November 2008 Campus Ministry Update

 

The Ivy Jungle Network

Campus Ministry Update

November 2008

 

 

Trends in Student Ministry, Culture and Higher Education:

 

College Students and the Lockbox:  Research by the Fuller Youth Institute shows that 70% of youth group graduates do not find college a place where professors and peers reject their faith outright.  On the other hand, it also shows that students are not nearly as "spiritual" as we like to think.  For the majority of students, college is a time where many personal and religious connections are stored in an identity "lockbox," tucked away for the collegiate years; unexamined and protected until reclaimed at a later time.  This compartmentalization explains why so many youth group kids join the cultural mainstream of campus life, seemingly "walking away" from their faith.  The report explains, "emerging adults seem to care more about fitting into society than about exploring who they might be."   Certainly, there are some who engage their minds and look into the box.  These are often both Christian and non-Christian students seeking to know more about and grow more deeply as people and in faith.  The article encourages religious workers to pursue those who are looking into the box and help them grow.  In addition, youth ministers would do well to help students prepare for a faith that grows and changes as they mature and encounter new ideas and people.  This will help them continue to look into the box and press on in their walk with Christ.  Read the article and interview with Tony Jones at http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/2008/10/the-lockbox-theory's-implications-for-your-students/ 

Moving Left in College:   Most college students move left on political issues such as abortion, gay marriage, and religion between their freshmen and junior years, as evidenced by the research from the UCLA Higher Education Research Institute.  However, their results do not show so much the influence of liberal faculty as the influence of peer groups on student views.   Conservative student groups are in the minority at most schools.  Most students – especially women – shift back to the right a little bit after they graduate from college.  (AP October 13, 2008)

Election Helping to Redefine Evangelicals:  Much has been made of the courting of Evangelicals by both parties during this election cycle.  From Obamelicals to the selection of Gov. Sarah Pain, this year shows a greater divide in the evangelical vote.  It has also given opportunity for Christians to help redefine the movement from being known as the anti-abortion portion of the Republican base to a more broadly concerned group of citizens.  Cameron Strang, editor of Relevant Magazine was originally tapped to pray at the Democratic Convention.  When he stepped down, Blue Like Jazz author Donald Miller took his place.  Evangelicals, especially the younger evangelicals are taking more stances on the poor and the environment.  While they remain stalwartly committed to scripture and the protection of life, their voting platforms have become more complex.  This is true of evangelical mega-churches as well.  More pastors say they would now describe their churches as "somewhat conservative" politically than "predominantly conservative".  This is a change from 2005.  While they have moderated some, only 6% of pastors would consider their congregations either "somewhat" or "predominantly" liberal – the same figure as 2005.  (USA Today October 6, 200; Christianity Today November 2008 pp. 16-17)

Hovering Parents:  A virtually unknown term just a few years ago, a Google search of "helicopter parent" now turns up more than 2.5 million hits.   Many people in higher education believe the worst hovering occurs in the college admission process.  While just 3% of students admit parents wrote essays for them, 95% say their parents played a significant role in their application process.  More than a quarter say they wish their parents had been more involved than they were.  Only 6% say they wish their parents had given them more space.  (Boston.com October 5, 2008)

Class for Men Only?  A community college in Texas has become the focus of equal rights discussions after offering a section of its speech course for men only.  The  professoraunched the course in 2007 because of his concern for lack of male participation in classes.  The course filled to capacity.  He says that the male only environment allows him to address differences in learning styles between men and women. Legal experts are concerned about violations of equal rights laws.  The school says that because other sections are offered they are not preventing women from taking the speech course.  (Inside Higher Ed September 30, 2008)

Beyond Rankings – Finding Colleges That Fit:  The Education Conservancy, a group concerned with the way college rankings are conducted, has launched an initiative called College Speaks that they help will better serve students in finding the right college for them.    Their college fit selector would help students better understand their own interests, the admission process, and the strengths of the schools they are considering.  Ultimately it would allow the comparison of programs and disciplines and put the educational value as the primary selection category instead of simply reputation.   (Inside Higher Ed September 26, 2008)

Baylor Drops Controversial SAT Practice:  Baylor University came under fire for offering scholarships and financial incentives to accepted students who retook the SAT and improved their scores.   After a small uproar over the practice that would presumably increase the school's standings in the annual US News and World Report rankings, the school has decided to abandon the practice.  (Inside Higher Ed October 17, 2008)

