July 2009 Campus Ministry Update

  

The Ivy Jungle Network

Campus Ministry Update

July 2009

 

Trends in Campus Ministry, Culture and Higher Education:

Not Tweeting:   Contrary to conventional wisdom on technology, teenagers are not the primary group using Twitter. While they love iPhones, cell phones and social networks,  globally  12-17 year olds make up  less than 5% of visitors to Twitter.com.  In the US that number creeps up to 11%.   Teens may shy away from Twitter because, unlike Facebook, their posts go to an open network of anyone who wants to see.  Apparently teens do value some level of safety in posting their moment by moment thoughts.  (Washington Post July 13, 2009)

Borrowing More:  In 1993, less than a third of undergraduate students borrowed to pay for college.  Last year that figure topped 50% and is expected to keep climbing.  The amount has also increased with the annual debt for borrowers at private universities increasing by 70%.  Not only are more students taking out loans, a report called "Drowning in Debt:  The Emerging Student Loan Crisis" reports that the kinds of loans students are procuring are riskier and carry higher interest rates, especially among minority students.      (Wichita Business Journal  July 9,  2009)

Giving to Education to Decline:  A survey by the Council for Advancement and Support for Education indicates schools anticipate the final figures for the '08-'09 academic year will show a 4% decline in giving.   Looking ahead to next year, senior advancement officers are anticipating a modest gain of 2.5% in gifts.  Over the last 20 years, gifts to education have increased annually by about 7%. (Inside Higher Ed July 16, 2009)

Race on Campus:  The recent arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates has raised the question of race relations on campus and in college towns.  Even the President has commented on the apparent racial profiling case involving the famous scholar.  (Inside Higher Ed July 22, 2009)

Lacking Independent Thought:  A report from England shows that universities believe that a culture of "teaching to the test," prevalent because of government testing and graduation requirements at the high school level, has left many students unprepared for university work and incapable of the kind of independent thought needed at the university level.  By contrast, students who matriculate through the International Baccalaureate (IB), an alternative qualifying system seem much better prepared.  In some cases, schools are adding an additional year to better equip students to make up for their lack of ability in math and English.  (Telegraph.co.uk July 13, 2009)

Violence on Campus:  A recent study on violence on campus shows that men and women experience violence at very similar rates – 16% of men and 17% of women.  While a gender gap does not exist in overall incidence, the types of violence experienced differ.   Men were more likely to have suffered physical abuse, while women more likely to have experienced emotional abuse in the form of "repeated ridicule, threatening statements, destroying belongings and unreasonable jealousy."    Women were three times more likely to have suffered abuse from a family member as men.  Emotional violence by an intimate partner occurred at the same rate for both men and women, with over 40% of both men and women saying the perpetrator was a dating or romantic partner.    Alcohol also played a significant role in violence with more than 1/3 of victims of emotional abuse having been drinking when the abuse occurred and more than 50% for victims of physical abuse.  (Inside Higher Ed July 16, 2009)

High Tech Cheating OK:  A survey by the group Common Sense Media indicates that more than 1/3 of high school students have used a cell phone at least once to cheat and more than half say they have used the internet to do so.  Surprisingly, 25% of students did not think using such high tech modes was cheating at all.   While 76% of parents believe cheating happens in their kids' high schools, only 3% believe their own child has done so.  (cbsnews.com June 18, 2009)

Atheists De-baptize:  Atheists in four states and a number of college campuses have begun practicing a "de-baptizing" ceremony in which a blow dryer labeled "Reason" is used to blow away the folly of religious belief and previous baptism.   The Secular Student Alliance sponsors atheists groups on a number college campuses across the country that offer the ceremony.    While some question the use of such a mock ceremony, others say they find the process cathartic and have certificates made to commemorate the event.  (USA Today July 21, 2009)

Harassment Code Struck Down:  A confrontation between a student and a professor at L.A. City College has led to an injunction against the school for its sexual harassment policy.  The issue stemmed from a presentation in a class where a student claims the professor censored his speech assignment because of his stance on same sex marriage.  The student claims the professor cut off his presentation, insulted him, and refused to grade it.  The student filed suit for violation of free speech stating that the harassment code was overly broad and vague.  The judge upheld the student's position and chastised the school for declaring late in the proceedings that the professor had been disciplined and that the sexual harassment code had been repealed in 2007, despite being present on the university website two years later.  (LA Times July 14, 2009)

