When anyone asks how the ministry is going, I often begin with something like this:
“You know, this first year of being on campus is mainly about learning the culture and context of students here in Cincinnati.”
In some ways, that response is evasive and in other ways it’s completely accurate.
There is a learning curve of some sort involved with any kind of endeavor or career transition. Although there have been many transferable concepts and principles from my first 15 years of ministry, there are also particular lessons and skills to be learned as I position myself on a campus and in the lives of college students.
Today was one of those days that I celebrate and leave campus feeling so affirmed in my calling and my compatibility with this mission to the University of Cincinnati. The particular lesson I learned today was about being lovingly assertive. It really doesn’t take much for a college student to avoid an appointment we’ve made. They suddenly have to prepare for a lab, attend a meeting, study with a friend, take a nap, etc. There is seemingly no limit to the student’s creative capacity when it comes to responsibility evasion. But…there also maybe more room for assertion and compulsion than I had previously thought. My typical response in these situations is something like, “Hey, no problem…let’s try meeting up next week then.” Today I tried something a little different. With two different students today I responded with, “Okay…sounds like you have a lot going on. How ’bout if we just get together for about 10 or 15 minutes? I’d really like to spend a little time with you today and just see how you’re doing.”
Both students agreed and I was able to spend a couple of minutes just checking in, encouraging, and even praying for one student. I certainly believe you could cross the line from being assertive to pushy if you aren’t careful. But I have enough relational equity with these students to know where the line is and have a little cushion. And instead of completely missing the chance to connect I was able to spend at least a few minutes investing a little more life and gospel with both of them. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
It’s one of those words that comes with its own set of luggage, right?
There are connotations… miscommunication… abuse…baggage.
I have recently set out on the task of engaging the idea (and calling) of holiness. Especially important to me is the need to communicate the truth of holiness and sanctification in ways which get at the real heart of transformation, grace, and discipleship.
Oord and Lodahl do a really nice job of describing the “core notion” of holiness as a response of love to God and others which really flows out of God’s call, God’s purposes, and the nature of God Himself.
Where much of the holiness “baggage” comes from is when peripheral notions (rule keeping, legalism, set apart-ness, consecration, etc) of holiness take the place of that core notion . I have a couple more titles to read on this topic so I’m looking forward to a renewed vision for and emphasis on faithful holy living as I challenge college students to pursue Christ-likeness and God’s mission to love.
I met with a college student for lunch today who has been a friend and someone I have hoped to influence for several years now. As we shared a meal at one of my favorite little spots near campus, I was mindful of how our conversations have deepened over the past few months. We were no longer in that awkward stage of not really knowing how to connect, what topics are safe, how far can I press, etc. The foundation has been laid for me to be able to speak encouragement and guidance into his life while asking the kinds of questions which help sort out issues, values, beliefs, etc.
This “3 x 50 Project” in which we’re engaging for the next 50 days or so will provide the prayer and financial support we need to continue ministry like this with many other students at the University of Cincinnati. Both streams of support are necessary to keep me on campus and effectively serving students. When it comes to fundraising, we are often warned against asking for prayer instead of or at the same time that we ask for financial support. Perhaps it’s easier for someone to offer prayer support rather than the monetary variety. On the other hand, to truly carry a burden of prayer for someone or some ministry can be quite a difficult challenge as well.
I am thoroughly convinced that we need both types of support, but I’d say that the primary need during this 50-day “event” is to find individuals who would answer the call to pray daily for our ministry at UC. God is truly sovereign and more than capable of providing the financial resources that will keep me on campus meeting with students. God is also the source of transformation and salvation that we’re praying to see in the lives of college students. If we have a team of people who are seeking God daily on behalf of our ministry, all these other things will certainly be added to the mix as well (Matthew 6:33, My Paraphrase).
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