“Have a Ripple Effect”
Often, we find that the greatest simplicity veils the deeply profound. Seemingly insignificant and routine human interactions carry immense and unseen influence in our extremely complex world. Each of us lives the ripple effect, whether for better or for worse.
Examining the ripples in my own life brings to light the impact of the United Methodist Campus Ministry at American University on the people my life touches. I found a much needed home in the United Methodist Campus Ministry during my four years at American University. I met remarkable, fun, thoughtful and accepting people and was continually inspired by Rev. Mark Schaefer’s passion and commitment to seeing Christ’s work done on campus and across the city. The firm foundation built on the laughter, studying, conversation, caring and action of friends within the United Methodist Campus Ministry is invaluable to me, informing my values and actions every day as a youth group leader and teacher.
* * * * * *
Can I manage to sit next to my girlfriend at the assembly? Did I remember to bring my clothes to change for gym? Did that last assignment bump my grade to passing in French so I can play in tonight’s game? What was up with my friend’s away message this morning?
These are the questions many assume run through the average (if there is such a thing) middle school student. Last night, my youth group proved the depth of what really goes through their head, revealing some challenging questions about the very essence of faith and the role it plays in their lives. They are trying to understand the complexities and contradictions of the world of school, friends and media and reconcile them with what they learn in church. This is no easy task. The hope of the world lies in the questioning of students like these. They must have the resources and the space to examine their faith and to begin the work of becoming leaders in their church and community.
For the past two years, my youth group has participated in the 30 Hour Famine, raising a total of $2,400.00 to combat the causes of poverty worldwide. Through Compassion International, the youth group sponsors Umukundwa Alice, a young girl in Rwanda. We also regularly pick up trash on our town’s main street, suggesting and getting a stronger dumping law passed in our community.
* * * * * * *
The United Methodist Campus Ministry at American University fueled my passion for missions and youth ministry. My ripples began at American University and flow through the students in my youth group to faces I will never see. Campus Ministry’s vital importance is that it provides a forum for exploration of important issues of faith, identity and action during a time when many are searching for answers and direction in their life. Those answers and that foundation ripple through college students as they begin their journeys, touching countless people and showing God’s face in this troubled world.
Holly is a 2004 graduate of American University.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Lindsey Triplett, American University
My name is Lindsey Triplett and I graduated from American University in May of 2006. I want to tell you how much the campus ministry meant to me during my time at AU.
I joined the AU United Methodist Community in August of 2002. While that sounds quite official and like I had my head on straight, I can tell you at that time I was in a rough place. My parents had just divorced that summer and separated two years prior. In high school, I felt like no one cared about me. My parents were always fighting and I was a very shy, not-really-religious girl. Stepping into Kay for that first time was, to say the least, quite intimidating. I was suddenly surrounded by people who I viewed as "better" people and Christians than I was, after all I had just gone through the motions for 18 years. The next four years brought more joy, enlightenment, spiritiuality, friendship and excitement than I had ever thought possible. For the first time, I belonged. This was due entirely to the campus ministry at AU. Rev. Mark Schaefer, who I still consider to be a great mentor and friend, helped me greatly to achieve what I am today. Through bible studies, programs and events that were all geared towards serving God and the community both at AU and in Washington, I began to see purpose in what I was doing and who I was. I eventually was elected to be Vice-President and finally President for my senior year. The community that we all formed together was one of the best I had ever known. The people there are truly committed to teaching, serving and learning the word of God in all kinds of different ways-- far too many to describe here.
As I have moved into the "real" world, I still reminisce upon the community at AU and know that it forever changed the course of my life. I now am an active member of my church in Vienna, VA - Vienna Presbyterian- and I volunteer with youth there to maybe have an impact on their lives as Rev. Schaefer and my peers had on me during my time at AU.
I joined the AU United Methodist Community in August of 2002. While that sounds quite official and like I had my head on straight, I can tell you at that time I was in a rough place. My parents had just divorced that summer and separated two years prior. In high school, I felt like no one cared about me. My parents were always fighting and I was a very shy, not-really-religious girl. Stepping into Kay for that first time was, to say the least, quite intimidating. I was suddenly surrounded by people who I viewed as "better" people and Christians than I was, after all I had just gone through the motions for 18 years. The next four years brought more joy, enlightenment, spiritiuality, friendship and excitement than I had ever thought possible. For the first time, I belonged. This was due entirely to the campus ministry at AU. Rev. Mark Schaefer, who I still consider to be a great mentor and friend, helped me greatly to achieve what I am today. Through bible studies, programs and events that were all geared towards serving God and the community both at AU and in Washington, I began to see purpose in what I was doing and who I was. I eventually was elected to be Vice-President and finally President for my senior year. The community that we all formed together was one of the best I had ever known. The people there are truly committed to teaching, serving and learning the word of God in all kinds of different ways-- far too many to describe here.
As I have moved into the "real" world, I still reminisce upon the community at AU and know that it forever changed the course of my life. I now am an active member of my church in Vienna, VA - Vienna Presbyterian- and I volunteer with youth there to maybe have an impact on their lives as Rev. Schaefer and my peers had on me during my time at AU.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Danielle Neff, American University
I attended American University from August 2000 until May 2004. When I arrived at American, I was excited, but mostly, I was scared of so much change and scared of being away from my parents for the first time. As someone who grew up in the church, I naturally sought out a religious community to worship with on Sundays. What I found at American is that I was able to have that need met, but also so many more. The campus ministry at American provided me with a place to worship, a place to meet new friends, a place to have my problems heard, and finally, a place to discern my own call to ordained ministry.
