December 2008 Campus Ministry Update

  

The Ivy Jungle Network

Campus Ministry Update

December 2008

 

Trends in Student Ministry, Culture and Higher Education:

 

Favorite College Student Websites:  According to a Youth Trends study, the top websites ued by teens and college students are very similar, especially among girls.   The top 10 sites visited by college age men and women (%of respondents asked to name 3 favorite sites):

                Men                                      Women

1.  Facebook (56%)                          Facebook (77%)

2.  ESPN (33%)                               Google (23%)

3.  Google (26%)                              Yahoo! (17%)

4.  CNN (18%)                                  PerezHilton (15%)

5.  Youtube (14%)                            MySpace (12%)

6.  MSN (11%)                                  School's site (12%)

7.  Hulu (9%)                                     CNN (10%)

8. Stumbleupon (8%)                          AOL (9%)

9.  Pandora (8%)                                eBay (9%)

10. craigslist (7%)                              The Superficial (7%)   (emarketer.com November 19, 2008)

 

Finals Week Stress Busters:  Whether it's free coffee and late night breakfast in the dining hall, free t-shirts, or free massages, schools have continued to increase the ways they serve students during final week.   Students are taking the lead at times as well, such as the flash-mob library rave at the University of North Carolina last week where thousands of students gathered for a 15 minute party outside the library.  Several other schools have copied the impromptu parties during the past week. (Inside Higher Ed  December 18, 2008)

Digitally Daring:  Almost of third of 20-26 year olds and about 20% of teens claim they have posted or emailed nude or semi-nude photos of themselves.  Most young people say they do it just to have fun or be flirtatious.    40% of young men say they have seen these kind of images sent to someone else.  Nearly 60% of young adults say they have sent a suggestive text message to a significant other.  Almost 30% of young adults admit they are more forward digitally than in "real life."  (USA Today December 20, 2008)

Protesting Porn Because of Human Rights:   Getting 850 students to show up for a free screening of a "high budget" pornographic movie was not difficult at UCLA this past month.  That a number of Christian students showed up for the Q and A event after the movie showed a new kind of engagement between Christian groups and the bawdier side of college life.  Members of International Justice Mission, Campus Crusade and others used Facebook to organize a group of Christian students to pick up "tickets" so they could participate in the discussion after the movie.  Among their concerns and points brought up in the discussion were the purposes of sex  and the links between pornography, exploitation ,and sex trafficking.  The Campus Community Events group said the Q and A was their most successful one ever.  (Daily Bruin December 8, 2008)

Hip New Bibles:  Two new Bibles have gained media attention this Christmas.  The Book a photo illustrated New Testament assembled by a secular Swedish marketing director features glossy photos throughout the Living Translation Text.  With news worthy images of children in Africa and leaders like Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela and Bono, the pictures have a strong social justice theme.  The Green Bible features a cloth cover with a tree on it.  Like other themed Bibles, it draws attention to passages particularly focused on creation care, highlighting them in green writing, to go along side Jesus' words in red.  (NPR.org December 5, 2008)

Anti-Energy Drinks On the Market:  Designed to give a boost, energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar are quite popular among young people these days.  A new set of drinks intended to "slow your roll" and "lean with it" have now hit the market.  With names like Drank and Purple Stuff, these products contain melatonin, rose hips an valerian root which all have a calming effect.  The drinks are coming under fire for both their hip-hop inspired marketing campaigns and their names which come from "sipping syrup," a practice of drinking codeine syrup with soda or alcohol.  Scientists are wary of the effects these anti-energy drinks will have when they are inevitably mixed with alcohol.   (Houston Chronicle November 28, 2008)

Youth Ethics 2008:  The Josephson Institute report card on teen ethics, based on surveys of 30,000 teens, shows troubling increases in lying, cheating and stealing.  35% of boys and 26% of girls say they stole something from a store in the last year and increase of 3% since 2006.  Over 40% of teens say they lie to save money, with almost half of guys (49%) and more than 1/3 of girls (35%) admitting the practice, both increases since 2006.  Cheating has increased from 60% of all teens having cheated on an exam in 2006 to 64% admitting cheating in 2008.  No gender differences exist in the area of cheating.   Interestingly, 93% of survey respondents expressed satisfaction with their personal ethics and character and 77% said they are better than most people when it comes to doing what is right.  (charactercounts.org December 4, 2008)