Transforming Community Colleges:  Community colleges across the country are receiving significant upgrades as several add dormitories and student centers.    Enrollment in tough economic times often increases at 2 year schools as workers retool for new jobs and look for ways to make themselves more marketable.  Most of these students are older than traditional college students.  However, a growing number of traditional students see the local schools as an opportunity to save money and get ahead on their four-year degrees.  At Tidewater Community College in Virginia reports that in 1998 the average student age was nearly 30.  Today half of the school's population is between 18-24.  (Inside Higher Ed July 16, 2009)

Looking at Blue Collar Jobs:  Community Colleges have seen a significant increase in enrollment for training programs in traditionally blue collar jobs.  Many schools offer certificate programs that require only a semester or two.  With welders earning $60K/year and the high demand for workers in the healthcare field, a wide variety of students are enrolling, from recent high school graduates to older adults looking to change fields.  (Chicago Tribune July17,2009)

$12B to Community Colleges:  As part of the economic recovery plan, President Obama has proposed a $12 billion investment in the nation's community colleges.  The funds would help upgrade facilities, provide better quality for online courses, and ensure more students complete their programs.   Most of the money will take the form of competitive challenge grants to encourage new ways of doing education.  (USA Today July 14, 2009)

Grading Online Education:  A report by the US Department of Education shows that students who took all or part of a course online performed better than those who took courses in only a face to face mode.   The meta-analysis shows that in many instances online courses are as effective as or slightly more effective than in classroom courses.  One reason for the success may lie in the students' ability to control their learning interactions.    The primary difference may lie in the time students spend on task.  Those who took courses online spent more time on them than those in traditional models.  (Inside Higher Ed June 29, 2009)

Church Goers Better Citizens:  People who attend religious services are more involved in their communities than their non-religious peers.  Harvard University Professor James Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, has written a new book with Notre Dame scholar David Campbell called American Grace:  How Religion Is Reshaping Our Civic and Political Lives.  In it they cite that those who attend religious services volunteer more, vote more, attend more public meetings, protest demonstrations, and political rallies.  They also give more of their time and money than those do not participate in a faith community. The relationship appears causal as civic engagement increases for those who "go back" to church, synagogue, etc.   The authors believe that it may not be the theology that drives people, but increased connections and the sense of community found in a religious setting.  They also state that religious people are "nicer", more likely to help strangers and give money to panhandlers.  (Christian Century June 16, 2009)

Enrollment Not Dropping:   Driven by a fear of decreased enrollment, a number of private colleges and universities stepped up efforts to recruit students.  It appears their efforts will pay off with a national increase in enrollment of 0.2% at private institutions this fall.  Most schools reported lower than average tuition increases for the coming academic year and increased financial aid offerings.  (Inside Higher Ed July 20, 2009)

Advisors Raking It In:  Over the last three years, the number of independent (i.e. not school based) admissions advisors has grown from 2,000 to 5,000 nationwide according to figures from the Independent Educational Consultants Association.   Offering advice on everything from which schools to apply to, to essays, to what to wear to the interview, these consultants earn an average of about $185 an hour.   However, the highest paid advisors bring in between $15,000 and $40,000 per client.  (New York Times July 19, 2009)

Vatican Gives "Thumbs Up" to Harry Potter:  A critic of the wizarding stories and movies over the years, the official Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, has given the newest installment of the Harry Potter series a positive review.  The paper gave kudos to the movie for a "clear line of demarcation between good and evil, making clear that good is right, and that in some cases this involves hard work and sacrifices."  (Boston.com July 16, 2009)

Extra Credit: Abstain from Facebook:   A philosophy professor at Trinity Western University in British Columbia offered his students extra credit if they would abstain from social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube during his semester long course.   Out of a course of 35 students, only 12 made the attempt for the 5% credit. Less than half succeeded.  (Inside Higher Ed July 24, 2009)

 

*** Jobs, Resources and Events ***

*** Jobs: ***

IJM Director of Student Ministries:  IJM is seeking a Director of Student Ministries to provide leadership and management for student-focused education initiatives. The qualified candidate will be an effective bridge builder, administrator, innovator and manager of people and programs.   For a complete job listing, qualifications and to apply, please visit www.ijm.org/directorofstudentministries 

The mission of International Justice Mission (IJM) is to protect people from violent forces of injustice by securing rescue and restoration for victims and ensuring public justice systems work for the poor.