Being in college and being a Christian are two things that have difficulty coexisting. If a person commits to engaging their faith on a regular basis, they seek opportunities to do in the community in which they live. While I could have gone to a local United Church of Christ congregation or a local United Methodist congregation, I believe that it would not have met my needs the same way as an on-campus experience. Being a Christian and a young adult, one struggles with how to fit in, and yet maintain their sense of boundaries and ethical standards. We struggle with how to engage our faith in the real world, and yet at the same time, be comforted and guided as we confront exactly what that "real world" is all about. Having a pastor that focuses specifically on that unique set of issues is invaluable. Having a Christian community to engage with regularly eases the burdens that I named. Seeing how my faith mattered not just to me, but to my peers and my pastor (Mark Schaefer) has an incredible impact. It seems to me that if we are to hope for my and future generations to seek out a faith community, then we need to nurture them in their journey at all stages, including college. I believe that it was in part, because of this nurturing that I so readily accepted my call to seminary and ordained ministry straight out of college. I often wonder had I not had such a nurturing community and leader, if I would have waited until a "second career" to enter into the ministry. I am so grateful that I am able to call ministry my first (and hopefully only) career. Seminaries are experiencing a resurgence of "first career" (under age 30) people seeking calls to ordained ministry. It seems that to support campus ministry is crucial as the church nurtures it's upcoming community of leaders (both lay and ordained).
Mark Schaefer and his ministry at American University empowers people to find ways to express their faith. Whether it be through a covenant discipleship group, a Bible study, or helping with worship planning, Mark tries to find the strengths of each person and utilize them in ministry. Not only does this mean that students become more involved in their faith, but it also means that they feel affirmed in their gifts and encouraged to continue in their journey. However, campus ministry at American was not simply for those who showed up on Sundays and this was also an incredible strength. Mark recognizes that campus ministry has the potential for evangelism. Throughout my time at American, we held numerous campus wide events called "Feed the Quad" in which we had a BBQ for anyone who would come. For many people, the church has been a place of rejection and of scorn. Events that offered food and fellowship with no judgment or strings attached opens up the potential for dialogue and extends the welcome of Christ that for whatever reason was sadly not offered to them in the past.
Finally, campus ministry provides a system of support. During my first year of college I was raped. As much as we pray that we are kept safe from knowing such hurt, inevitably, some experience great heartache and loss during their college years whether it be through sexual assault, the loss of a loved one, or a person's own illness. When these situations occur, there can be no greater comfort than that which is offered by God. Without a campus ministry - who can remind the hurting of this truth? Who can remind the hurting that God can bear all things and can grieve, rage, rejoice, and heal all things? After my painful experience, the Campus Ministry and Rev. Mark Schaefer was one of the very first places that I turned. Over the next several months, I experienced a variety of emotions and having a pastor and a community to hold and support me through those emotions was absolutely invaluable and without it, I don't believe my recovery would have gone so smoothly.
The importance of campus ministry simply cannot be underestimated. I urge you to continue to support the programs and services that campus ministry provides.
Danielle Neff is a student at Chicago Theological Seminary.
Being in college and being a Christian are two things that have difficulty coexisting. If a person commits to engaging their faith on a regular basis, they seek opportunities to do in the community in which they live. While I could have gone to a local United Church of Christ congregation or a local United Methodist congregation, I believe that it would not have met my needs the same way as an on-campus experience. Being a Christian and a young adult, one struggles with how to fit in, and yet maintain their sense of boundaries and ethical standards. We struggle with how to engage our faith in the real world, and yet at the same time, be comforted and guided as we confront exactly what that "real world" is all about. Having a pastor that focuses specifically on that unique set of issues is invaluable. Having a Christian community to engage with regularly eases the burdens that I named. Seeing how my faith mattered not just to me, but to my peers and my pastor (Mark Schaefer) has an incredible impact. It seems to me that if we are to hope for my and future generations to seek out a faith community, then we need to nurture them in their journey at all stages, including college. I believe that it was in part, because of this nurturing that I so readily accepted my call to seminary and ordained ministry straight out of college. I often wonder had I not had such a nurturing community and leader, if I would have waited until a "second career" to enter into the ministry. I am so grateful that I am able to call ministry my first (and hopefully only) career. Seminaries are experiencing a resurgence of "first career" (under age 30) people seeking calls to ordained ministry. It seems that to support campus ministry is crucial as the church nurtures it's upcoming community of leaders (both lay and ordained).
Mark Schaefer and his ministry at American University empowers people to find ways to express their faith. Whether it be through a covenant discipleship group, a Bible study, or helping with worship planning, Mark tries to find the strengths of each person and utilize them in ministry. Not only does this mean that students become more involved in their faith, but it also means that they feel affirmed in their gifts and encouraged to continue in their journey. However, campus ministry at American was not simply for those who showed up on Sundays and this was also an incredible strength. Mark recognizes that campus ministry has the potential for evangelism. Throughout my time at American, we held numerous campus wide events called "Feed the Quad" in which we had a BBQ for anyone who would come. For many people, the church has been a place of rejection and of scorn. Events that offered food and fellowship with no judgment or strings attached opens up the potential for dialogue and extends the welcome of Christ that for whatever reason was sadly not offered to them in the past.
Finally, campus ministry provides a system of support. During my first year of college I was raped. As much as we pray that we are kept safe from knowing such hurt, inevitably, some experience great heartache and loss during their college years whether it be through sexual assault, the loss of a loved one, or a person's own illness. When these situations occur, there can be no greater comfort than that which is offered by God. Without a campus ministry - who can remind the hurting of this truth? Who can remind the hurting that God can bear all things and can grieve, rage, rejoice, and heal all things? After my painful experience, the Campus Ministry and Rev. Mark Schaefer was one of the very first places that I turned. Over the next several months, I experienced a variety of emotions and having a pastor and a community to hold and support me through those emotions was absolutely invaluable and without it, I don't believe my recovery would have gone so smoothly.
The importance of campus ministry simply cannot be underestimated. I urge you to continue to support the programs and services that campus ministry provides.