Court Upholds MySpace Firing:  Millersville University won its court battle after withholding a diploma from an education student because of a MySpace photo of her as a drunken pirate.  The student claimed her 1st Amendment rights were violated, while the school said she had not acted in accordance with her responsibilities as a student teacher and therefore failed to earn her diploma .  (Inside Higher Ed December 4, 2008)

Don't Mess With Facebook:   A judge has awarded an $873 million judgment against a man who conned Facebook users into giving out contact information he used to send more than 4 million spam messages to other Facebook users.  Facebook does not expect to collect, but hopes the magnitude of the judgment (3-4 times their annual revenue), will deter others from  trying similar spam schemes.  (AP November 23, 2008)

Lagging in Internet Use:  Parents of teenagers may not believe it, but the US actually lags behind a number of countries in internet access and use among teenagers.  Whereas 100% of teens in Britain, 98% in Israel, 96% in the Czech Republic and Macao, and 95% in Canada use the internet, only 88% of 12-14 year olds in the US have internet access.   Countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa have shown a significant increase in mobile phone minibrowser use.  (Reuters November 24, 2008)

Pope Warns Against Technology:  The Pope warned college students about the dangers of technology during a speech on university reform in Italy.  He stated that students face double risk.  First today's generation has a decreased capacity for concentration and mental application.  Secondly they risk becoming more isolated due to increased virtual relationships.  (Inside Higher Ed December 2, 2008)

Lagging Behind in Higher Ed:   A new report on the state of higher education in the US shows modest gains in preparing students for college.  However, despite improvements and increased total enrollment, the US is losing ground against the rest of the world in the realm of higher education.  College affordability has taken the biggest hit among the six key measures by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.  From 2003-2006 (the most recent data), the US slipped from 5th to 7th in the world in percentage of adults ages 18-24 enrolled in college.  The US moved from 7th to 10th in the global rankings of percentage of adults ages 24-35 holding an associate's degree or higher.  (USA Today December 3, 2008)

Women Study Abroad More:  In 2006-2007, more than 65% of the students who participated in study abroad programs were female.  That number is consistent with figures from a decade ago when the total number of students going overseas was much lower.  Women outnumber men in college enrollment 55% to 45% and female enrollment has increased faster than male enrollment over the last decade, further widening the gap.  Researchers have speculated several reasons for the gap in gender participation overseas including the fact that women are more likely to participate in a sanctioned program, while men may travel on their own, to the fact that many women picture themselves eventually having families and this being their best chance to "see the world," to the difference in work patterns between men and women.  Others say the discrepancy is a bit of a mystery.   (Inside Higher Ed December 4, 2008)

Student Mental Health:  The last two years have seen a great deal of attention given to the mental health of students (as many as 1 in 5 have a disorder) and how infrequently students seek treatment for mental health issues.  A new study in The Archives of General Psychiatry affirms those facts but shows that 18-24 year olds not in school  are as likely or more likely to experience mental health disorders and as unlikely as their student peers to receive treatment.  In most cases non-students experience slightly higher incidence rates for psychiatric diagnoses, including bi-polar, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, etc..  However, college students have higher rates in alcohol abuse and in compulsive gambling.  (Inside Higher Ed December 2, 2008)

Christmas OK on Campus:  A lot of attention is given each holiday season to the cities and towns battling over whether or not Christmas can be celebrated or even acknowledged.   Florida Gulf coast University reversed a ban on religious holiday decorations on campus this month. The change came after overwhelming student response to the renaming of a "giving tree" for needy kids to a "giving garden" to make sure it had no connections to Christmas.    Last year, Missouri State also reinstated a Christmas tree to a prominent position on campus.   Colleges have more freedom than elementary schools and high schools on the separation of church and state.  Displays that are not permanent or funded by the state are most likely legal.  (Inside Higher Ed December 1, 2008)

