Vanderbilt, Rice, and other schools announced yesterday that they would not continue on campus classes following Spring Break due to the virus outbreak. University of Florida announced that all classes will be on line until further notice. There are others out there cancelling and lots of rumors for sure. I am grateful to those who have shared suggestions, questions and concerns for college ministry.
Here are some of the suggestions, issues raised:
Paul Worcester says, "We run online discipleship groups every summer. We read a book together, memorize verses and get get together via google+video."
Brenda Sanders says, "Think about the International students that cannot go home. Think of ways you can reach out to them. Deliver meals, listen to their fears, share video links to videos that might open up gospel conversations."
Tiffany Atkins Hudson added, "For starters, it's looking like rides to the airport will be an immediate need."
Blake Brewer says, "Maybe get all of your students in a FB group or use might networks for an online community."
Mike Nuss says, "We're hearing reports of med/nursing students being told not to come back to campus, if they leave for break---this is the tip of the iceberg. Overreach or over reacting? Perhaps, but its our world and we have to find ways to each and minister to students in it! We're adjusting and doing "in-state" spring break trips. International summer mission assignments being reassigned to North America, etc.
Please continue to contribute to this conversation with questions, suggestions, ideas, etc. In addition to posting comments here, you can text or email me, 870.761.2235 or arlissdickerson@gmail.com.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (Type in Arliss Dickerson).
These thoughts are VERY IMPORTANT to our ministries! The movement to online classes is real and upon us.
ReplyDeleteBill Choate, TN BCM State Director, sent out the following link that gives an update on how universities are responding:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/colleges-universities-going-online-coronavirus-fears_n_5e66a6b7c5b605572809cbec
Then I had a "WHAT??" moment today while discussing this issue with one of our students. The student said "I have no problem at all going to class on line while being at home." I exclaimed "At HOME??" Its possible that we may see our campuses vacated for the rest of the spring semester. This student said that many of his friends have plans to go home as well if our campus goes to all online lectures.
This will change so much for our ministry.....
*Cancelling Noondays
*Weekly worship could end up being Facebook Live
*LifeGroups may need to go on FaceTime or some other online approach
*Spring Banquet could be cancelled (during this event we honor our seniors and leadership team...would really hate to miss out on saying goodbye to this great group of leaders and seniors)
*And the dynamics of preparing leadership for next year will be very creative
Praying for level heads to prevail...
Morgan