Danielle Neff is a student at Chicago Theological Seminary.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thomas Pack, Oklahoma
“We’re going to do something different tonight” were the opening words of Wednesday worship the first time I went to the United Campus Ministry at East Central University. Since a first visit to a campus ministry is more about scoping the place and people out than actual worship… well, those words made me a little nervous. The Holy Week Tenebrae service started in dimness and quiet and ended in darkness and silence. Though the service was not ideal for meeting new people, I was fascinated by its rhythm and contemplative nature. In the end, I stuck around the campus ministry for two years plus some, including a year as a campus ministry intern. Though I am not, and may never be United Methodist (UM), I am grateful God placed me in a campus ministry sponsored by the United Methodist Church (UMC). Here are some reasons why UM campus ministries are great places for non-Methodists:
* UM campus ministries are ecumenical. Most college students have moved beyond denominational loyalty, so this point is particularly important. Wherever students are in their lives, we want to point them to the reality of Jesus Christ and Christianity. I always felt like Scott, the director, was pointing me to something bigger than the UMC – he was pointing me to Jesus.
* UM campus ministries are wholesome places to hang out, but are not overly restrictive. You don’t have to be one person at the campus ministry and another outside. Just be who you are. We like you that way. In fact, so does Jesus.
* UM campus ministries expose students to the diversity of Christian tradition and practice. If I was not a part of a Methodist campus ministry, I would not know much about Taizé, the traditions of Native churches, walking a labyrinth, charismatic Methodists, or celebrating the Eucharist with prayers for healing.
Christians in any denomination often get stuck in their own perceptions of Christianity. As a non-Methodist, I also contributed to the life and work of the campus ministry.
* I brought my own non-Wesleyan theological perspective to the campus ministry. We all need to have our beliefs challenged every now and then to keep our faith strong and vital. Debating the Five Points of Calvinism a couple of times was good for my Methodist brothers and sisters as well as for myself. Having to explain the notion of prevenient grace to someone from the Reformed branch of Christianity helped my Methodist friends to better understand it themselves.
* The fact that I am not United Methodist made the campus ministry a more welcoming place to other non-Methodists. More than just a denominational club, God uses UM campus ministries to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and to help disciples grow into fully-devoted followers. Isn’t that the point?
Students worship, pray, struggle, ask the big questions, hang out, build relationships, and spend “I should be in class right now” time at the campus ministry (of course I never did that!). For many students, it’s the most important location on campus and the lens through which they view their college experience. Others may only come for social events. Regardless, campus ministries are crucial points of ministry for one of the most formative periods in a person’s life. I count it God’s grace that He put me in a UM campus ministry.
Thomas Pack, a graduate of East Central University and a former student intern at United Campus Ministry, lives and work in Washington D.C. and is an active member of Grace DC (Presbyterian Church in America).
* UM campus ministries are ecumenical. Most college students have moved beyond denominational loyalty, so this point is particularly important. Wherever students are in their lives, we want to point them to the reality of Jesus Christ and Christianity. I always felt like Scott, the director, was pointing me to something bigger than the UMC – he was pointing me to Jesus.
* UM campus ministries are wholesome places to hang out, but are not overly restrictive. You don’t have to be one person at the campus ministry and another outside. Just be who you are. We like you that way. In fact, so does Jesus.
* UM campus ministries expose students to the diversity of Christian tradition and practice. If I was not a part of a Methodist campus ministry, I would not know much about Taizé, the traditions of Native churches, walking a labyrinth, charismatic Methodists, or celebrating the Eucharist with prayers for healing.
Christians in any denomination often get stuck in their own perceptions of Christianity. As a non-Methodist, I also contributed to the life and work of the campus ministry.
* I brought my own non-Wesleyan theological perspective to the campus ministry. We all need to have our beliefs challenged every now and then to keep our faith strong and vital. Debating the Five Points of Calvinism a couple of times was good for my Methodist brothers and sisters as well as for myself. Having to explain the notion of prevenient grace to someone from the Reformed branch of Christianity helped my Methodist friends to better understand it themselves.
* The fact that I am not United Methodist made the campus ministry a more welcoming place to other non-Methodists. More than just a denominational club, God uses UM campus ministries to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and to help disciples grow into fully-devoted followers. Isn’t that the point?
Students worship, pray, struggle, ask the big questions, hang out, build relationships, and spend “I should be in class right now” time at the campus ministry (of course I never did that!). For many students, it’s the most important location on campus and the lens through which they view their college experience. Others may only come for social events. Regardless, campus ministries are crucial points of ministry for one of the most formative periods in a person’s life. I count it God’s grace that He put me in a UM campus ministry.
Thomas Pack, a graduate of East Central University and a former student intern at United Campus Ministry, lives and work in Washington D.C. and is an active member of Grace DC (Presbyterian Church in America).
Rae Cooper, Oklahoma
When I first came to Oklahoma City University in the fall of 2007 to pursue a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts, it was a rushed affair — I had applied in early July, quickly visited the campus, and rushed in the four and a half weeks before the semester began to get paperwork, student loans, and housing lined up before the semester began. After a sort of false start in bad housing, I finally settled as classes began. Coming from a closely-knit Christian university where I got my Bachelor’s, OCU was a new cultural experience for me. I came to this school not knowing a single person, but thinking surely I would meet some fellow grad students and that would be that.
I soon found I was wrong — that most of my courses were combined with undergrad, and the few grad students I met lived off campus and had little involvement in campus. While many of my friends are undergrads, I never seemed to be able to connect with the ones in my classes. I tried Kappa Phi, an inclusive sorority of fellow Christian girls, but my evening class meant I couldn’t go that often. And then one Monday afternoon I met Molly on my way back from the cafeteria. I’d met Molly at Kappa Phi, and she asked if I was coming to Evensong that evening. I’d heard of Evensong, even considered going, but wasn’t really sure. So she told me to come.
That evening I walked down to the room where Evensong is held, and was surprised to see so many students already gathered. Molly saw me peeking in and led me to a seat on the front row. We only had time for me to meet another friend, Lance, before worship started. I didn’t know half of the songs, and I didn’t care because there was unity in worship, a one-ness of spirit. When worship ended, we were told to pass the peace and greet each other.
In my home church, when we greet each other it consists of shaking hands with the person on your right, on your left, in front of you, and behind you, and possibly another one or two people in the immediate area before sitting back down. At Evensong, I realized they were huggers, which was cool, because I like hugs, too. So Molly hugged me. And I turned to shake Lance’s hand, only to be caught up in a huge hug — I think my feet cleared the ground. And I found not only a new friend but a place to belong, fully embraced.
