Section 4.2 - Campus Connections: A Field Guide for Campus Ministry by Barry St. Clair

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ENTER INTO THE CAMPUS CULTURE

 

Jews did not look kindly on Samaritans. They saw them as half-breeds and heretics. So when Jesus “had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4), His disciples probably “had words” with Him about why He was putting himself in such an awkward, compromising position. They certainly wouldn’t have gone there on their own.

            

Yet Jesus headed directly into the place everyone else refused to go. It didn’t matter to Him that He wasn’t welcome, didn’t fit in, and had no relationships there. He had nothing to fear in “hostile territory.” His mission was not shaped by prejudices. He knew God loved everyone.

            

In many instances today, churches, Christians, and youth leaders see young people outside the church as “hostile territory”—like the disciples saw the Samaritans—and are afraid to venture in. Since we all fear the unknown, we avoid it. But Jesus did not! Instead of walking around, He took His disciples right through Samaria. And that’s what Jesus wants us to do with the campus—walk right through our fears and the social barriers and go into that territory. We need to be willing to go where others won’t go!

 

Step Toward Students

To connect with students, these two venues give you a very good entry: 

 

1. Athletic events. Find a seat in or near the student section. Show up and look for students you know. During a break, hang out at the concession stand. Since there is plenty of socializing, just “hanging out” will give you ample opportunities to see and talk to students. If you don’t see anyone you know, introduce yourself. Doing this will put you in a great position to listen, learn, and engage.

 

2. After-school hangouts. One very good time to meet students is immediately after school. Though they can’t wait for the bell to ring, they often hang out around campus after school. Often they hang out in the same areas: locker rooms, practice fields, parking lots, in front of the school, or at bus stops. 

            

Sometimes they regather somewhere else, a hangout close to the school like a fast-food restaurant. Wherever they are, you can hang out there too. It may seem awkward at first. If so, take someone with you. Eventually, when you see the same students there consistently, you will begin to feel more comfortable, and they will become comfortable seeing you there too.

 

Persevere with a Purpose

As Jesus moved through Samaria in the heat of the day, He grew tired and thirsty (John 4:6). He could have been consumed with His own need and drawn His own water and left. But He persevered through His weariness because He had a divine appointment to meet a Samaritan woman in the place of her need. 

            

You’ll have many days when distractions and interruptions keep you from going to campus. You may even feel like quitting. Sometimes you may go and vow never to return again. If you’re in any kind of ministry, you’ll get tired. Even Jesus did. 

            

To be honest, ministry demands quite a bit of spiritual, mental, and emotional energy. If you need a break, take one. But once you do, decide to persevere—and keep going. Many divine appointments await you!

 

Play No Favorites

Jesus knew how much Jews and Samaritans despised each other, yet He willingly ventured into a taboo social situation. In the eyes of most Jews, the Samaritan woman had three strikes against her: (1) she was a Samaritan; (2) she was a woman; (3) and she had a less-than-stellar reputation. Jesus crossed numerous social barriers to meet this woman at her point of need.

            

You’ll face social barriers on campus too. You’ll find that a lot of students don’t associate with peers in another group. Racial barriers, social status, and other categories that cause people to look down on others still exist. Geeks and jocks still often avoid each other; the artsy types and the conventional types don’t always fit together; and kids from different economic strata are still distinguishable from each other. It’s easy for some students to look at others like “Samaritans.” But Jesus played no favorites. 

            

Breaking through these barriers to build relationships on campus is a constant challenge. But regardless of their peer group, background, or perceived status, all students long for someone who cares enough to break through barriers to touch their lives. It takes time to go beneath the surface and explore their hearts, especially when they don’t even know their own hearts. 

As you meet students who have no idea about who they are or what’s in their hearts, you get to point them to the heart of God. And regardless of their circumstances or spiritual condition, God wants you to love them all.

 

Your Next Steps

We encourage you to keep a notebook or journal of ideas, action steps, and resources that will help you advance your youth ministry. You can use the following questions and suggestions for brainstorming and developing your goals and plans. 

 

• Decide on one group of students you want to get to know better, and write down three specific steps that could open the way for you to build relationships with them. 

 

• Identify the barriers you see and what you will need to do to gain entrance into their world. 

 

• Write into your schedule dates and times you will spend with students in their world—on or around their campus. Then keep those appointments with yourself for the sake of kids you don’t yet know! 

 

Resources

• Steiger is a ministry that equips and mobilizes Christians to understand youth culture and effectively engage with and reach young people with the gospel: see www.steiger.org

 

• Not Beyond Reach by Aaron Pierce.