MINISTRIES
College
Part of the unique makeup of Cornerstone is the large amount of college students who attend weekly services. This stage of life is crucial to the development of an adult. It’s really the first years of adulthood where most of life’s big decisions are evaluated and tested. For the first time a student has a huge amount of freedom. Typically student’s faith in God is tested in new ways as they remove themselves more and more from parental influence and become their own person. They are challenged to think about some of the claims of Christianity and evaluate them against competing worldviews.
The most effective way to help students during this period of their life is to help them focus on being in a community of believers of various ages who are living out the gospel intentionally. God has chosen to place each one of us in a neighborhood as an integral part of the community God is going to use to reach those who don’t know him.
As students navigate some of life’s bigger issues Cornerstone desires to see the community come along side with wisdom and encourage the advancement of the gospel wherever that student might go.
What about the college campus?
The campus is a unique opportunity for Christian students who are grounded in relationships within their community to share their faith in the context of relationships. I encourage students to take various approaches, depending on the type of campus (e.g., residential, commuter, etc.) they attend to build relationships with those outside the church community (church). For example at some campuses I encourage students to join clubs based on hobbies or things they already enjoy doing (gaming, environmental-ism, sport clubs). The purpose of joining these clubs is to build relationships with people outside the church.
What about the college service?
The 6pm “college service” is just like the rest of the services except there happen to be more college students who attend. The speaker does not address college issues or do anything different from the other services.
Where do I begin?
Everything really begins with the neighborhood gatherings. Contact one of the community leaders in your area and become a part of the gospel community where you live. You will be amazed at the ministry opportunities literally in your own backyard.