 

*** Resources: ***

 

** Join the Ivy Jungle Network Group on Facebook**  http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13424091882

The Jesus Test:  Robert Barge has written a book designed to invite the reader to spend 30 days considering the possibility that Jesus Christ really is who he claims he is.  The book consists of 30 writings, each focused on aspect of who Christ is and what it means to follow him.  From Jesus to Peace, to Justice to Compassion, to Brokenness, the topics give the reader the chance to explore and encounter Jesus for who he is.   Dr. Philip Briggs, Distinguished Professor of Collegiate and Student Ministry emeritus at Southwestern Baptist Seminary praises the book saying, "Barge intersperses these brief daily references to current music, movies and cultural items that will whet your appetite.  The brevity of the "days" and interesting test suggestions cover the gamut of subjects that trigger students' minds . . .Some ideas will humor you and others will cause you to pause ." "Hopefully you will read all 30 days. It is destined to change your life."  Order the book from an online retailer or visit www.werheeverministries.org for more information.

 

Resources from ProActive Faith for your campus ministry:         

 God Moments In Timewill challenge your students to live a life in such a way that God can open doors of opportunity in their life that will change the direction of their live or impact eternity. Each chapter has five discussion questions, which makes this book great for small groups. 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. This resource is newly packaged on one CD-ROM. You will be able to print as many copies of the booklets as you need for your students and leaders.

Crisis Moments Seminars will train your students how to respond to a crisis (Biblical Response to a Crisis, Death, Hospitalization, Personal Loss, Evangelism through a Crisis). This seminar is great to a retreat setting.

Join our Facebook Group ProActive Faith Group @ 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.

Office: (405) 607-0722
Toll-Free: 1-877-607-0722 

 

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.

 

Why Faith Makes Sense: Reasons You can Believe God is Real helps students see the rational behind the Christian faith. Author Will Davis Jr., who also wrote the Pray Big book series, explains why Christians don't have to stop thinking in order to believe. The book uses biblical teaching, story telling, and humor to show students how much it makes sense to believe in God, and how a person literally has to stop thinking to reject God. Why Faith Makes Sense addresses such topics as the mystery of God, the revelation of God through nature, evolution and humanism, the Bible, and the exclusivity of Christ. It's the perfect tool for Bible studies and small groups, skeptics' discussion groups and even apologetics classes. To learn more and to read an excerpt, go to willdavisjr.com. Why Faith Makes Sense is available at Amazon.com, Revell Books, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbooks.com.

From Jay-Z to Jesus: Reaching & Teaching Young Adults in the Black Church offers the insights and expertise of authors Benjamin Stephens III and Ralph C. Watkins (author of The Gospel Remix: Reaching the Hip Hop Generation), and also features the words of young adults themselves which serve as testimony to their spiritual longing and critique of the aging church's ministry. 

Cheryl L. Walker, Director of African American Ministries for General Board of Discipleship, United Methodist Church, recommends the resource, noting, "From Jay-Z to Jesus offers a common sense approach with practical applications on how to really engage young adults in ministry." And the Christian Booksellers Association found, "From Jay-Z to Jesus will help the reader build an effective ministry to young adults that will minister to their needs as well as disciple them to be leaders in the church and community. Every leader in the church should read this book." 

From Jay-Z to Jesus retails for $15.00. To order, call Judson Press at 800-458-3766 or save 20% when you order online at www.judsonpress.com.

***Events ***

40 Days of Prayer for Campus Ministry:

Does anybody care about campus ministry?

By Creighton Alexander, Special Contributor

I hear these words from my wife every time someone starts checking their watch or their eyes glaze over when I talk about campus ministry: "Creighton, nobody cares about campus ministry!"

Trust me, I know the credibility gap that campus ministry has in our denomination.  Most United Methodists probably think of campus ministry as "13th Grade Youth Group."  If we are honest, campus ministries don't work because of poor appointments, lack of funding and no understanding of the strategic potential of the work. What's more, these campus minister positions are mostly low-paying, dead-end posts with little room for advancement.  It's one of the first line items finance committees go after to save money.  But like a wise pastor once told me, "it's not a priority because it hasn't worked". 