More College Students:  In 2008, more than 3.3 million high school students graduated from high school, the highest number ever.  Graduates are expected to top 3.2 million for the next 8 years.  Colleges are feeling the effect, with 75% saying that they have seen their number of applicants increase for the third year in a row.   This is due to both more graduates, and the fact that 19% of students now submit 7 or more applications.  However, colleges report a steady acceptance rate of 68% of all applicants nationwide.  That rate has not changed much in twenty years.  More than 2/3 of all applications are now received online.  (A Scirbe Newswire September 25, 2008)

So Many Students:   According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the 2006-2007 academic year saw a non-duplicated head count of 25 million students enrolled in higher education – 21 million undergrads, 3.1 million graduate students.    That number translates to 14.9 million full time equivalent students.  Four-year institutions gave out 2.4 millions degrees in that same year, with women earning 58% of those.  Two year schools gave out a half million degrees, 63% to women.  (Inside Higher Ed October 8, 2008)

Changing Demographics:   Southern Methodist University now has more Roman Catholic students than it has Methodist students.  Catholic students have attended the school for more than 75 years, but gained considerably in the last 18.  (Inside Higher Ed October 20, 2008)

Wi-Fi over Beer :  Most students expect wireless internet access almost everywhere they go on campus.  Nearly all say they check Facebook or send emails during class.  When forced to choose, almost half (48%) say they would give up beer before they would give up wi-fi.   (Inside Higher Ed October 8, 2008)

Beer and Poor Nutrition:  A survey of college students shows that 60% of students gain weight during their freshman year.  Women gained an average of 7 ½ pounds and men 9.  The biggest reasons for the gain were a decrease in exercise, an increase in calories and poorer food choices ,and drinking.  Both men and women more than double their alcohol consumption when they go to college, with men drinking more than women.  (USA Today October28, 2008)

Unhealthy Behaviors and GPA:  After hearing that no one could document that drinking, smoking, and staying up late were bad for one's grades, the researchers at the University of Minnesota's Boynton Health Service decided to add more questions to their annual survey of student health and behaviors.  Their findings show that students who binge drink, smoke, watch too much TV, sleep too little, or participate in other unhealthy behaviors have lower GPA's and believe their choices impact their academic performance.   The study demonstrates the "linear relationship" between drinking and poor grades.    The study also reveals that nearly 70% of students said they had an "issue" with stress.  30% indicated stress negatively impacted their GPA.   (Inside Higher Ed October 21, 2008)

Conflicting Reports on the Credit Crunch:  By some reports, the financial woes of the nation have not deterred many students from finding loans and coming to college this year.  Most schools report an increased demand for financial aid, but that students are finding money to come to school.  However, a new study by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities suggests that a greater number has had difficulty.  Among those unable to secure a loan, almost half (45%) said they were stopping school or shifting to part-time status.  38% said they are working more to make ends meet.  19% of independent schools reported they had smaller freshmen classes than anticipated.  (Inside Higher Ed October 22, 2008)

Most College Students Want the Big Pay Check:  About half of all college students say they would sacrifice career satisfaction for a higher pay check.  About one-third of students say student loans affect their career choice.  About 2/3 say they would give preference to a job that offered loan assistance (Boston.com September 25, 2008)

Atheists Seek to Remove God from Address:  Atheists and agnostics at the University of Alberta want to omit a traditional portion of the chancellor's graduation speech that speaks of using education to "the glory of God and the honor of your country."  The statement has had a long tradition at Canadian schools but has been dropped by many. Christian groups are pushing the school to keep the line in the speech.  (Inside Higher Ed October 30, 2008)

Equality Rides Visiting Schools Again:  The Soulforce 2008 Equality Ride is underway this fall.  Nine of the 15 scheduled stops will be at Southern Baptist affiliated schools, including its first stop at Liberty University, which is now under the leadership of Jerry Falwell's son.  This is the third year that the group, which promotes equality for gay and lesbian students in religious organizations, has made a tour through religious schools.  (Associated Baptist Press September 29, 2008; USA Today September 30, 2008)

Understanding Those "Born Digital":  A new book by John Palfrey and Urs Gasser, Born Digital:  Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives looks at how technology shapes the way today's students think, learn, and interact.   The book looks at how the internet helps students to learn to discriminate between pieces of information and the role of authority and determining validity in doing so.  It also explores the pitfalls of thinking anything digital is good and helpful for connecting with and teaching this generation.  (Inside Higher Ed October 2, 2008)