The fall semester was full of changes for me — friendships from my past that I had to release, family moving away, and many other transitions, some good and some not. It took me most of the semester to find a church home in Oklahoma City. Despite all of these things, I was okay because I had my own steady fellowship, my own group of people who would talk to me, joke with me, and give me those hugs when I needed it. Our family has changed as some graduate, and I’m sure we’ll soon have new members when the spring semester starts. If friends are the family you pick for yourself, then Evensong is the family God blessed me with — one I hadn’t even asked for.
Rae Cooper is a graduate student at Oklahoma City University. She worships at Evensong, a worship service offered by the Wesley Foundation at OCU.
I soon found I was wrong — that most of my courses were combined with undergrad, and the few grad students I met lived off campus and had little involvement in campus. While many of my friends are undergrads, I never seemed to be able to connect with the ones in my classes. I tried Kappa Phi, an inclusive sorority of fellow Christian girls, but my evening class meant I couldn’t go that often. And then one Monday afternoon I met Molly on my way back from the cafeteria. I’d met Molly at Kappa Phi, and she asked if I was coming to Evensong that evening. I’d heard of Evensong, even considered going, but wasn’t really sure. So she told me to come.
That evening I walked down to the room where Evensong is held, and was surprised to see so many students already gathered. Molly saw me peeking in and led me to a seat on the front row. We only had time for me to meet another friend, Lance, before worship started. I didn’t know half of the songs, and I didn’t care because there was unity in worship, a one-ness of spirit. When worship ended, we were told to pass the peace and greet each other.
In my home church, when we greet each other it consists of shaking hands with the person on your right, on your left, in front of you, and behind you, and possibly another one or two people in the immediate area before sitting back down. At Evensong, I realized they were huggers, which was cool, because I like hugs, too. So Molly hugged me. And I turned to shake Lance’s hand, only to be caught up in a huge hug — I think my feet cleared the ground. And I found not only a new friend but a place to belong, fully embraced.
The fall semester was full of changes for me — friendships from my past that I had to release, family moving away, and many other transitions, some good and some not. It took me most of the semester to find a church home in Oklahoma City. Despite all of these things, I was okay because I had my own steady fellowship, my own group of people who would talk to me, joke with me, and give me those hugs when I needed it. Our family has changed as some graduate, and I’m sure we’ll soon have new members when the spring semester starts. If friends are the family you pick for yourself, then Evensong is the family God blessed me with — one I hadn’t even asked for.
Rae Cooper is a graduate student at Oklahoma City University. She worships at Evensong, a worship service offered by the Wesley Foundation at OCU.
Rebecca Yount, Oklahoma
Growing up my mom would harp on me that we were United Methodist. Ok, I’d respond. Yet, somehow my mother’s unwavering faith in Wesley’s theology has become my own - for the most part. I especially appreciate John Wesley’s saying: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” Now that I have graduated from Oklahoma City University I am finding that ‘at all the times you can’ means something very different. Instead of putting off homework to attend Evensong Worship, Kappa Phi, or Wednesday at the Wesley lunch and Bible Study I’m now juggling which meetings are the most important and when I’m going to check my e-mail between meetings. Gone are the 3 a.m. nights and here to stay are the 7:45 a.m. mornings.
You’d think I was working in corporate America as opposed to serving as a US-2 Young Adult Missionary through the General Board of Global Ministries with the United Methodist Church. “The US-2 Program is a leadership development experience through peace with justice missions for young adults (20-30 years old). This two-year opportunity to serve in the United States encourages its participants to deepen their faith while learning from and serving with community based organizations. US-2's will boldly reexamine their role and participation in society as they struggle with hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, children at risk, substance abuse, racism, domestic violence, and inadequate health care.” (http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mp/missionaries/youngadults/us2/)
The experience I’m having at my US-2 placement, working for Church World Service Education and Advocacy program as an assistant public policy advocate, is priceless. Every morning I walk past some of our country’s most important landmarks in Washington D.C. Every day I am able to work on issues I am passionate about. And every evening I thank God for the path that brought me here.
I wouldn’t trade my time at OCU for the world. The endless hours I spent in Watson Lounge are always fresh on my mind and dear to my heart. The relationships I formed and the lessons I learned there continue to foster me in Washington D.C. So often I heard Saint Francis of Assisi quoted, “Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words.” Today as I run from meeting to meeting I pray my actions follow the wise words of St. Francis.
My words may not be as wise but I would say to you get involved in your Campus Ministry. Attend as many worship and fellowship experiences as you can. Lose sleep to get your class work done, but also just to hang out. Life’s next chapter will be upon you sooner then you know. And although the next chapter maybe more spectacular then present, don’t let the present slip away without enjoying it!
Rebecca Yount is a graduate of Oklahoma City University and is currently a US-2 Young Adult Missionary through the General Board of Global Ministries.
You’d think I was working in corporate America as opposed to serving as a US-2 Young Adult Missionary through the General Board of Global Ministries with the United Methodist Church. “The US-2 Program is a leadership development experience through peace with justice missions for young adults (20-30 years old). This two-year opportunity to serve in the United States encourages its participants to deepen their faith while learning from and serving with community based organizations. US-2's will boldly reexamine their role and participation in society as they struggle with hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, children at risk, substance abuse, racism, domestic violence, and inadequate health care.” (http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mp/missionaries/youngadults/us2/)
The experience I’m having at my US-2 placement, working for Church World Service Education and Advocacy program as an assistant public policy advocate, is priceless. Every morning I walk past some of our country’s most important landmarks in Washington D.C. Every day I am able to work on issues I am passionate about. And every evening I thank God for the path that brought me here.
I wouldn’t trade my time at OCU for the world. The endless hours I spent in Watson Lounge are always fresh on my mind and dear to my heart. The relationships I formed and the lessons I learned there continue to foster me in Washington D.C. So often I heard Saint Francis of Assisi quoted, “Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words.” Today as I run from meeting to meeting I pray my actions follow the wise words of St. Francis.
