CRC Campus Ministries Welcome Students Back to School

On university and college campuses across North America, Christian Reformed Campus Ministries have been welcoming students, faculty and staff since the start of another academic year.

"Greeting and helping students move into residence, holding worship services and forums on what it means to be a welcoming community are some of the many activities that have occurred during recent orientation weeks," says Mark Wallace, Christian Reformed Home Missions’ Catalytic Leader for Campus Ministries.

During these events, new friendships have begun, old friendships renewed and communities of faith formed and gathered, he said.

Among the students and leaders returning to campus are those who participate in the Emerging Leaders program, as part of Home Missions support of campus ministry.

Amanda Jagt, at the University of Toronto, says, "Being an Emerging Leader has been the most life-giving and enjoyable work I have ever done."

As a leader within what is called the Wine Before Breakfast community, Jagt says, "I have discovered gifts I didn't even know I had, and I have discovered how, through those gifts, I love others more fully."

At Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., Noelle Jacobs notes that "obedience, discipline and sacrificial love have been some areas of growth I’ve experienced."

Meanwhile, Milena Geleynse at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, says, "I'm excited to see what God does on campus in the coming year, who he will ask me to walk alongside and what he has to teach me about himself, his heart and his kingdom."

These Emerging Leaders, and others like them, along with the campus ministers, faculty and staff, says Wallace, lead communities that consist of small and large group gatherings, worship, prayer, campus lectures, working for justice both on and off campus, service projects and much more.

"As communities, they are weaving the threads of faithful Christian presence into the fabric of these places of higher education and research," says Wallace.

Ruth Moon, at graduate student at the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash. says, "As I pursue a PhD in communication, I plan to continue investing in the Graduate Christian Fellowship and my local community of Christians.

"As I pursue Christian community, my hope is that my life also attracts those of other faiths who are drawn to the way my faith informs my life and relationships, and that my community always expands to include those who may not share my faith, that they might see truth through my life."

Wallace notes that these CRC campus ministries remain a key part of the denomination’s commitment to Christian education, supporting students, both undergraduate and graduate, faculty and staff as they either prepare for, or pursue their calling and vocation.

"This vital ministry, which started over 75 years ago at the University of Michigan, is now active on over 35 campuses across North America," he says.

To locate one of these campus ministries, go to bit.ly//BackOnCampus, and for more information about the CRC’s campus ministries, please go to www.crccampusministry.org. For further assistance, please email [email protected].