Going to college can be scary and exciting all at the same time. One of the best things I did was get involved with a college ministry on campus. I personally go to BCM but there are so many great ones to find community in! Here are some reason why you should get involved.
1. Small Groups
Honestly, I was super afraid the first time I went to my community group. There were not just freshman in the group but also there ages mixed together. Now I love that! This community helps me talk to people I would not ordinarily interact with. They also have different majors than I do with different perspectives. I have met so many cool people through this ministry. Also, it is a very laid back Bible study. There is not like a set curriculum we have to follow which really opens up the conversation for discussion. I did not realize that people in all walks of life were struggling like I do. There is no pressure to come, but the people do care about you. I have not been every time because I had other obligations, but I definitely miss it when I can't come!
2. Worship With Your Classmates
Like I said through a college ministry you get to see and talk to people you normally wouldn't. One of my favorite things about this is being able to worship with people of all ages from my school. Another awesome thing about this is that worship is student led. People do not think they are too cool for worship, but really go in there and worship the Lord how they feel led.
3. A Place to Meet New Friends
Okay so I have already kind of touched on this, but it is so true! I have met people who I can and do learn from. We are not super close, but that is a community that I love to go to.
4. Accountability and Prayer
I know that the people I have met and go with will hold me accountable. They do this not in a "holier than thou" way, but in a loving way. This is so good to keep my relationship with God on track. I know that I can go to them with my problems and they will pray for me. That is so encouraging!
5. Looking At Issues in Our World From a Biblical Perspective
There are always controversial topics in the world. Instead of looking at what Twitter, your peers, or "professionals" say about this looking at it Biblically changes everything. Instead of trying to fix the issue we realize that we need to love and leave the "fixing" to God. I love this about BCM and other ministries because we look at what the Bible says about things going on in our society.
6. Being Intentional About Making Time for the Lord
It can be hard in college to find time to stop and worship the Lord. Sure you have your 15 minute Bible study in the morning and a little something at night, but being able to sing and listen to the word for an hour and a half is such a blessing. There are many other things going on I could go to, but after going to this service I feel so refreshed and focused on the Lord. It's not magic or anything it is just simply about making time to spend with your Father.
7. Fun Activities
Within a college ministries there are even more fun things to get involved with! From small groups to children's ministries to other things in the community they have everything! There are also things like going to the leader's house and having s'mores, or going on retreats with the ministry. I have not gone to all these things yet, but can't wait to in the future!
A college ministry does not replace getting involved in a local church, but it is a great place to start. These are just a few of my favorite things about BCM. It does not matter what denomination your college ministries are go try it out! If you haven't had time this semester (because really I understand) start going next semester, you won't regret it!
