POSITION PAPER   P.  P. 84-2

CHURCH SUPPORT OF CAMPUS MINISTRY

BACKGROUND

Since its inception in 1969, Luther Student Movement-USA has enjoyed a mutually supportive relationship with Lutheran campus ministry.  LSM-USA has no official statement supporting campus ministry as a vital ministry of the Lutheran church.  As a basic position, but especially in the time of deliberations defining the ministries of the new Lutheran Church, it is fitting that LSM-USA adopt an official statement of its view of the essential role of campus ministry in the overall ministry of the church as the body of our Living Savior, Jesus Christ.

The question is often asked “Why support campus ministry?”  One often-heard answer is that “young people are the future of the church.”  Young people are an active and unique part of the church now.  We therefore suggest that part of the church’s mission dictate support of campus ministry for reasons beyond corporate self-propogation.

College is a time in the lives of many people when they take personal control over their lives, not only control over how then spend their time, but also control over finance and the future plans.  For many students it is also the time when they accept personal responsibility for their faith and spiritual wellbeing.

This acceptance of responsibility leads to many challenges and questions.  These questions often involve exploring and reaffirming our faith:  What exactly do I believe?  What is my response to questions raised by those who believe differently?  How do I apply my Christian faith, God’s Word and Christ’s teachings under the everyday pressures of this world and what actions do such applications of my faith dictate?

It is in response to these challenges that campus ministry is needed.  In addition to its roles of supporter and comforter, the church must act as preacher and teacher.  As preacher and teacher, the church can offer a base of support and awareness on which students can relay while struggling with their faith in secular situations.  Campus ministry provides a unique form of this preaching and teaching, especially suited to today’s students’ needs.

Therefore, LSM-USA strongly urges the Lutheran church bodies to continue to increase support for this critical ministry of the church.

Sponsored by:   Georgia Tech (David Buechner, GTU, Box 33336, Atlanta, GA 30332)

                        Newberry College

                        Auburn University