With approximately 270,000 college students in Alabama, “almost every Alabama Baptist church can be or should be a ‘college church,’” said Mike Nuss, director of the office of collegiate and student ministries at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
For a church not located in a college town, the challenge may be more difficult but it is not impossible.
Chris Taylor, youth and media pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Grand Bay, said his church has been able to minister to college students because it has offered something for them — a Bible study on Wednesday nights.
“You can’t just expect them to come to church,” Taylor said. “College students have so much going on and so many opportunities that the world is presenting them that you have to have something for them.”
That something could be an activity during the winter or summer break or an ongoing ministry opportunity. Keep students connected with each other by taking them skiing or camping or hosting a game or movie night. Keep them connected to the church by opening up leadership roles in the children’s or youth ministries to them.
If there are not enough students in town to merit a Bible study or Sunday School class, then make sure there is “someone who lets them know they are not forgotten,” said Kent Dodson, pastor of Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Clanton.
There are a number of ways to do this. Mail, e-mail or even text a note of encouragement. Send a care package of goodies during a stressful time like finals week. Become a Facebook friend.
Have families or adult Sunday School classes “adopt” college students.
They could pray for the students, call them to check in, do their laundry or cook them a meal. (TAB)
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