Written by: The Go Team
College is a big step in many people’s lives. When someone thinks about what college entails, they may think about their career, friendships, clubs and activities, dorm rooms, cafeteria food, sports, etc. When many think about the spiritual aspect of college they may think of it as a dark place where sin runs rampant: alcohol, parties, sexual immorality, explicit language, the list goes on. What many are unaware of is the way that God is working on college campuses.
In the spring of 2023 there was a moving of the spirit that Asbury University called “The Asbury Outpouring” which started with a work of the spirit in the students at Asbury and led to many college students gathered from across the country to worship and pray together. There have also been other stories that have made the news including the Ohio State football team leading a night of worship, testimony’s and baptisms.
The college campus can be one of the darkest places spiritually, but the light of Jesus shines that much brighter in those spaces. That is why at Gateway Church we are heavily invested in our local colleges. We are partnered with Campus Outreach (CO) at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and the Campus Ministry at the University of Findlay (UF).
CO is heavily focused on drawing students from all backgrounds to explore the deeper meaning of life and faith and to dive into God’s word. One strategic way in which they engage with students on campus is by running events at the beginning of the semester such as their Volleyball Tournament, Late Night Hoops, Pups ‘N Cups and Trivia Night. They run these events early in the semester to draw students who would not normally attend a Christian event and begin having conversations and creating relationships with these students. Miranda Somers who is on staff at CO BGSU wrote the following about an interaction she had during one of these events:
“Kendall is a freshman that I met at our Pups n Cups event in September, we had a really good initial conversation, got coffee early October but then her schedule was crazy and we didn't see each other for 2 months. She continued to say that she was interested in coming to a campus meeting when we texted but I honestly wondered if I would actually see her again.
BUT THEN she came to our Christmas party this past Tuesday and brought a friend, Nadia. They both had so much fun connecting with others that night! They also both expressed being very curious about God, church, and the Bible.
These kinds of conversations bring me so much joy because it's just a fresh reminder that so many are searching for Christ and looking for guidance but don't know where to turn, “like sheep without a shepherd.” I’m so thankful to be of any resource to these girls in giving opportunity to learn and grow and see how God may work through it! Please be praying for both of them - that Kendall would open up her new Bible and experience the truth and grace of Christ and that Nadia would decide to come to New Years Conference as well!”
In addition to these events, CO also has a weekly meeting of 40-50 students on Tuesday nights where a short devotional is given by a staff member or guest speaker. There are a number of other ways that CO provides for students to grow in their faith as well including Bible studies, Discipleship Groups, and other special events.
The other college ministry that Gateway supports is UF campus ministry. Campus Ministry has a number of ways for students to engage and grow in their faith, the biggest being their Revive worship service on Thursday nights where anywhere from 150-250 students gather to worship and hear God’s word. Some other opportunities that students have at UF to grow in their faith are several Bible studies including a Coed, Men’s, Women’s, Athlete, International and Freshman Bible study. They also have some other special interest Christian groups such as Riders for Christ (Equestrian Group) and Christian Veterinary Fellowship among others. A few of the strategic evangelistic ways that they reach the lost include weekly Ultimate Frisbee and Movie Nights a few Friday’s per month.
There are a number of ways in which you can be involved in the life of college students at BGSU and UF. First and foremost is to pray for them and to seek them out on Sunday mornings. There are many students from both universities who attend Gateway and they would love to hear from you. Secondly there is a discipleship mentoring program at UF called Covenant Connect, along with students at BGSU who can use discipling. Contact info@gatewayepc.org with Attention: Luke Gazarek for more information at UF and Attention: Lincoln Peters for BGSU. Lastly, join the Go Partner Prayer group to receive updates from our college partners and pray for them.
Stories, news, and resources for things happening at Gateway Church.
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