Yet few would argue that our nation's college and university campuses remain one of the most under-served, misunderstood and neglected mission fields in the United States.  These communities of learning are our neighbors, but few United Methodist churches acknowledge or know how to effectively serve the students, faculty and staff who walk their halls.  We can no longer remain on the sidelines and ignore the over 17 million students, from across the US and around the world, who are seeking answers to questions to which the gospel of Jesus Christ speaks.

The United Methodist Church stands at a crossroads in reaching college students and young adults. Even with all the excitement surrounding the conversations about "raising up a new generation of Christian leaders" (a phrase Dr. Steve Moore coined in 1980 at the Texas Tech Wesley Foundation), I still don't hear our church talking about intersecting the one institution in American society where young adults explore, experiment and ultimately choose a vocation: it's called college!  We can no longer continue to under-fund, under-appoint, and undervalue the strategic mission of campus ministry.

In order to move forward, we need to gain a clearer picture of where we currently are.  One source is John Schmalzbauer's "Campus Ministry:  A Statistical Portrait" -an article based on the Lilly Foundation Campus Ministry Study that reported current trends among campus ministry organizations.  In the article, he cites the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Web site as listing more than 700 campus ministries.  Most surprising is that the article estimates that approximately 32,000 students participate in some type of United Methodist campus ministry – a figure comparable to that of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's student participation.  This figure is based off of the Lilly Foundation study that found a typical group averages 30 students. 

Since GBHEM does not keep yearly records, there is no gathered list that tracks the data of students involved at individual ministries, annual conferences, or across the nation.  The closest snapshot that I can collect is from Wesley Foundations or United Methodist campus ministries' Facebook Groups.  There are 15 with more than 100 members, 41 with more than 50 members, 35 with more than 20 members and 11 with more than five members—for a total of 4,450 students who are self-described members of a United Methodist group. Compared to para-church groups like Campus Crusade, InterVarsity and Victory Campus Ministry that gather and publish statistics on their Web sites each year, we are left to guess the true impact of our campus ministries. No doubt the reality of the impact of United Methodist campus ministry lies somewhere between those two figures – but it's the gap that concerns me. 

Our most successful United Methodist campus ministries (UGA Wesley, Auburn Wesley, Texas Tech Wesley, University of Oklahoma Wesley and Southwestern College to name a few) offer examples of hope, yet overall we lack a significant presence on most of the nation's top universities. I believe this absence is one of the major causes of our growing leadership shortage and continued decline.

The United Methodist Church has played a large role in American higher education in the past, but we must discover a new strategy for ministry with college students and young adults. For that to happen, we need to first ask questions that allow us to shape a new vision that is sustainable, entrepreneurial and shaped by the apostolic ethos of the gospel:

 

* What are the theological underpinnings of campus ministry?

* What is the history and state of United Methodist campus ministry? 

* Where is the United Methodist Church doing effective campus ministry?

* Does it serve our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ? How should it be measured?

* Do we have a model that is strategic? Cost-effective? Sustainable? Reproducible?

faithful to a Wesleyan understanding of the gospel?

* Does it create and nurture a culture of calling where students discover their place in the body of Christ and purpose in life?

* Does campus ministry connect young adults to the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church?  

 

To find the answer to these questions and discover a new way forward, we are calling the United Methodist Church to 40 Days of Prayer for our campus ministries from August 17^th – September 25^th, 2009.  As millions of students pour back onto our nation's campuses, we will pour out our hearts to God to move anew among our Wesley Foundations, United Methodist related colleges, and local church ministries.  Over 700 people who heard their call to ministry through a United Methodist campus ministry have joined a Facebook group (United Methodist Campus Ministry – Raising Up Christian Leaders) to pray for our mission to this generation of college students, staff, and faculty.  On behalf of the women and men who serve on our nation's campuses – I invite you to join us in praying for God to do a new thing among our campus ministries this fall. 

A prayer guide will be compiled be published on August 10th, 2009 at www.collegeunion.org/prayer that can be downloaded to share with your church, Sunday School class, small group, or leadership team.

 Rev. Creighton Alexander is the pastor of young adults at New City/Central UMC in Kansas City, MO and Director of Campus Ministry in the Missouri Annual Conference.  He is a Denman Fellow currently working on a PhD at the University of Kansas in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Together with Ashlee Alley, he serves as the coeditor for www.collegeunion.org. 

 

 

 

 

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