has plans for the future. I have a heart for young people. And to be honest, I still harbor a
grudge with Christians that discouraged me and preachers that turned me away. God’s still
working on my heart. But I do believe that what I have experienced in the way of rejection is
going to be my tool when it comes to young people.
What I plan to do in the first three years, God might have me do in three months. I have
learned not to doubt Him, not to underestimate God. In His own way, he has shown me just how
real He is. My fear of rejection has stopped me in the past. I’m still afraid, but with God’s help I
know I can get through to people.
I believe that in my second year of ministry, I’ll develop the guts to knock on people’s
doors and tell them about Jesus. I won’t attempt that on my own for the first year. And I do
believe firmly in mentorship. For my first year in ministry, I will need a really good one (not
necessarily the head pastor – probably one of the elders). That first year will be all about
cementing relationships. The second year I’ll start becoming bolder and plan trips and things like
that. I think that after three years, I’ll have some good experience and more doors will open to
me. Now that might sound cocky, but God will not be put on a leash.
Bottom line, we have an obligation to this generation. God has called me to the ministry.
I don’t expect to be hired as a head pastor when I graduate. It could take some time. I have a
criminal record. I’ve been told by one pastor that I could never be a preacher because of that.
Though he didn’t say it, he was insinuating that I was wasting my time going to Bible school.
God will be the judge of that.
