A Call to Campus Ministry: Reaching the Next Generation

“Whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.” That’s the tagline from the movie The Forge, and it is a sobering reminder of the cultural battle for the hearts and minds of our young people. The call to reach everyone with the transforming love of Jesus includes university-aged students. College campuses are critical mission fields and need to minister to students, staff, and faculty on campuses has never been more urgent.

According to Gallup, only 36% of millennials belong to a church, and 31% report no religious affiliation (a sharp increase from 22% a decade ago). Similarly, 33% of Generation Z adults claim no religious preference. These numbers are stark, but they also highlight an incredible opportunity for ministry. Churches members, people like me and you, in congregations all across our diocese have the incredible opportunity to step into this mission field and demonstrate the love of Christ to those searching for truth and meaning.

How can churches reach young adults? Many of them are attending college in or near the cities and towns where we live! The first steps to engage college campuses can be summarized in four simple yet powerful actions: Pray, Learn, Meet, and Serve.

Pray

Prayer must be the foundation of any ministry, and campus outreach is no exception. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Begin by praying for the campus itself—for students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Ask God to open doors for conversations, provide wisdom for outreach strategies, and soften hearts to receive the gospel. Consider organizing a prayer walk around a local campus or dedicating time to pray and intercede for the university community.

Learn

Before stepping onto a campus, learn its history, culture, and demographics. What are the values and priorities of the students? What challenges do they face? Research the campus’ background and traditions.

For example, many students today struggle with anxiety, identity questions, and a longing for authentic community. Knowing these realities can help you contextualize the gospel in a way that speaks to their deepest needs.

Proverbs 18:15 reminds us, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Taking time to learn about the students builds connection point helps you to engage meaningfully with those you encounter.

Meet

The next step is building relationships. This involves intentionally meeting students, faculty, and staff to listen to their stories and understand their perspectives. Start by connecting with existing campus ministries or chaplains who may already have a presence on campus. Attend public events, visit student organizations, or simply spend time in common areas like coffee shops or libraries.

Jesus modeled this relational approach throughout His ministry, often meeting people where they were and engaging them personally. As you meet individuals, let your conversations be marked by grace and truth (Colossians 4:6). Ask them about the things they like or are passionate about. Building trust takes time, but it’s essential for meaningful discipleship.

Serve

Once you’ve gotten to know the campus population, look for practical ways to serve them with the love of Christ. This could include offering free meals during finals week, organizing a clothing drive for students in need, or hosting workshops on topics like time management or stress relief. Simple acts of kindness open doors for deeper conversations about faith and provide tangible expressions of God’s love.

Galatians 5:13 encourages believers to “serve one another humbly in love.” By meeting students’ practical needs, you demonstrate the gospel in action and build bridges for spiritual engagement.

Equipping Ourselves

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by the thought of ministering to university students. Do I know enough? Will I know what to say? Will they like me? Those questions are understandable, but I urge you to ask a different question: Do I care enough to see the lives of young people on campuses changed with the transforming love of Jesus Christ?

By asking that question first, everything else that you need will be provided for by the Lord. Also remember that there are multiple ways in which you can support a campus ministry. Everyone can support the ministry in one way or another – by praying, volunteering on campus, preparing meals, sharing financial resources, serving existing campus ministries, or a host of other ways.

We talk often about how the culture in this country is going downhill. You know, just like I do, that much of it gets set in the halls of academia. We have the opportunity to help guide the next generation toward the Lord and be not only the thermometer, but the thermostat for our country. As we embrace this calling, we will not only impact the lives of individual students but also shape the next generation of leaders for Christ.

The need is great, but so is the opportunity. Will you answer the call?