My words may not be as wise but I would say to you get involved in your Campus Ministry. Attend as many worship and fellowship experiences as you can. Lose sleep to get your class work done, but also just to hang out. Life’s next chapter will be upon you sooner then you know. And although the next chapter maybe more spectacular then present, don’t let the present slip away without enjoying it!
Rebecca Yount is a graduate of Oklahoma City University and is currently a US-2 Young Adult Missionary through the General Board of Global Ministries.
Katy Sensenig, Oklahoma
The air was freezing and the sky was dark on the OU campus early Easter morning. I walked alongside my friends as we trekked along sidewalks and streets to the Wesley Foundation’s sunrise service. We trotted along, bundled in layers of blankets and coats, hats and scarves, gloves and multi-layered socks -- all of us Oklahomans nine months out of the year, and therefore completely unaccustomed to the wintry chill surrounding us. Our frozen hands carried guitars, Bibles, and song sheets, and our mouths laughter and excitement.
I had stumbled upon the University of Oklahoma’s Wesley Foundation, two years before, as a lowly freshman who’d been dragged along to a cookout by her United Methodist boyfriend. Sure, I’ll go, I told him. I pretended to be really excited. But really, I was just being nice. What I found, however, was so much more than what I expected. One cookout turned into a whirlwind of spiritual excitement and growth. I was thrown into worship services and bible studies that kept me wanting more. I made friends who seemed to care about me more than any friends of the past had. I felt welcome every time I walked into the Wesley foundation, and sincerely missed when I was away. I felt at home.
What started as a simple favor to my boyfriend has really turned into a life-changing experience. The Wesley Foundation has given more to me spiritually than I could have ever wished for. The worship and fellowship I’ve been blessed with has helped me to develop my spiritual disciplines, and more importantly, helped me grow in my love for Christ. I’ve developed a desire to grow and help others do the same. I now lead bible studies at the Wesley (two every semester), help with mission projects, and plan retreats twice a year. I am also an evangelism intern at the campus ministry, and help new freshmen find their place in the Wesley Foundation, and more importantly, as God’s disciple. I only hope that I can do for them what others did for me.
Making my way to that cold Easter service, I smiled, looking around at the people who walked beside me. I was lucky to know them, and to be with them. We walked past quiet dorm buildings, where thousands of students were fast asleep on Easter morning. The students I was with, though, were not only awake – they were excited to be awake. To them, there was something more to college than sleeping in and having fun. To them, and to all of my friends at the Wesley Foundation, there was a greater purpose to fulfill: a mighty God to serve. I smiled. I was truly blessed to be around a community of believers so excited to live and love. So excited to serve. And I knew it was exactly where I belonged.
Katy Sensenig is a junior at the University of Oklahoma.
I had stumbled upon the University of Oklahoma’s Wesley Foundation, two years before, as a lowly freshman who’d been dragged along to a cookout by her United Methodist boyfriend. Sure, I’ll go, I told him. I pretended to be really excited. But really, I was just being nice. What I found, however, was so much more than what I expected. One cookout turned into a whirlwind of spiritual excitement and growth. I was thrown into worship services and bible studies that kept me wanting more. I made friends who seemed to care about me more than any friends of the past had. I felt welcome every time I walked into the Wesley foundation, and sincerely missed when I was away. I felt at home.
What started as a simple favor to my boyfriend has really turned into a life-changing experience. The Wesley Foundation has given more to me spiritually than I could have ever wished for. The worship and fellowship I’ve been blessed with has helped me to develop my spiritual disciplines, and more importantly, helped me grow in my love for Christ. I’ve developed a desire to grow and help others do the same. I now lead bible studies at the Wesley (two every semester), help with mission projects, and plan retreats twice a year. I am also an evangelism intern at the campus ministry, and help new freshmen find their place in the Wesley Foundation, and more importantly, as God’s disciple. I only hope that I can do for them what others did for me.
Making my way to that cold Easter service, I smiled, looking around at the people who walked beside me. I was lucky to know them, and to be with them. We walked past quiet dorm buildings, where thousands of students were fast asleep on Easter morning. The students I was with, though, were not only awake – they were excited to be awake. To them, there was something more to college than sleeping in and having fun. To them, and to all of my friends at the Wesley Foundation, there was a greater purpose to fulfill: a mighty God to serve. I smiled. I was truly blessed to be around a community of believers so excited to live and love. So excited to serve. And I knew it was exactly where I belonged.
Katy Sensenig is a junior at the University of Oklahoma.
Leland Spencer, Ohio
I am grateful that campus ministries exist, and campus ministry is one way that the church lives out its care for persons seeking higher education. Campus ministry is a witness to me because it suggests to me that even in a small way, church people in some places have refused to embrace an economic model of ministry where we provide ministry for the persons whose offering dollars finance the ministry. I am a student living on a graduate assistant stipend, and I know that my classmates and I are not the ones financing campus ministry, even if we are the ones who benefit from it so deeply. Therefore, I am thankful for the witness of those who truly value being in ministry with students - not just in word, but in deed; not just in theory, but in practice.
Of the many things I think are valuable about campus ministry, I believe one of the most significant is community. Even in just a few months of activity at the Wesley Foundation, I have noticed that community is central to our identity as students, in a way not dissimilar from the importance of community for people of faith. Community is central to our identity in part because it helps us to shape our identity, and I have found that for me, identity is very important.
Leland Spencer, a graduate of UM-related Mt. Union College, is currently a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati (where he is the worship intern at the Wesley Foundation.)
Of the many things I think are valuable about campus ministry, I believe one of the most significant is community. Even in just a few months of activity at the Wesley Foundation, I have noticed that community is central to our identity as students, in a way not dissimilar from the importance of community for people of faith. Community is central to our identity in part because it helps us to shape our identity, and I have found that for me, identity is very important.
Leland Spencer, a graduate of UM-related Mt. Union College, is currently a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati (where he is the worship intern at the Wesley Foundation.)
