Our purpose is not to put forth political position here. We have more important things to do, such as ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ among college students on a secular campus. But sometimes the two intersect. Colin Hansen at Christianity Today writes a blog post titled, "Is 26 the New 18?" This relates to the last post on this blog, though Hansen's motivation to look at it is the new health care legislation that allows kids (adults?) to stay on their parents' insurance plans till they are 26!
Interesting stuff, food for thought, and directly related to the realities of college students today.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Extending Adolescence?
I work with college students, young men and women between the ages of 18 and 23 (give or take). Traditionally, this was a group that had finished up adolescence, those weird years when a child grows into an adult physically, emotionally and socially. The college years have usually been seen as the tail-end of adolescence with the assumption that by the end of college these young people are now adults. But much evidence seems to indicate this is changing.
Tim Elmore writes about this and I highly recommend his blog post. Today's college students could be called the "Postponed Generation". Elmore writes, "Many adolescents delay growing up; they push the pause button on their assumption of responsibility. Several college deans have suggested to me: 26 is the new 18. I’m not suggesting they’re all bad kids or troubled kids or even stupid kids. They just don’t see the need to grow up. Life is working for them just fine, right now."
Do you see this in the young people you know?
Do you think this is a good or a bad thing? I tend to think its one of those changes that cultures tend to experience. Centuries ago boys were considered adults as early as 13 or 14, decades ago perhaps by 18 or 19. Things change.
At any rate, these are the students we have at CSF Berks. Learning more about how their generation thinks helps us shape our ministry more effectively.
Here is part two of Elmore's blog post.
Tim Elmore writes about this and I highly recommend his blog post. Today's college students could be called the "Postponed Generation". Elmore writes, "Many adolescents delay growing up; they push the pause button on their assumption of responsibility. Several college deans have suggested to me: 26 is the new 18. I’m not suggesting they’re all bad kids or troubled kids or even stupid kids. They just don’t see the need to grow up. Life is working for them just fine, right now."
Do you see this in the young people you know?
Do you think this is a good or a bad thing? I tend to think its one of those changes that cultures tend to experience. Centuries ago boys were considered adults as early as 13 or 14, decades ago perhaps by 18 or 19. Things change.
At any rate, these are the students we have at CSF Berks. Learning more about how their generation thinks helps us shape our ministry more effectively.
Here is part two of Elmore's blog post.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
CSF Berks Blog?
I am not really sure that this blog is necessary. I wanted to do a CSF Berks blog to keep prayer and financial partners up to date with what is going on around campus. But between email newsletters and a Facebook group, all the people who care may already be well informed. As we move in to summer, I am going to re-think the use of this blog.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Break?
Campus ministry is very, very busy during the fifteen weeks of each semester and is much less busy during holiday and summer breaks. When I talk to people, both friends and family, they often slyly grin when this time of year comes around as they assume I simply take vacation. My defenses go up because it seems that people really think I just sit around during breaks and do relatively nothing. I admit, I am very blessed in this ministry with flexibility and slow times of break. But I am also very conscious that people are financially supporting me to work full-time, those people are working full-time, and if I don't use the slow time wisely I am going to crash in the busy times. So, what does a campus pastor do during holiday breaks? I work.
*Prepare for the next semester's teaching. In the spring we'll be having weekly small groups themed around introducing the Old Testament story and weekly worship nights with the book of Revelation as the theme. I will be preparing both of these and if I don't start now, the quality will be low. Study is essential.
*Prepare for next semester's everything else. Planning activities, getting ready for Spring break and much more.
*Pray. As a pastor it is my job to pray so I'll be praying for the students, praying for the next semester. Pray, pray, pray!
*Fundraise. This is always happening but I especially focus on it during the holidays. Getting in touch with alumni and others, trying to raise support.
*Read. I love to read anyway and while anything I read may enrich my ministry, it is especially books on theology, culture and such that really help. So I will be reading books, seeking to grow as a person in order to better minister.
