College Ministry Resources: Driving Spiritual Growth on Campus

College ministry plays an important role in promoting spiritual growth and community among students. It involves providing spiritual guidance, support, and opportunities for service and fellowship. In this article, we'll explore what constitutes a college ministry, the resources available to them, and how digital tools like Evant can enhance their mission.

What is a College Ministry?

A college ministry is a religious organization or group that aims to provide spiritual guidance, support, and community to students and staff on college campuses. These ministries often offer a variety of programs, including worship services, Bible studies, retreats, and service opportunities, tailored to help individuals grow in their faith and foster a sense of belonging within the college community6.

There are College Ministry chapters on almost all college. For example, Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU), one of the most popular campus ministry organizations, has chapters on over 5,300 campuses worldwide, and growing

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What is Considered a Ministry?

In the context of college campuses, a ministry typically refers to any organized effort to provide spiritual support and guidance. This can include Christian denominations, as well as other faith traditions like Judaism and Islam. Ministries may be led by ordained ministers, rabbis, imams, or other spiritual leaders, depending on the specific faith tradition and the campus environment1.

The Navigators, another famous Christian ministry organization, serves over 40,000 students.

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Resources for College Ministries

College ministries rely on a range of resources to fulfill their mission:

• Community Building: Ministries often organize events like worship services, prayer gatherings, and small groups to build a sense of community among students.
• Service Opportunities: Many ministries coordinate volunteer projects and mission trips to help students engage in service and develop their faith through action.
• Educational Programs: These can include Bible studies, theological courses, and workshops on faith-related topics.
• University Partnerships: Ministry leaders can also rely on resources given by their respective universities, this include event spaces, advertising or fundng.

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College Ministry Books

Reading books is a great resource for college ministers - it can open up the horizons of thought and introduce you too new insights.

1. The Forgotten Ways (Alan Hirsch)
2. Friendship at the Margns (Christine Pohl)
3. Onward (Russell Moore)
4. Gospel Fluency (Jeff Vanderstelt)
5. College Ministry from Scratch (Chuck Bomar)

All these are great reads, with the first two being about culture, the next two being about Mission and Evangelism, while the last book is a partial guide.

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Digital Resources for Ministries

In today's digital age, college ministries can leverage a variety of online tools to enhance their outreach and engagement:

• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be used to promote events, share spiritual content, and connect with students.
• Online Worship Services: Many ministries now offer virtual worship services, allowing students to participate remotely.
• Digital Discipleship Tools: Resources like online Bible studies and devotionals can help students deepen their faith outside of traditional group settings.

Some of the best digital ministry resources include RightNow Media, which offers a vast library of biblical videos for discipleship and personal growth, and BibleProject, known for its visually engaging animated videos that make complex biblical concepts accessible to younger audiences. Additionally, platforms like Delmethod, Evant, and Ministry Tech provide valuable tools and strategies for digital evangelism and church technology, helping ministries expand their online presence and engagement.

Read our article on SubSplash Alternatives to find more Digital Ministry tools.

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How College Ministries Can Use Evant as a Resource

Evant can be a powerful RSVP Platform for college ministries looking to streamline their operations and enhance community engagement:

• Event Management: Evant allows ministries to easily organize and promote events, such as worship services, retreats, and volunteer opportunities, ensuring that students stay informed and involved.
• Community Building: By using Evant to facilitate communication and collaboration among students and leaders, ministries can foster a stronger sense of community and connection.
• Resource Sharing: Evant can be used to share digital resources like devotionals, study guides, and inspirational content, helping to support students' spiritual journeys.
• RSVP Management: University leaders can leverage Evant to get student to actually RSVP to events, through one-word keyword triggers. For instance, "Text Summer to RSVP for our CRU at AU annual summer kickoff!". The chances of a student resodig to a text, can be 5x higher, besides you'll be the coolest club on campus!

Conclusion

College ministries play a crucial role in the spiritual lives of students, offering a supportive community and opportunities for growth. By leveraging both traditional and digital resources, ministries can effectively reach and engage students in meaningful ways. Tools like Evant can help streamline these efforts, ensuring that college ministries remain vibrant and impactful in their mission to foster spiritual growth and community on campus.

Read more in our Campus Ministry Today resource.

‍Statistics Highlighting the Importance of College Ministry:

• Approximately 80% of college students have never had significant church experience, making campus ministries a critical missional opportunity5.
• Ninety percent of students who have grown up in the church may never return after graduation, emphasizing the need for effective campus ministry strategies5.

By understanding the role of college ministries and leveraging resources like Evant, these organizations can better support students during a pivotal stage of life.