Brad Corban
I wouldn't be in seminary, I wouldn't care about God or Church, and I wouldn't have known about Pacific School of Religion if it wasn't for campus ministry at my undergraduate school. It will be an utter failure of the mainline churches to be relevant in today's world if campus ministry goes ignored, unsupported, and/or uncritically left on the sidelines.
Just the fact that I had a place to go, once a week, to have a free lunch (that wasn't from the cafeteria) and see fellow Methodists and other progressive Christians, was great enough. The fact is that many of my United Methodist campus ministers were revered by the whole college. But that's what not what had an impact on me. The best thing about our Wesley meetings were the openness, the lack of a preachy vibe, and the presence of adults who genuinely cared about the lives of college folk. These ministers didn't want anything from us, they didn't ask us to be someone we were not, and they didn't treat us like we were dumb. We were presented with new activities each week, and we were given the opportunity to express our opinions and values.
The Associate Chaplain my freshman year, a United Methodist pastor, went to the Pacific School of Religion, where I currently go to seminary. Without her encouragement as I stayed in touch with her and began discerning graduate school plans, I probably wouldn't be where I am today.
I am of the firm conviction that campus ministry may be one of the single most important aspects of ministry for the United Methodist church if the church is to survive. Not only should campus ministry be highly funded, but the leadership of campus ministry must be consistently held accountable for success. Not many people are cut out for leading a good campus ministry, but there is not a system of accountability in UMC campus ministry like there would be in a congregation. The focus upon campus ministry must continually increase. If the gospel is not adapted and made relevant and engaging for a new generation of postmodern young adults, then we might as well hang up our hats right now.
Just the fact that I had a place to go, once a week, to have a free lunch (that wasn't from the cafeteria) and see fellow Methodists and other progressive Christians, was great enough. The fact is that many of my United Methodist campus ministers were revered by the whole college. But that's what not what had an impact on me. The best thing about our Wesley meetings were the openness, the lack of a preachy vibe, and the presence of adults who genuinely cared about the lives of college folk. These ministers didn't want anything from us, they didn't ask us to be someone we were not, and they didn't treat us like we were dumb. We were presented with new activities each week, and we were given the opportunity to express our opinions and values.
The Associate Chaplain my freshman year, a United Methodist pastor, went to the Pacific School of Religion, where I currently go to seminary. Without her encouragement as I stayed in touch with her and began discerning graduate school plans, I probably wouldn't be where I am today.
I am of the firm conviction that campus ministry may be one of the single most important aspects of ministry for the United Methodist church if the church is to survive. Not only should campus ministry be highly funded, but the leadership of campus ministry must be consistently held accountable for success. Not many people are cut out for leading a good campus ministry, but there is not a system of accountability in UMC campus ministry like there would be in a congregation. The focus upon campus ministry must continually increase. If the gospel is not adapted and made relevant and engaging for a new generation of postmodern young adults, then we might as well hang up our hats right now.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Holston Conference, Tennessee
Five Stories of Campus Ministry from the Holston Conference
(after the jump, click on the Wesley Foundation links on the lower right hand side of the page)
(after the jump, click on the Wesley Foundation links on the lower right hand side of the page)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Chris, Texas
More than a pantry
like a family
A peaceable kingdom
a heavenly beacon
a community of individuals
that understand the pressure, drama, love & life.
A place to take guard down from it.
A place, when left, is sorely missed.
My thoughts, jumbling, not solid
Wesley’s all I like, but know not what to call it.
Wesley’s takes issues & perspective
its friendliness, seductive
I know what it is -
impossible to replace.
It is a just, favorable, loving face.
- Chris, Texas Christian University Wesley Foundation Student
like a family
A peaceable kingdom
a heavenly beacon
a community of individuals
that understand the pressure, drama, love & life.
A place to take guard down from it.
A place, when left, is sorely missed.
My thoughts, jumbling, not solid
Wesley’s all I like, but know not what to call it.
Wesley’s takes issues & perspective
its friendliness, seductive
I know what it is -
impossible to replace.
It is a just, favorable, loving face.
- Chris, Texas Christian University Wesley Foundation Student
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Kim Lehmann, Texas
The Wesley Foundation at Texas Christian University (TCU) was a crucial part of my learning and growing experience in college. The Wesley provided a place where I was encouraged to think and rethink my theology, my views, my opinions. I explored new ideas and thoughts and was able to receive feedback and points to further ponder. The Wesley provided a safe place for me and other students to struggle and to clarify who each of us was and who each of us wanted to become. In addition to pushing me out of my comfort zone at times, it also served as a place of comfort and respite in the hectic times that are often a part of college life. In the Wesley, I found a community of support and nourishment both from Brian and other staff and from other students. …
It was through the Wesley Foundation that I was able to be a part of the system of connectedness which characterizes the United Methodist Church. Through Brian (the campus minister), I found out about the Global Justice Volunteers, a GBGM program for young people to have a short term mission experience. During my time as a GJV, I lived and learned side by side with people working for justice in the Philippines. After returning from my time as a GJV, I was able to begin to figure out how to apply what I had learned about issues of global justice through my involvement in campus ministry. The Wesley provided a place to try out different ways of organizing people to examine different social justice issues. My involvement in campus ministry has helped me define my future goals, understanding my call to work for social justice issues, and has helped me to begin to achieve them. By becoming a part of the United Methodist connected system, I am now working at the UMC United Nations Office in the Seminar Office, working to educate people from all over the country about issues of peace and justice.
- Kim Lehmann, former TCU Wesley Foundation student, now lives in NYC and works at the Seminar Office of the General Board of Global Ministries
It was through the Wesley Foundation that I was able to be a part of the system of connectedness which characterizes the United Methodist Church. Through Brian (the campus minister), I found out about the Global Justice Volunteers, a GBGM program for young people to have a short term mission experience. During my time as a GJV, I lived and learned side by side with people working for justice in the Philippines. After returning from my time as a GJV, I was able to begin to figure out how to apply what I had learned about issues of global justice through my involvement in campus ministry. The Wesley provided a place to try out different ways of organizing people to examine different social justice issues. My involvement in campus ministry has helped me define my future goals, understanding my call to work for social justice issues, and has helped me to begin to achieve them. By becoming a part of the United Methodist connected system, I am now working at the UMC United Nations Office in the Seminar Office, working to educate people from all over the country about issues of peace and justice.