Getting Noticed with Risqué Photos:  Stories of teenagers posting nude and risqué photos of themselves online have become far too common.  Lawyers and psychologists agree that most of the time, these young people are only seeking a little fame and notoriety.  One photo on a cell phone can spread to hundreds in a matter of minutes.   Celebrity and fame have become a desired commodities and as many authors have noted, young women quickly realize sexuality is a fast way to get it.  What many don't realize is that such acts are often illegal and could even require them to register as sex offenders.  Of concern is how ubiquitous not only an exposure to pornography has become but a culture that continues to extend sexuality to younger and younger ages.  (ABC News October 15, 2008)

Palin Themed Dorm:  Every year at Stanford university, the dorms begin the year decorated according to a host of themes designed to bring fun and unity to the start of the year. This year, one dorm chose to organize it's décor around VP candidate, Gov. Sarah Palin.  The dorm features floors for "Hockey Moms" and "First Dudes".  Posters of snowmobiles and polar bears are found throughout.  The skylights have been labeled the glass ceiling in reference to her historic opportunity to break a gender barrier.  On move in day, many students and even administrators posed with a  cardboard cutout of the candidate.  The theme is a break from the usual movie, TV, and pop-culture themes, but shows that the  surprise VP choice has made this election memorable for this generation of young people.  (Inside Higher Ed Oct. 2, 2008)

 

 

 

 

*** Events, Resources and Jobs ***

Following Christ 2008:   InterVarsity's triennial conference for graduate students, faculty and professionals. The theme of Following Christ 2008 is "human flourishing" - what it truly is, what's wrong when it's absent, and how God is calling us to both model and multiply it. Conference presenters include: Anne C. Bailey, Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Francis Collins, Andy Crouch, Michael Lindsay, MaryKate Morse, Mark Noll, Jeff Van Duzer, N. T. Wright, and many more. Worship led by Brian Moss. December 27-31, 2008 at Chicago's Marriott Magnificent Mile hotel. Upper-level undergraduates considering graduate school are encouraged to attend, and we warmly invite those ministering on campus to join us as well. For full details and to register, visit: www.followingchrist.org

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

*** Resources: ***

 

Audio Interviews of Interest to Campus Ministers:

Back2School:  18 million college students are taking classes this year.  According to the UCLA Higher Education Research Institute, ,ore than ¾ say they are on a spiritual quest.  Most freshmen indicate they expect college to assist in that journey.  Campus Crusade has created Back2School as a resource to help campus workers and students in this journey.  Visit http://www.campuscrusadeforchrist.com/back2school

 

**Christian Education Journal highlights articles on College and Young Adult Ministry.   Authors include Kara Powell (Fuller Center for Youth and Family Ministry); Chris Kiesling (Asbury) David Setran (Wheaton); Wesley Black (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary); Evan Hunter (Ivy Jungle).  Links to the articles can be found at:   http://wisdom.biola.edu/cej/issue/

                Visit www.ivyjungle.org to read the article  Students and Social Justice  - Converted to the Kingdom

** Join the Ivy Jungle Network Group on Facebook**   Right now check out a link to 90 titles Campus Ministers have been reading this year:   http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13424091882

Resources from ProActive Faith for your campus ministry:

       

  God Moments In Time:

Each chapter has five discussion questions.

Ideal for small groups!

Will challenge your students to live a life in such a way that God can open doors of opportunity in their life where they can experience God Moments In Time.

Read the customer reviews @ Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com

Order 20 copies or more for the bulk price of $5.00 each

         CRUNCH Time:

A five session evangelism resource written for students on the collegiate campus.

Revival or Retreat Needs:

Please contact Thomas, a former campus minister, and current full-time evangelist and law enforcement chaplain to speak at your ministry event. He speaks with boldness and compassion as he points individuals to the Cross! He is available for one or multiple nights. Thomas@proactivefaith.org  or Cell: (405)833-7229

                Join our Facebook Group:

Please join the ProActive Faith Group on Facebook at                http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30097018073

 

Visit our website www.proactivefaith.org to discover how these resources will impact the lives of your students and their campus.  You can also call our office at (405)607-0722 if you have any questions.

 

Free shipping when you enter ivy jungle in the discount code box.

 

After you place your order you will receive a personal call from our office to confirm your order before any charges are made to your credit card.

