Chris Bean

The CCO sponsors a fabulous conference for college students each February in Pittsburgh. The final session ended about 24-hours ago and I’m still processing and cataloging the experience in my head.

Joining me at my first official Jubilee as a campus minister was…Joey Dupps & Paul Harris (two UC students I’ve been discipling), Jamie Noyd (a fellow campus minister at the Edge House), Kalman Tinka (my backpacking Beavercreek bud who is interested in OLT ministry with the CCO), and my family (my wife Deb and two daughters–Jessica & Jaquey–were able to attend as well).

The weekend was a terrific time of reconnecting with fellow CCO staffers…these are truly some of the most intelligent, faithful, fun, Kingdom-minded people on the planet!

The general sessions were highlighted with a few of these faces:

Amena Brown shared several powerful spoken word vignettes.

She is a poet, speaker, and journalist.

Each time she would ‘do her thing’ I got chills!

Over the course of the weekend, the crowd of about 2500 engaged in some energetic and inspirational times of singing and worship.

It’s always good to gather as the Church and pour out an offering of praise and worship to the God who has so graciously reconciled us to Himself through the Cross.

It was a bit of a tossup for me between these two speakers as my favorites of the weekend (especially from an entertainment and comedic angle). Susan Isaacs (left) beautifully shared her journey and at one point said, “God ruined my life…and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”  Bob Goff (right) is an amazing lawyer, father, professor, Kingdom advancer, etc who shows up in Donald Miller’s latest book (A Million Miles in a Thousand Years). What he shared was simply an inspirational life of “playing riffs in the key of Jesus.”

There were so many other great moments, speakers, and truths shared at Jubilee. Dr. John M. Perkins challenged the present generation of college-age “young folk” to take the baton of reconciliation and be the post-racist generation that becomes fluent in a language of love. The impact which that man has had on the urban America and the reconciliation movement is astounding. It was a great honor to be in his presence….especially as I listened in on a more informal session with him and student leaders who are seeking justice.

Besides the great content, programming, and speakers which all made Jubilee quite amazing…sharing it with Joey, Paul, Kalman, and Phil was especially good. I see that God is doing great things in each of their lives and look forward to seeing what kind of great adventure God launches their lives into in the coming weeks and months!

There is no Gospel which allows one to be reconciled to God while unreconciled to neighbor.

That statement sums up the content of this challenging book on racial reconciliation. Since day one of my ministry at the University of Cincinnati, I have felt the Gospel compulsion to pursue relationships with students of all culture groups on our campus. So far, I’ve had the great privilege of connecting with a young female African-American student who has a tremendous passion for music, worship, and serving God. I look forward to more opportunities to connect with Darienne and her friends from choir, church, UC, etc.

As I move forward toward that goal, however, Perkins & Rice have challenged me with the basic structure of their book: Admit, Submit, and Commit.

Although, as a nation, we have elected our first black president and made many advances towards racial equality, in the Christian community we have certainly not come as far as we might think. Admitting that we have at least some biases (if not outright prejudices) is a crucial first step in the reconciliation process. And whether this is with the black, Latin, Asian, Native American, or any other community…we must remember that the Gospel can never be reduced to “me and God.”

That was Jesus’ point when he responded to the religious lawyer who wanted Jesus to pick and choose for him: loving God or loving neighbor. We cannot pick and choose when it comes to the very nature of the Gospel, which is a ministry of reconciliation as Paul points out in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. We can’t even pick and choose which neighbor we do or do not want to be reconciled with.

Intentionality. At one point the authors challenged me with this statement, “We must be intentional, relentless, and forceful.” Now I believe as that progresses from intentionality to relentless to forceful…there must be a good bit of discernment and Spirit-guided actions. But it will certainly take action (not just loving with words and tongue–1 John 3:17-18) if we are to pursue reconciliation and model what the Gospel actually calls us to in our own relationships and ministry.

This has become a popular word in discussions of mission, culture, sociology, economics, and other similar studies.