- Kim Lehmann, former TCU Wesley Foundation student, now lives in NYC and works at the Seminar Office of the General Board of Global Ministries
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Scott Rodgers, Oklahoma
When I arrived at The University of Oklahoma in the fall of 1994, I thought I had my life figured out. I was going to play in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, major in Chemistry and prepare myself to go to Medical School. The furthest thing from my mind was going to a campus ministry. I only vaguely had ever heard of campus ministry. So when I received an invitation that first Tuesday of my college career to come to a Vespers service at the UM Campus Ministry called the Wesley Foundation, it barely registered when I was asked. Before I could say no though, I walked from the dorms to the OU Wesley Foundation, a walk that has influenced my life ever since, and a walk that I am eternally grateful God had me make. The OU Wesley Foundation stands for me as a place where my faith was nurtured and challenged to grow, a place where I made great friends, a place that nurtured a call to ministry, and a place that I now have the opportunity to serve as a board member.
I remember near the end of my first semester at OU, Rev. Brad Humphrey, Director of the OU Wesley Foundation asked me to lead my first small group, and to serve on the leadership team. I certainly felt unprepared for this calling, and yet I was so excited that he asked me. I accepted and led a multi-media ministry small group that spring. Following that I led other small groups and served on the student leadership team for the rest of my time as a student at OU. My last two years I had the privilege of being the Small Group Intern, which not only gave me the opportunity to oversee this ministry, but the opportunity to recruit and train leaders for those small groups as well.
My experiences and leadership at the Wesley Foundation prepared me to answer a call to ministry. I remember my third year at OU filling out the Medical School application forms, and when it came time to fill in volunteer work, I was astonished. I did not notice it, my roommate, Matt (another OU Wesley guy), did. I had listed almost a page of volunteer work with nearly all of it taking place either in my home church or the Wesley Foundation with little of it actually in a “medical setting.” This really caught my attention. So much so that I did not send in my application that year, and in fact I never did. I knew God was calling me to ministry, but I was certainly not ready to say yes. Later that year as my call to ministry became stronger and unavoidable, I spent a lot of time with Brad one-on-one, asking tons of questions and beginning to understand God had a call for my life. I wonder how long it would have taken me to accept God’s call on my life if it had not been for Brad’s love, support, guidance and sometimes “gentle” pushing! During this time, I continued to be in ministry at the Wesley Foundation. I think it is important to mention that it was in the actual building (which I had spent so much time in over the years) that I had the conversation with God that forever affected my plans. I spent time in the prayer chapel at Wesley a lot that semester, which is available to students 24/7, and came to realize that God had called me to ministry and I was beginning to understand my call to be a pastor. One Friday morning after extensive hours in the prayer room, I showed up at the Wesley Foundation and told Brad all that had been going on in my life and now my call to ministry. Brad’s response that day, “What took you so long? I have seen those gifts in you for a long time.” I thank God that Brad and the OU Wesley Foundation were in the right spot at the right time to care, love, nurture, challenge and support me. I look back and reflect about where my faith was when I came in 1994 to where it had gone by the time I graduated from OU in Spring 1999, and I am amazed! I started at Wesley because I did not want tell my friend across the hall of my dorm “no,” but I left closer to God than ever before.
Now, I am the pastor at FUMC, Fort Gibson, but I still hold a special place in my heart for campus ministry and especially the OU Wesley Foundation. I feel honored that things seem to have come full circle now that I am a board member at the OU Wesley Foundation. I thank God for the opportunity to give back to a ministry that meant so much to me. I pray that the work I do now as a board member might put into place the right circumstances for the next headstrong, sure of him/herself, life planned out young adult the chance to meet Christ, to serve Christ and to forever be a disciple of Christ. And who knows, because of the Wesley Foundation that young adult just might have the same opportunity I had to find out God might be calling!!
- Rev. Scott Rodgers, an Oklahoma Sooner, is the pastor at FUMC in Fort Gibson, OK
I remember near the end of my first semester at OU, Rev. Brad Humphrey, Director of the OU Wesley Foundation asked me to lead my first small group, and to serve on the leadership team. I certainly felt unprepared for this calling, and yet I was so excited that he asked me. I accepted and led a multi-media ministry small group that spring. Following that I led other small groups and served on the student leadership team for the rest of my time as a student at OU. My last two years I had the privilege of being the Small Group Intern, which not only gave me the opportunity to oversee this ministry, but the opportunity to recruit and train leaders for those small groups as well.
My experiences and leadership at the Wesley Foundation prepared me to answer a call to ministry. I remember my third year at OU filling out the Medical School application forms, and when it came time to fill in volunteer work, I was astonished. I did not notice it, my roommate, Matt (another OU Wesley guy), did. I had listed almost a page of volunteer work with nearly all of it taking place either in my home church or the Wesley Foundation with little of it actually in a “medical setting.” This really caught my attention. So much so that I did not send in my application that year, and in fact I never did. I knew God was calling me to ministry, but I was certainly not ready to say yes. Later that year as my call to ministry became stronger and unavoidable, I spent a lot of time with Brad one-on-one, asking tons of questions and beginning to understand God had a call for my life. I wonder how long it would have taken me to accept God’s call on my life if it had not been for Brad’s love, support, guidance and sometimes “gentle” pushing! During this time, I continued to be in ministry at the Wesley Foundation. I think it is important to mention that it was in the actual building (which I had spent so much time in over the years) that I had the conversation with God that forever affected my plans. I spent time in the prayer chapel at Wesley a lot that semester, which is available to students 24/7, and came to realize that God had called me to ministry and I was beginning to understand my call to be a pastor. One Friday morning after extensive hours in the prayer room, I showed up at the Wesley Foundation and told Brad all that had been going on in my life and now my call to ministry. Brad’s response that day, “What took you so long? I have seen those gifts in you for a long time.” I thank God that Brad and the OU Wesley Foundation were in the right spot at the right time to care, love, nurture, challenge and support me. I look back and reflect about where my faith was when I came in 1994 to where it had gone by the time I graduated from OU in Spring 1999, and I am amazed! I started at Wesley because I did not want tell my friend across the hall of my dorm “no,” but I left closer to God than ever before.