 

 

Preparing High School Seniors for College:  Each year thousands of our youth will fall away from their faith after their first year of college.  The two major reasons for this have been linked to lack of preparation and not getting connected to a campus ministry.  TransitionsMSM is a web-based tool created to help in this transition.  It comes with interactive scripts, video resources and more that anyone can teach.  Take a look at www.transitionsmsm.org for a great resource to help prepare and connect our youth!  For more info, e-mail info@transitionsmsm.org

 

Fellowships for College Graduates:  The John Jay Institute is awarding academic Fellowships for 2009 to college graduates interested in exploring the nexus of religion and public life. Fellowships entail an academic residency at the Institute in Colorado Springs followed by an externship field placement in a public policy organization. For more information please visit: www.johnjayinstitute.org

 

*** Jobs: ***

 

College Chaplain:  Jamestown College seeks applicants for a College Chaplain beginning the spring of 2009. The chaplain will organize weekly chapel services, serve as pastor to the college community, and work with students in various service and ministry projects. The chaplain will be a member of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and will teach at least one class per semester. Candidates should have a Master's of Divinity, ordination, experience working with college youth, and willingness to work within an ecumenical framework with students from many backgrounds. Preference will be given to candidates from the Reformed tradition, but all qualified candidates will be considered. Send letter of application, resume, and contact information for three letters of recommendation to the Office of the President, 6080 College Lane, Jamestown, ND 58405 or jkaiser@jc.edu.  Applications review will begin on immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Jamestown College is a private, liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA and is an AA/EEO institution (www.jc.edu).

 

 

Minister of Student Housing:  The Baptist Housing Ministry at the University of Illinois seeks a full-time Minister of Student Housing to provide oversight and pastoral care for our four residence halls.  The successful candidate shall have a bachelor's degree or higher, experience in facilities management, and a calling to campus ministry.  Salary and benefits commensurate with education and experience.  Interested persons should send a cover letter and resume with references by Wednesday, October 1st to:  Search Committee, Baptist Housing Ministry, 314 E. Daniel Street, Champaign, IL   61820.

 

Director of College and Young Professionals Ministry:  Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Northville, Michigan - Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church (www.wardchurch.org) is currently a congregation of almost 3000 active members with Sunday worship attendance averages 2200. The purpose of Ward EPC "as a family of Christ-followers, is to love God passionately, serve others joyfully, and intentionally share our faith with people across the street and around the world.   

Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church is seeking to identify the individual who will serve as the Director of College and Young Professionals.  This role will require an individual who can dream big, lead effectively and who is not afraid of challenges. The opportunity for innovation and growth are significant for the person with the skills and abilities to advance a missional ministry with those who sociologists have come to call ‘emerging adults'

The Director of College and Young Professionals will be required to effectively understand and engage post-modern, post-Christian culture in order to develop and implement an innovative thriving ministry with college and young professionals.

Candidate Criteria

  • Clear and living faith in Jesus Christ with a commitment to prayer, study of His Word and fellowship with other believers
  • Track record of effective and engaging church or para-church ministry with college student and/or young professionals
  • Strong preaching and teaching and shepherding skills and experience
  • Masters level seminary degree
  • Willingness to pursue ordination in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

 

For consideration, please submit your resume to:  Rick Heltne  Senior Search Consultant  People Management Minneapolis  Phone: 952.841.7223 Mail to: mailto:rheltne@peoplemanagement.org

 

Minister of Worship, Music and the Arts:    Huron Hills Baptist Church is a growing church of 500 in Ann Arbor Michigan, with an inter-denominational feel.  We have a strong connection with and commitment to university ministry.  Our mission is to draw those who are far from God into a close and living relationship with Jesus Christ.  We are seeking a full-time Minister of Worship, Music and the Arts (MWMA).  The Minister will lead the congregation, encouraging their participation and educating them in both familiar and new ways of worship.  More information available at www.huronhills.org.   If interested please send inquiries and resumes to Ken White at kwhite@huronhills.org.  Materials that demonstrate job fit are especially helpful (i.e. websites, CDs, downloadable recordings, DVDs, etc.)

 

CCO Leadership in the State of Indiana:  We are currently looking for strong initiator types (entrepreneurs) who are interested in taking the CCO to the state of Indiana. The two positions that are currently available are for an Area Director and a Development Associate. A passion for campus ministry and a desire to see this generation of college students transformed by the Gospel required. Each position is funded by half salary, benefits and expenses. There is a possibility for having at least two campus staff positions on the ground for the fall of 2009.
For more information, contact Tom Rapchak, CCO Central Region VP (724-657-7363 or trapchak@ccojubilee.org) or check out our website at www.ccojubilee.org . Job descriptions available upon request.


Working with Artists:  All Angels' seeks a full-time Director of Worship Arts to provide leadership in cultivating and deepening the worship life of the congregation and developing worship leaders and artists within the community.  Email resume and cover letter or send inquiry for fuller job description to jobs@allangelschurch.com.

 

 

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