Staying strong in your faith in college is not difficult, but it does take dedication.
For those of y'all who are starting college this upcoming fall you will quickly find yourself being tugged left and right by organizations, friends, classes, studying, and simply getting in the groove of starting a new adventure. It's so easy to lose sight of the Lord in all of the push and pull and put your faith off to the side, but finding community in college is truly one of the biggest blessings.
Although I am so blessed to go to a school where there is Christian community around every corner, it is still something that you have to put effort into to maintain. I was lucky that I found a ton of community in my sorority and with my roommate who kept me accountable all year but getting plugged in isn't always that easy. Here are some tips for college newbies (and even college returners) who want to grow their faith throughout college.
You have been freed and freed indeed. When you let go of what is holding you down and bring it to the light, it is the best feeling in the world. Don't hide who you are or what you have been throughout of fear of being judged. There is no fiber of you or struggle you have that God does not already know and love. God calls us to a community so that we will have others who know and love us like He does for our past, present, and future as well.
1. Even when you think that you have no time, make time for the Lord because the time you spend with Him will help you realign and refocus.
This piece of advice came from one of my Bible study leaders and it literally changed how I studied and stressed. This isn't to say that if you spend time in the Word then you will be rewarded – that is works based faith that is not at all the heart of God - but doing a quick Bible study after writing a paper or a marathon study sesh to help refocus is so rewarding. Just taking five minutes to read a passage of the Bible or write down a prayer can calm my stress like crazy and keeps my eyes off of the worries of now, but the wonder of what is to come.
2. Be diligent in "church shopping"!
Church shopping is a daunting task – especially if you have gone to the same church your entire life. It's something that takes time, but it is so rewarding if done well. Try asking friends or upperclassmen for suggestions as to where to attend. Once you find the place you feel most at home at, become a member and start serving. Serving is the quickest way to make a big place seem small!
3. Seek out young adult ministries to watch or attend.
One of the most influential ministries during my freshman year has been The Porch at Watermark Dallas. Every Tuesday night thousands of people gather at Watermark Church in Dallas and various other churches around the world to watch or listen to the sermon. The Porch has become what I listen to while driving home, what I tune into while studying, and where I go when I just need some serious truth. All their sermons are posted on YouTube, and they have a Porch app as well where they post all their content.
Breakaway Ministries based out of Texas A&M University has been another incredible experience throughout freshman year. Similar to The Porch, Breakaway is truly for college students, and we are so blessed to have it at Texas A&M. For those in College Station, Breakaway meets every Tuesday night at 9 in Reed Arena. For those who want to tune in, Breakaway live streams via YouTube and posts videos as well.
4. Disciple and be discipled.
Even those who are the most solid in their faith and convictions still need someone to hold them accountable and help them grow. You can't pour out into others if you are not being poured into yourself. Discipling does not always look like a direct one-on-one relationship, but it can be done in just showing the love and joy of the Lord through your intentionality in actions and conversations.
5. Don't be afraid to admit your struggles!
You have been freed and freed indeed. When you let go of what is holding you down and bring it to the light, it is the best feeling in the world. Don't hide who you are or what you have been through out of fear of being judged. There is no fiber of you or struggle you have that God does not already know and love. God calls us to community so that we have others who know and love us like He does, and will walk with us through the toughest of times and conversations.
