Living In The Residence Halls

xaglen — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 18:39:41 -0600

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.

Advice for Student Leaders

xaglen — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:34:58 -0600

Wow--you're going to lead a college ministry at the same time that you go to college. That's awesome!

Here are some pointers for you:

Begin with prayer. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it really makes a huge difference. Dream God's dream rather than telling Him to dream your dream.
- Assemble a team of at least two other students who will commit to praying with you for God to move on your campus.
- Pray specifically that God would open doors for your ministry to go forward.
- Pray also that God would give you boldness and wisdom to be able to take advantage of the open doors He gives you!
If possible, choose Living In The Dorms over living off-campus.
Charter With Chi Alpha (as a student-led group it's free for you to charter!)
Survey The Campus
Become a Registered Student Organization. It really does make a difference.
Begin leading Investigative Bible Studies in your dorm room or over lunch in the cafeteria. Put up posters, but rely on word of mouth for your primary invitation. Specifically, rely on the word of your mouth! Invite your friends!
Begin building a team of co-laborers around you. Remember Jethro And Moses! You'll want at least these roles filled (the same person can fill multiple roles, especially at the beginning).
- Visionary: someone who sees a future in which your campus is ablaze with the glory of God. A person who is filled with faith and holy ambition.
- Recruiter: someone who is naturally gifted at inviting people to do things without them getting ticked off.
- Organizer: someone who can think through and follow through on what needs to happen to get from point A to point B.
- Pray-er: yes, we should all pray. But your team really needs someone who thinks of themselves as a prayer warrior and views it as their personal calling to intercede for the ministry, its leaders, and its members.
- Nurturer: someone who is genuinely compassionate and cares about people's feelings and needs.

student leaders

Living In The Residence Halls