One simple definition states: “to place in a context”

Within the conversation, challenge, and community that is campus missions (ministry) the word contextualization tends to represent an effort to communicate the Gospel in ways that are meaningful, relevant, and readily grasped by college students. This does NOT mean that we change the message of the Gospel, just the method of communicating and sharing that message (I know, the message-method statement is sounding very cliche these days).

I believe that there are basically two ways of approaching our mission of engaging with college students:

• In ways that reinforce negative stereotypes of Christianity (see Unchristian by Dave Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons) and push students further from God and Church
• In ways that challenge, suprise, and attract students to the Gospel and to Jesus

As I understand Paul’s approach to sharing the Gospel with gentiles, (Acts 17 etc) he did NOT simply regurgitate the Jerusalem Church’s teaching throughout the Roman Empire and Asia minor. He contextualized the method in order to place the message in a particular context.

What makes any of us (especially campus missionaries) think that we can get away with anything less than that? And do we understand the Gospel thoroughly enough (via our own experience and study) to respeak it into our own contexts?

Apparently, John Piper would disagree.

Over this past weekend, I got to spend some time with a great crew of young adults on a retreat. We’re calling this thread of retreats and experiences for 18 to 20+’ers Element. 

Our hope is to connect the various college students and young adults in our Nazarene network of churches here into a community. As we connect and build relationships we also want to challenge, equip, and send these students into the world to make a Kingdom-sized impact on their world.

Element…

It’s about the basic elements of faith. In ancient times there were thought to be four basic elements which constituted the physical universe. We sometimes refer to someone or thing as being in their element. Perhaps you think of a heating element which connects and conduces heat or electricity. All of these ideas could contribute to or illustrate the purposes we have in mind.

JR Forasteros shared some insights from Matthew 25 which I found to be quite helpful. Recall the parable of the talents in which three servants were given a sum of money by their master. After some time the master returned (key point) and found two of the servants as faithful and productive. The third servant (out of fear, or laziness, or some other inhibition) buried his potential in the ground.

JR made the connect between this idea and the fact that most young adults are desperate to know what God’s will is for their lives. In fact, regardless of age and phase of life, we often want to ask the wrong questions. Our questions usually focus on specific felt needs or future developments in our life. God wants us to ask the kinds of questions which would lead to our transformation in the present. What are we doing with what God has entrusted to us right now?

As my mind was wandering a bit (not unusual) I began to think about how easily we bury ourSELVES in the ground. Often, we have a tendency in the church to bury ourselves in the world of church, programs, “ministry”, serving (the church/ourselves) and fail to see how God would have us invest our lives into others…especially those who are far from Christ. Instead of burying the master’s resources in a mayonaise jar in the ground…pour yourself out…and into the lives of those around you.

There were many times over the past few years that I was glad to say “I work at a coffee shop” or “I’m a personal trainer.”  It’s not that I’m ashamed of God or anything…just Christianity.

Whenever the conversation on the plane, bus, etc veers towards the topic of vocation my creative juices would start flowing…”What can I say that I DO this time?”

The baggage that often comes with “I’m a pastor” or “I’m a campus minister” or some similar declaration would often prove to be more pressure that I wanted to put on the conversation or relationship.

In my reading of Unchristian (by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons) I found a very relevant discussion of the issues which make identifying oneself with evangelical American Christianity problematic.

So the gist of the book is (in my opinion) coming to grips with the fact that Christianity in America often looks Unchristian (not like Christ) to outsiders. Two specific  groups of people are particularly scrutinized in their opinions, beliefs, perceptions, and values…Busters and Mosaics. Kinnaman describes Mosaics as being born between 1984 and 2002 and Busters between 1965 and 1983. Here’s a quick overview of some of the main themes representing the most common points of skepticism and objection: (p.29)

• Hypocritical
• Too focused on getting converts
• Antihomosexual
• Sheltered
• Too political
• Judgmental

Again, in the research presented, these themes represent the general perceptions of outsiders towards Christianity.