*Stay in contact with students. I will send out weekly devotional emails as I do on Fridays during the semester; I will also seek to keep in touch with them, talk with them (via email, Facebook, phone, whatever), listen to them and pray with them.
That's a start. It is pretty sweet; I get to read and talk to college students for a living. Of course breaks are also refreshing and there are times for spiritual rest and renewal. But the point is, I will not be lazing around. I will be working and loving it!
*Prepare for the next semester's teaching. In the spring we'll be having weekly small groups themed around introducing the Old Testament story and weekly worship nights with the book of Revelation as the theme. I will be preparing both of these and if I don't start now, the quality will be low. Study is essential.
*Prepare for next semester's everything else. Planning activities, getting ready for Spring break and much more.
*Pray. As a pastor it is my job to pray so I'll be praying for the students, praying for the next semester. Pray, pray, pray!
*Fundraise. This is always happening but I especially focus on it during the holidays. Getting in touch with alumni and others, trying to raise support.
*Read. I love to read anyway and while anything I read may enrich my ministry, it is especially books on theology, culture and such that really help. So I will be reading books, seeking to grow as a person in order to better minister.
*Stay in contact with students. I will send out weekly devotional emails as I do on Fridays during the semester; I will also seek to keep in touch with them, talk with them (via email, Facebook, phone, whatever), listen to them and pray with them.
That's a start. It is pretty sweet; I get to read and talk to college students for a living. Of course breaks are also refreshing and there are times for spiritual rest and renewal. But the point is, I will not be lazing around. I will be working and loving it!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Getting Liturgical, sort of...
Over the past few years a sort of tradition has developed at CSF Berks. At Christmas and then again at Resurrection Day (Easter), we have a worship night focused on those most important events. So we set aside whatever our theme for the semester is and spend the evening singing songs and reading the scriptural stories. The students really enjoy it, which is why we keep doing it! It is interactive as we read some prayers in unison and we have individual students read each of the scriptures. Last evening we had a special treat, as my friend Adam, pastor of Desert Road Fellowship, visited to lead us in worship. We also shared communion together. I reminded the students that God became man as a gift for us and that this baby born on Christmas grew up and gave his life on the cross as a gift for us. Simply put, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the greatest gift, to restore our relationship with God. Knowing there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve this, I asked the students to ponder what they are going to give to Jesus this holiday season?
Knowing all that God has done for you, the gift of Jesus' body and blood, what are you going to give back?
Here is the outline for our night.
Opening Prayer
Scriptures of Hope
Isaiah 9:2, 6 – Reader #1
Jeremiah 31:31-33 – Reader #2
Songs of Hope
O Come Emmanuel
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
The Christmas Story Part 1
Luke 1:26-38 – The Angel Visits Mary – Reader #3
Luke 1:46-55 – Mary Worships God – Reader #4
Matthew 1:18-25 – The Angel Visits Joseph – Reader #5
Songs
O Little Town of Bethlehem
The First Noel
The Christmas Story Part 2
Luke 2:1-7 – Birth of Jesus – Reader #6
Luke 2:8-20 – Shepherds – Reader #7
Matthew 2:1-12 – the Magi – Reader #8
Songs
Away in a Manger
Offering
Communion scripture - John 1:1-5, 14; 3:16-17 – Reader #9
Reflection
Communion (Cup and Bread up front)
Closing Prayer:
Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born.Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their Savior is born.Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born.Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.Let free men rejoice, for their Liberator is born.Let All Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.
Knowing all that God has done for you, the gift of Jesus' body and blood, what are you going to give back?
Here is the outline for our night.
