Like most Adventists, I’m proud of our church’s colleges and universities. Though not perfect, our North American schools work diligently to provide spiritual nurture for their 26,000 students.
Unfortunately, they are reaching only a minority of Adventist students, says Monte Sahlin, Ohio Conference director of research and special projects. Sahlin, using data from a 2009 survey of church members conducted by Roger Dudley, director of the Institute of Church Ministry at Andrews University, constructed an estimate that at least 100,000 Adventist students are attending non-Adventist colleges and universities.
While this number includes older, nontraditional students—graduate and postgraduate students, and others pursuing professional studies—Sahlin believes that there are 50,000, or more, traditional college-age students on public campuses.
In 2005 the North American Division established Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) to oversee public campus ministries, including outreach to non-Adventist students. Though more than 100 registered groups across North America minister to Adventist young people on public campuses, only a small fraction of students are being reached.
It’s obvious that more should be done in this area, and that’s where your church can help. Visit a college in your region and find out if there’s an Adventist student organization on campus. A little research on social networks and the ACF Web site may help.
Once you’ve established a connection, there are many ways to shower them with love and compassion. A pastor or lay member may visit the students periodically to pray with and encourage them. One Maryland church sends gift cards to students. A New York congregation provides breakfast every Sabbath.
You can make an eternal difference in a student’s life.
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Carlos Medley is online editor of the Adventist Review. This article was published June 14, 2012.