Now in terms of application (especially as I interact with college students) I believe that the future of Christianity in America is looking up. Being aware of these issues and knowing that a more biblically informed worldview is necessary, the stage is set for engaging in the right kind of ministry (so to speak). For me, this completely reinforces an approach to ministry which challenges college students to engage the scriptures, commit to lifelong discipleship, and join Christ his restoration of all things.

Being on staff with the CCO provides some great opportunities for fellowship with other campus ministers as well as professional development.

First of all, I will comment on how enjoyable and encouraging it is to hang out with other CCO staff and campus ministers in general. People who work with college students tend to be, well…cool. Obviously I’m biased. I remember thinking similar things during my years of youth ministry and, yes…youth workers are usually quite hip and cool as well. But out of the hundred or so campus ministers that are here…seriously…there’s not one person I’ve met who I would avoid in a social situation! 

The theme of our little gathering this week near Ligonier, PA has been transformative opportunities.

Evan Hunter, with the Ivy Jungle Network for campus ministry, presented some statistics and key elements which they’ve discovered in research over the past 10 years. Basically, they have found that the most significant kinds and amounts of lifechange tends to happen when students are given opportunities like a mission trip, a retreat, spring break trip, etc. These opportunities tend to provide the following experiential elements:

• Intensity of Time (it’s more than just a block of time here and there)
• Intensity of Experience (encountering disequilibrium…experiences which challenge worldview…e.g. poverty, disease, human trafficking, etc)
• Intensity of Community (significant relationships develop…also barriers between student and leader are often broken down)

Another component of the research which Evan presented indicates an increase in the interest that college students have in service-oriented experiences and justice efforts. We are serving the “justice generation.” Many college students want to have a significant impact on a community or culture and might even be reluctant to participate in something which isn’t outwardly focused. How does all this impact our ministry at the University of Cincinnati? What kinds of opportunities can we provide for students which will optimize their impact and transformation? I have some ideas, but these are definitely some questions I need to ask (and answer) as the plan for this and the next quarter emerge.

Hope…

Hope has been a key word and reminder for me during this Advent season. Now the things that have been hoped for and realized in the coming of Christ also provide great hope for the coming year.

Gospel…

Paul points out in Romans 1 that the Gospel is the manifestation of God’s saving power in the world…for everyone who believes. That is certainly reason for hope. Regardless of economic, political, financial, and cultural upheaval…God’s mission is one of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption. And I’m on the lookout for ways to partner with God in Christ through the Spirit…engaging in any possible opportunity to live out the Gospel.

Twelve…

Specifically, in terms of ministry at the University of Cincinnati, I am hoping for spiritual influence and transformation in the lives of at least twelve students. If I could have the blessing of sharing life, friendship, and a discipling journey with a dozen college students this year I know I’d be well on my way to seeing a whole new trajectory of hope and Kingdom living.

I’m a bit emotional…sappy, you might say. Sometimes it humors my wife as we’re watching TV together and the dramatic tear-jerking scene (it can be anything really…even a commercial) reaches out extracting my heart from its proper place and lodging it in my throat.

I had one of those tearful moments as I drove to campus this morning. An NPR report came on the radio which involved a teen suicide cluster in Palo Alto, CA. You can find the actual report or even listen to it here.

Apparently, there have been four suicides at this particular commuter train railroad crossing in the past 6 months. What continued to capture my attention as I listened to the report was the response of the community and about 70 parents who began to volunteer for “Track Watch.”

I think this is a profound act of love and compassion…a true ’standing in the gap’ for teens in this community who are tempted to solve temporary problems with a permanent solution. This is no miniscule effort on the part of these parents either, spending several hours at a time as guardians of such an abused place.

As my heart was aching for these students, parents, school, and community…I was also infused with hope. As we enter this season of Advent, I’m looking for glimmers of Gospel…and a bunch of parents guarding a railroad track until 1 AM every  night looks like Gospel to me.