Chris Bean

My first quarter of campus ministry at UC has come to an end. Most of the students survived their final exams and projects and have left Clifton Heights for a few weeks.

Having a few weeks now to reflect on the previous 10 or 12 weeks of ministry, relationships, events, bible studies, etc will hopefully become the fuel for what is to come in 2010.

The outcome which I would celebrate most as I look back and evaluate my first quarter’s worth of campus ministry would be the relational rhythm of it all. Although we hosted some events along the way (at the Edge House, local Nazarene Churches, CCO stuff, etc)…the past few months were certainly most defined in terms of relationships and time with students. THAT is a win as far as I’m concerned.

There about a dozen UC students who have allowed me the opportunity to know them, spend time with them, and even coach/disciple them spiritually. And I’d say there are 5 or 6 students with whom I have developed intentional “be with” time. I am looking forward to pouring more relational and spiritual effort into these students as the next quarter begins.

In terms of an “opportunity” (which is how we referred to weaknesses and behavioral challenges at Starbucks)…I believe my greatest opportunity is connected with my own personal spiritual development and growth. I am more convinced than ever that the greatest thing I offer to students is the demonstration of a life completely surrendered and integrated with faith and Gospel and Kingdom. If college students are going to be transformed and living out their faith ten years from now, it will probably have more to do with my character and devotion to Christ than the content of my teaching or the number of events I convinced them to attend.

Between now and the new year, I hope to think more deeply about achieving two main objectives:

–The spiritual development and formation of the campus minister (myself)

–Creating more opportunities for ‘being with’ students and building those relationships.