Opening Prayer
Scriptures of Hope
Isaiah 9:2, 6 – Reader #1
Jeremiah 31:31-33 – Reader #2
Songs of Hope
O Come Emmanuel
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
The Christmas Story Part 1
Luke 1:26-38 – The Angel Visits Mary – Reader #3
Luke 1:46-55 – Mary Worships God – Reader #4
Matthew 1:18-25 – The Angel Visits Joseph – Reader #5
Songs
O Little Town of Bethlehem
The First Noel
The Christmas Story Part 2
Luke 2:1-7 – Birth of Jesus – Reader #6
Luke 2:8-20 – Shepherds – Reader #7
Matthew 2:1-12 – the Magi – Reader #8
Songs
Away in a Manger
Offering
Communion scripture - John 1:1-5, 14; 3:16-17 – Reader #9
Reflection
Communion (Cup and Bread up front)
Closing Prayer:
Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born.Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their Savior is born.Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born.Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.Let free men rejoice, for their Liberator is born.Let All Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Nearing the end of the semester!
Penn State's Thanksgiving break is like a big tease. The students get one week off and then have to return for two weeks of class and finals. After a week off, many have trouble getting back in the groove.
Nevertheless, a lot of activities are going on at campus in these two weeks. On Thursday CSF is hosting a question and answer night where myself and one student will seek to provide answers to any questions people have, recognizing and probably often repeating, that we do not claim to have all the answers. Thus, we titled it "seeking answers together" and the goal is that after the night is over, we have all learned a bit.
Next week CSF has a Christmas-themed worship night on Tuesday and caroling and a Christmas party on Thursday. Then on Friday we are partnering with the Step Team for a fundraiser to benefit the fight against human trafficking. The Step Team is doing a talent show while CSF members will share info on the horror of modern-day slavery. It is a good partnership and I pray it goes well.
So lots going on! God be with us.
Nevertheless, a lot of activities are going on at campus in these two weeks. On Thursday CSF is hosting a question and answer night where myself and one student will seek to provide answers to any questions people have, recognizing and probably often repeating, that we do not claim to have all the answers. Thus, we titled it "seeking answers together" and the goal is that after the night is over, we have all learned a bit.
Next week CSF has a Christmas-themed worship night on Tuesday and caroling and a Christmas party on Thursday. Then on Friday we are partnering with the Step Team for a fundraiser to benefit the fight against human trafficking. The Step Team is doing a talent show while CSF members will share info on the horror of modern-day slavery. It is a good partnership and I pray it goes well.
So lots going on! God be with us.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Recent Reads
Working on a college campus, I see students struggling with life in various ways. I found this article to be eye-opening. Here is one quote:
"The 2009 National Survey of Counseling Directors, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh, found that 94 percent of directors reported an increase in students with severe psychological conditions, including depression, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addictions. In addition, 91 percent believe a greater number of students are arriving on campus already taking psychiatric medications."
Also, if you want a nice summary of the importance of campus ministry, I found this article to be helpful. Here's the fact that churches need to face today: "In the past, churches would expect that people who dropped out of church during their college-age days would come back once they were married with kids. The problem is they're not coming back."
Perhaps not as unrelated to campus ministry as we might think are articles on the greed of banks (and many college students are still pursuing the American dream of more, more, more) and an article on forced abortions in China (a rare issue that might bring pro-life and pro-choice Americans together as neither life nor choice is getting a hearing here).
"The 2009 National Survey of Counseling Directors, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh, found that 94 percent of directors reported an increase in students with severe psychological conditions, including depression, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addictions. In addition, 91 percent believe a greater number of students are arriving on campus already taking psychiatric medications."
Also, if you want a nice summary of the importance of campus ministry, I found this article to be helpful. Here's the fact that churches need to face today: "In the past, churches would expect that people who dropped out of church during their college-age days would come back once they were married with kids. The problem is they're not coming back."
Perhaps not as unrelated to campus ministry as we might think are articles on the greed of banks (and many college students are still pursuing the American dream of more, more, more) and an article on forced abortions in China (a rare issue that might bring pro-life and pro-choice Americans together as neither life nor choice is getting a hearing here).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