The Crime of Evangelism:  A student from Yuba Community College has received representation from the Alliance Defense fund after the school threatened to expel him if he shared his faith on campus again.  Earlier this year, the student handed out tracts and engaged students in discussions about Christianity.  He was stopped by campus police for distributing material without a permit.  Three weeks later he received notice from the President of the school notifying him that he was under investigation for a campus crime and could be expelled if he engaged in the activity again.   The case is now pending in a federal court.   (OneNewsNow  November 23, 2008)

College Becoming Too Expensive for Most:  Between 1982 and 2007, the median family income rose 147%.  During that same period the cost of college tuition and fees rose a staggering 432% - nearly triple the increase in income.   A report by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education fears that the cost trajectory could pose a big problem for students in the coming years.  If students can't afford degrees, the economy may take an even bigger hit as the Baby-boom generation (the best educated in history) retires and fewer qualified workers exist to fill their ranks.  (CNN.com December 4, 2008)

Financial Crisis Draws Economics Majors:    With the financial meltdown, the economics departments on many campuses are seeing an increase in interest.  Economics professors no longer need to create case studies from years gone by, or try to interest students with projects based on NBA salaries and supply demand lessons of Nintendo Wii consoles.  The economic crisis has given students a reason to pay attention in class and try to understand how the US economy works and what has caused the current downturn – which has begun to hit college students directly.   (USA Today November 24, 2008)

Spending Less, Donating More:  A survey by World Vision through Harris Interactive shows that 71% of Americans say they will spend less on holiday presents this year.  Almost half (49%) say they are more likely to give a donation to a charity as a gift this year.  (Christianpost.com reported in Mission America Coalition Update December 2008)

Gates Studies Cash For Grades:  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has launched a $13 million study of the effectiveness of "cash for grades" programs at some colleges.   Targeting low income college students, the program offers cash incentives of $1,000-$4,000 to help students keep up academically.  Similar programs exist at the high school and elementary school level as well.  The study will seek to determine if these costly programs work.   (LA Times December 9, 2008)

Harvard Loses $8 Billion:  The financial crisis has hit university endowments hard.  Harvard reports the value of its endowment has dropped 22% or $8 billion in the first four months of its fiscal year.  (No government bailout is planned).   (Inside Higher Ed December 4, 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:

 

**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 http://www.ivyjungle.org/converted-to-the-kingdom-social-action-among-college-students-today 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: ***

 

Campus Minister Positions:  InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in the Rio Grande Area (NM and El Paso, TX) of the Rocky Mountain Region is looking for potential staff candidates for its ministry among Latino students at the University of Texas at El Paso.  The successful candidate will be a person of godly character who has a passion for reaching college students with the gospel of Jesus Christ, is excited about living in Latino culture and ministering among Latino students, understands and values InterVarsity's ministry ethos, is capable of raising 100% of a ministry budget, wants to live in a border city and is willing to commit at least five years to growing an IV chapter at UTEP.  Men of Latino heritage are especially encouraged to apply.  Completed applications, along with references, must be received by February 1, 2009.  For more information, including an application packet, please contact Rod Pauls, Area Director, either by e-mail at rioad_tatm@qwestoffice.net or by phone at (505) 710-4823.   

Campus Ministries Director:  The Wesley Foundation at the University of Miami is hiring a full-time director of campus ministries. This United Methodist ministry is in the heart of Coral Gables, Florida serving the needs of a multi-national student body. Interested persons should submit a cover letter, resume, list of references and statement about your philosophy of ministry by January 1, 2009 to:  umapplication@gmail.com  Or mailed to:  Director Search Committee   Wesley Foundation at UM  1210 Stanford Drive  Coral Gables, FL 33146

 Interested persons should be ordained Elders or Deacons in the United Methodist Church. Individuals who are probationary Elders or Deacons are also encouraged to apply. A full job description, information about the Wesley Foundation and pictures may be found at umwesleysearch.blogspot.com.

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 to:  Search Committee, Baptist Housing Ministry, 314 E. Daniel Street, Champaign, IL   61820.

 

 

 

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).

 

 

 

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