Campus Ministry: Small Congregations Serving Small Colleges

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(Submitted by Ann Burr and Eric Miller)

Even small Episcopal churches can make a big difference in the life of a college student.  Here are some ways in which your congregation can get started with this ministry. The students will appreciate your efforts and your congregation will be enriched by their participation.

• Feeling welcome is the main concern of college students who attend a new church. Be intentional about meeting and speaking to them when they do come to your church.  Sit with students during worship so they don’t sit alone. Many students may not be Episcopalian and may appreciate help with the BCP and Hymnals, as needed. 

• Invite students to stay after the service for Coffee Hour. Be sure there are other beverages and lots of ‘goodies” available.

• Offer to provide rides for worship or other church activities.

• Include students in worship. Find out their past experiences. [i.e. choir, acolytes, ushers, etc.] Laity or clergy could offer a mid-week Bible study for college students. 

• Organize a special “Students Night Out” Supper—one time only, once a week, once a month. Students love to eat outside the school food services. Keep it simple, but “filling.” [i.e. Parishioners bring covered-dish lasagna, salad, breads, dessert.] Inviting students to your homes for cookouts and home-cooked meals is always a nice idea as well.

• Provide “Care Packages” for students during finals week with a note wishing them well on their exams. [i.e. include homemade cookies, snacks, pens, etc.]

• Communicate with College Chaplain or Deans:

         *  Find out college policies and regulations concerning privacy issues. 

         *  Ask what is being done by other community churches that your Episcopal Church might do also. 

         *  If the college invites the community to participate in a Freshman or Beginning of the Year Orientation, set up a booth advertising your Episcopal Church. Provide hand-out information about your   church including worship times, directions, phone numbers, website, & email address.  Ask interested       students to complete forms volunteering their campus email addresses and other information that would be helpful for communicating with them.

         *  Send emails to students inviting them to worship services and other activities.

 

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