Nor Cal / Nev College Ministries

Living in the Residence Halls

An Opportunity for Kingdom Living

by Glen Davis

When I was an upperclassman, I decided to move into off-campus housing. After all, I could afford it and it was nicer: it was really kind of a no-brainer decision. I picked a roommate I really clicked with, and prepared for a year of incredible outreach for Christ. Unfortunately, my dreams of ministry died a slow death. Because I lived off-campus, I didn't meet many new students. Most of my classes were filled with upperclassmen I already knew, and most of the people who lived in my apartment complex weren't students. In addition, I found it very difficult to penetrate the circle of new Chi Alpha freshmen. It seemed like they lived in a world all their own, and that world was orbiting a different star than mine. I came to realize that by moving off-campus I had shot myself in the foot.

Next year, I moved back onto campus and chose to live in the freshman dorm so I could serve as Christ's ambassador. It made all the difference. I met freshmen like crazy and was able to participate in an evangelistic Bible study. I'm very thankful that I made the choice I did, because I'll never have an opportunity like that again. There's no comparable situation in our society: I mean, where else will you find a large group of young adults trying to figure out life and sex and their purpose and how God fits into the picture who also enjoy staying up late to goof off and talk with whoever is around? Despite what Seinfeld and Friends would have you believe, it just doesn't happen after you leave the residence halls.

Assuming you do decide to minister in the dorms, let me give you some practical tips on how to serve Christ effectively in the residence halls.

• First, choose a Christian roommate. Follow the 2x2 picture we see modeled in the Scriptures. (We see this principle demonstrated when Christ sends out the 70 to preach: he sends them two by two). Remember, Satan feeds off strays.

• Second, keep your door open while you're in your room. You'd be amazed at the difference such a simple action will make. People will feel free to drop by for a few minutes of conversation, and you never know when your open door will give you an open door in their life.

• Third, prioritize relationships. Consciously create hang-out time with non-Christians. Play cards and computer games with them. Treat the guy across the hall to pizza. Have fun!

• Fourth, be wise. Don't allow your dormmates to label you. This means avoiding obnoxious Christian T-shirts and posters. This also means speaking a language your neighbors can relate to: avoid religious jargon! Be real and treat people as individuals and they'll do you the same favor. If you consider them "just sinners" don't be surprised if they consider you and your roommate "just Christians."

• Fifth, don't be afraid of nonbelievers. Too many Christians avoid friendships with nonbelievers for fear of contamination. They forget that Jesus really liked nonreligious people. Take Jesus as your model. Read Living Proof by Jim Peterson before moving into the residence halls.

• Sixth, remember that your dormmates are people and not projects. Love them; don't just love the idea of them saved.

• Seventh, pray for opportunities. If there's a prayer God loves to answer, it's this one. I've never known a person who sincerely prayed for opportunities who didn't testify to receiving them.

• I could go on, but these tips should get you started. Please choose to live in the residence halls unless God has clearly spoken to you to live off-campus. You'd be amazed at the ways God uses you if you simply make yourself available. If you don't seize the opportunity now, it will pass you by forever. Remember, 90% of ministry is taking advantage of the opportunities God gives you; I hope you make a Kingdom choice.