This statement is so common it's almost cliche -- "they grew up in church but went wild at college." Why does this happen!? This conversation with Billy Bernhard unpacks this all-too-common phenomenon. Billy Bernhard, campus minister with Every Nation Campus in Philadelphia and host of the Wyld Way … [Read more...] about CFLP 14: Why So Many Students “Raised in Church” Run Away While in College with Billy Bernhard
CFLP 13: From Shook Freshman to Loving Jesus and Leading in Ministry as a College Student with Lauren Barker
Lauren Barker is a college student at Temple University who serves in leadership within the ministry of Every Nation Campus Philly. She was raised as a Christian and was intentional to get involved in a faith community when she went to college, but she says she was "shook" by her first year college … [Read more...] about CFLP 13: From Shook Freshman to Loving Jesus and Leading in Ministry as a College Student with Lauren Barker
CFLP 12: Going from the Projects of Brooklyn to University, Choosing Jesus over Free Masonry, and Helping Students Manage Stress with Kevin McKenzie
Kevin McKenzie had a difficult experience growing up in the projects of Brooklyn. He was nearly killed several times and had an outlook on life that was powerfully influenced by those early experiences. However, he made it to college and was on track for "success," but something was missing. … [Read more...] about CFLP 12: Going from the Projects of Brooklyn to University, Choosing Jesus over Free Masonry, and Helping Students Manage Stress with Kevin McKenzie
4 Mindsets to Have in Campus Ministry in a Pandemic
If I hear the word “unprecedented” or “pivot” one more time in reference to the pandemic, I actually might lose my mind. Ok, seriously though, while most of us are weary of hearing these words, the fact remains that we are living in strange times, marked by an unusual degree of difficulty. … [Read more...] about 4 Mindsets to Have in Campus Ministry in a Pandemic
CFLP 07: Athletic Ministry with Grace Hoyt
Athletes and athletic departments represent a significant community within collegiate life. In this episode, campus minister and former college athlete, Grace Hoyt, joins for a conversation about athletic ministry. Topics and Questions Discussed Why would someone involved in college ministry … [Read more...] about CFLP 07: Athletic Ministry with Grace Hoyt
Moving from Great Disruption to Great Discipleship
We are living in a time of incredible disruption. Recently, I wrote about some principles for leadership in the pandemic. However, the overall disruption I’m referring to here is not merely due to the the pandemic, but also the economic impact of the pandemic and other associated factors such as … [Read more...] about Moving from Great Disruption to Great Discipleship
4 Leadership Moves During a Global Pandemic
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that we are officially in a global pandemic. It's now May 13th, more than two months later, and many states around the U.S. are still in lock down. Though some have taken issue with the use of the phrase “unprecedented times,” … [Read more...] about 4 Leadership Moves During a Global Pandemic
The Battle Against Discouragement
A friend of mine who serves in university campus ministry recently told me that he sometimes wrestles with the feeling that he is wasting his life... He knows the reasons why this is not true with his head, but he was at a low point. This conversation was a moment of brutal transparency. If I'm … [Read more...] about The Battle Against Discouragement
C.S. Lewis on our “Unwelcome Diagnosis”
One thing I enjoy most about the Christmas holiday season is having more time to read than is typically afforded in my schedule during other times in the year. In addition, when my family exchanges gifts, as part of our Christmas tradition, I am usually given books as Christmas presents. (Insert … [Read more...] about C.S. Lewis on our “Unwelcome Diagnosis”
Why You Should Plan Your Summer
For many people, summer brings changes in schedules along with warmer weather. This is particularly true for students and those who work with students, such as teachers, professors, and campus ministry leaders. This change of schedule is usually met with rejoicing by all, but summer goes quickly. To … [Read more...] about Why You Should Plan Your Summer
Pace Yourself to Finish Well
If you are passionate about your ministry vision, it’s wise to work hard. College ministry is not a place for slackers. Steve Murrell said it well in a recent article, "If you want an easy job, don't do ministry." This truth should be taken to heart by all those considering stepping into full time … [Read more...] about Pace Yourself to Finish Well
Campus Ministry is Not a “Junior Varsity” Calling
How important is full-time college campus ministry? Is it merely an avenue for relatively inexperienced ministers to get their feet wet in ministry—something that should be viewed as an automatic stepping stone into something truly important? Or, is it an area of ministry of such high importance … [Read more...] about Campus Ministry is Not a “Junior Varsity” Calling