Now, I am the pastor at FUMC, Fort Gibson, but I still hold a special place in my heart for campus ministry and especially the OU Wesley Foundation. I feel honored that things seem to have come full circle now that I am a board member at the OU Wesley Foundation. I thank God for the opportunity to give back to a ministry that meant so much to me. I pray that the work I do now as a board member might put into place the right circumstances for the next headstrong, sure of him/herself, life planned out young adult the chance to meet Christ, to serve Christ and to forever be a disciple of Christ. And who knows, because of the Wesley Foundation that young adult just might have the same opportunity I had to find out God might be calling!!
- Rev. Scott Rodgers, an Oklahoma Sooner, is the pastor at FUMC in Fort Gibson, OK
Katie Brown, Oklahoma
I grew up in the Methodist church. I was baptized as an infant and confirmed in junior high. I was a faithful member of our UMYF and attended church every Sunday. I was already a faithful disciple by the time I entered college. Now that I work with college students myself, I see how rare that is. But I didn’t know that back then. It was just the norm for me. So, of course, as a faithful Methodist Christian, I knew I would be involved in a campus ministry when I started college. I knew the campus minister and other students would help me continue to grow as a disciple. I knew I would participate in all the activities at the ministry. But even though I knew all that, I had no idea how profoundly God would change my life through that campus ministry.
When I arrived at East Central University in the fall of 1994, I immediately connected with the United Campus Ministry and immersed myself in the ministry. There was a women’s group geared for freshmen and led by one of the seniors. There was worship every Wednesday night with solid biblical teaching by the director. There was a group that traveled on Sundays to churches in the area to lead worship through testimony and song. There was a weekly volleyball game that lasted for hours. Through each of those groups and events, I found more than just safe activities to fill my time and keep me out of trouble. I found the church.
College can be such a confusing time. It feels like you’ve been thrust, unexpectedly, into a whole new world where you have to start from scratch. A new language. A new schedule. A new culture. Suddenly that independence you’ve been dreaming of and longing for comes and you wish you had someone to depend on, someone you can trust to make the decisions for you. Freedom comes and it feels like a prison. Now, not only do you get to make your own decisions, you have to make them. Not only do you get to take care of yourself, you have to.
I needed friends I could rely on; people who would help me navigate what seemed like a whitewater course in life. I needed a place to go where I could relax; a place free from the world’s constant barrage on my faith. I needed sound biblical teaching that challenged me. I needed to hear the word of God in a new, soul-forming way.
Certainly the local church offers all of these. The problem was it didn’t meet them on my schedule. You know as well as I that college students function on a different time table than the church does. And, also, I needed to be with people who were facing the same obstacles and temptations. I needed people who were going through, or who had recently been through, the same experiences I was going through. I needed a community of faith where I was not only ministered to, but where I could also be in ministry. That’s why campus ministry was so critical to my time in college.
During my four years in college, the UCM became a home for me. It became my family when I needed brothers and sisters to encourage me. I have close friends from my days at that ministry that I still see regularly. One of my dearest friends and I still speak at least once a week. The campus ministry became the community of faith in a powerful way. It was during this time that God called me into ministry. I believe it was because of the faithfulness of this community and their encouragement and support that I was able to answer that call.
We often hear clichés about campus ministry: I made the best friends of my life there; my life was changed in powerful ways because of the ministry; God met me there. I believe we hear them so often because they’re true.
- the Rev. Katie Brown graduated from East Central University, went on to seminary, and is now the pastor of Morning Star United Methodist Church in Guymon, OK, and the campus minister at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK.
When I arrived at East Central University in the fall of 1994, I immediately connected with the United Campus Ministry and immersed myself in the ministry. There was a women’s group geared for freshmen and led by one of the seniors. There was worship every Wednesday night with solid biblical teaching by the director. There was a group that traveled on Sundays to churches in the area to lead worship through testimony and song. There was a weekly volleyball game that lasted for hours. Through each of those groups and events, I found more than just safe activities to fill my time and keep me out of trouble. I found the church.
College can be such a confusing time. It feels like you’ve been thrust, unexpectedly, into a whole new world where you have to start from scratch. A new language. A new schedule. A new culture. Suddenly that independence you’ve been dreaming of and longing for comes and you wish you had someone to depend on, someone you can trust to make the decisions for you. Freedom comes and it feels like a prison. Now, not only do you get to make your own decisions, you have to make them. Not only do you get to take care of yourself, you have to.
I needed friends I could rely on; people who would help me navigate what seemed like a whitewater course in life. I needed a place to go where I could relax; a place free from the world’s constant barrage on my faith. I needed sound biblical teaching that challenged me. I needed to hear the word of God in a new, soul-forming way.
Certainly the local church offers all of these. The problem was it didn’t meet them on my schedule. You know as well as I that college students function on a different time table than the church does. And, also, I needed to be with people who were facing the same obstacles and temptations. I needed people who were going through, or who had recently been through, the same experiences I was going through. I needed a community of faith where I was not only ministered to, but where I could also be in ministry. That’s why campus ministry was so critical to my time in college.
During my four years in college, the UCM became a home for me. It became my family when I needed brothers and sisters to encourage me. I have close friends from my days at that ministry that I still see regularly. One of my dearest friends and I still speak at least once a week. The campus ministry became the community of faith in a powerful way. It was during this time that God called me into ministry. I believe it was because of the faithfulness of this community and their encouragement and support that I was able to answer that call.
We often hear clichés about campus ministry: I made the best friends of my life there; my life was changed in powerful ways because of the ministry; God met me there. I believe we hear them so often because they’re true.
- the Rev. Katie Brown graduated from East Central University, went on to seminary, and is now the pastor of Morning Star United Methodist Church in Guymon, OK, and the campus minister at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK.
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