My wife and I walked on to the Youngstown State University campus in November of 2006 hoping to provide an alternative to the on-campus Christian groups - most of which dogmatically excluded large populations of the study body. We wanted to create an open and engaging safe place in which students (and other members of the campus community) could explore their relationships with God.
This miscellany isn’t meant to present the reader with a pre-packaged campus ministry program, nor to suggest that we know what is most needed in your parish and on the campus nearby it. This miscellany is meant to present you with a variety of ideas drawn from the collective experiences of those of us who have been engaged in campus ministry work in the Diocese of Ohio over the past six years. We simply want to tell you our stories, with the hope that they might be of use to you as you consider reaching out to college students.
College students go to church for the same reasons that everyone else does. They are looking to strengthen their relationships to God, and they are looking for loving, supportive communities. Many college students are surrounded by expectations every day. They are used to being judged and evaluated in their classes, athletic activities, and employment. The students whom we talk to have expressed the need for a community where they can be loved and appreciated for who they are, rather than for what they can do. Often, they find such a community within the church.
So if you are interested in inviting college students into your parish, keep in mind that they have the same needs and desires that you do. They will be happy to serve in positions of responsibility. Many students serve on vestries, as acolytes on Sunday mornings, as church musicians, and as coordinators of outreach activities and other programs. But at the end of the day, they want to know that they are valued for more than this. Relationships are the only necessary factor in a successful campus ministry.
This miscellany is divided by subject matter. We recommend that you read the whole booklet, but if you have a special interest in one of the topics listed below, an index is provided to expedite your finding the right information.
St. John’s is entering a new era. In 2007 we made our mission serving Bowling Green State University students. We added a full time campus missioner and members of St. John’s began delivering care packages to BGSU students during finals. We are excited about serving a weekly dinner for college students every Tuesday at 7:00 pm during the academic year. We have open minded theological discussion after the meal. Service work is another important aspect of our ministry.
Seeking the place where faith, learning, and culture collide, students bring their ruminations, reflections, questions, and selves. No matter what their spiritual or religious allegiance, sexual identity, ethnic background, or political affiliation, they are invited. In the harmony of many voices do we begin to hear the voice of God. The World is... immersed in God — Evelyn Underhill.
Christ Church, Oberlin is actively involved in serving Oberlin College students during the school year. The Rector hosts frequent lunches and other meals at the Rectory during the semesters and winter term. This quiet time affords a change from the pace (and cuisine) of life as a student. Parishioners volunteer to be “host families” to college students, and this has fostered many long-lasting Oberlin friendships. Oberlin College students are encouraged to join in the worship and parish life of Christ Church. Students actively share ministry leadership as acolytes, choir members, musicians, lectors, church school teachers and outreach coordinators.
Canterbury@BW meets at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, right on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace College at 50 E. Bagley St, Berea, parking in the rear. On Sunday nights, we have a 5 pm Eucharist in our chapel, followed by a meal that is open to all college students. The meal is cooked by the members of the parish, who often join us for supper. These meals take place throughout the school year. We also meet during the week for activities and fellowship. This schedule changes, so feel free to call the church or email The Rev. Gayle Catinella for more information. The activities include volunteering at a soup kitchen, speakers, discussion, and fun. Everyone is welcome! Contact us at 440.234.5241 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
We look forward to hearing from you!
Canterbury Kenyon’s mission is to minister to the students of Kenyon College, regardless of religious affiliation, in order to convey the unconditional love of a gracious God; and to encourage Episcopalian and other students of Kenyon College to deepen their faith through the liturgy and theology of the Episcopal Church. Beyond multiple and ever-changing weekly events, the two mainstays of our ministry are Sunday morning worship and Tuesday Night Dinner, where topics ranging from the theology of C.S. Lewis to ideas of justice in the Christian Tradition.
The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
