Jumping into life in your new University community can be exciting and intimidating. We’ve learned that when moving to a new place its tempting to leave our engagement in church community as a “I will get to it someday” kind of thought. But getting involved with a church on campus could be one of the best decisions of your life.
In the first few weeks of University getting involved in a church may seem like something that can wait. But I encourage you, don’t wait. Your mind and time is soon going to be truly occupied with study, new friends, and incredible opportunities to grow. If you don’t put your engagement in a church community at the front of your agenda you may never get to it.
First the Benefits
Maybe you have never really had to think about the benefits of being part of spiritual community charged with following Jesus Christ and fulfilling His mission. When you were with friends and family, “gathering with the church” with just assumed. But now that you are on your own in University — nobody is there to bring you along; its your decision.
But think about it. What have been some of the benefits of being part of your church? Have you
1. Had a community that overflowed with a passionate pursuit of Jesus Christ in worship and mission together?
2. Had a community that challenged you and showed you how to grow in your walk with Jesus?
3. Had a community that laid their lives before Jesus and courageously integrated His Word into all that they do?
4. Had a community that rejoiced in an created opportunities to use the gifts given by the Holy Spirit to men and women?
5. Had a community that cared for you and shared life with you even when things were not going well?
This is what church does. And as a follower of Jesus you are called to be a part of making all these things happen.
Choosing a Church
So how do you go about choosing a church? Maybe you have never done that before; it may have been done for you. Maybe you tagged along with friends or were “happily” compelled to go along with your family. But now its up to you. Here’s a few things to do:
- Pray. Ask God to help you get situated in a church family.
- Search online. Just google it: “churches on campus.” In our case, you can search out “UBC churches” and you will see what’s here.
- Make a plan to check out the gatherings — large group and small group.
- Settle in quickly. Our suggestion is to get settled in congregation within the first 5 weeks of the term.
Some questions to consider as you visit:
- Am I familiar with the tradition or network of churches this (new congregation I’m visiting) is a part of?
- What’s the environment like here for lifting up Jesus and elevating God’s Word in life?
- Are there opportunities for me to serve, get connected, and to grow?
A church is Jesus’ people. Its the very movement that Jesus started and He calls the church His. Jesus loves the church and will help you, even call you, to be a part of a church family during your university years. Jesus seems to reserve some lessons and some healing in our lives for what will happen in the fellowship of His people. For example, Jesus didn’t show Himself to Thomas, until Thomas had gathered with other disciples of Jesus (See John 20:24-39). So it is with our growth with Jesus. Some lessons on faith, life, love, and ministry will not be learned unless they are learned in relationship with other followers of Jesus. So I encourage you, plan now to find a church a make commitments there. The lessons you learn there and with that people can serve you for a lifetime of mission and discipleship.
If you went off to University and got involved in a church — how did you go about making the decision?
Filed under: UBC Churches, church on campus, Origin Church, UBC, Born for More