We Need Women in College Ministry

We need women in college ministry.  This is not a "liberal rant" or a response to anything other than the realities of college campuses and college students.

Women make up 56% of those attending college.  There are more women there.  Most college ministries have more women involved than men.  That goes to the number on campus and the greater difficulty in reaching guys...... which is another issue.

Why do we need women in college ministry?

-Young women are searching for godly women role models.  There are a ton of different messages in our society about how women are to act and be.  So, what is a Christian woman supposed to act like and do?  Role models are needed.  I love it when I see both single women and married women with children serving in college ministry.  Students are watching and learning.

-Do we really want our culture to be the only voice on college campuses as to what it means to live as a woman in today's world?

-Sexual assault is more of an issue on college campuses than the public number will ever demonstrate. But, the reported numbers are disturbing enough.  And, I am not accusing colleges of covering up those realities....although seemingly, some do.  Rather, sexual assault is likely the most under reported of any sort of crime.  I am glad when there is a trusted Christian woman they can talk to about it.

Why do we not have more women in college ministry?

-Unfortunately, women in college ministry have been caught in the debate over ordination and women being pastors of churches.  I have worked with several great women in college ministry.  None of them wanted to be the pastor of a church....or wanted to be ordained, but they did want to be appreciated.  I (a guy) served several years in college ministry before I was ordained.  It is not a necessity in most situations.

-Also, young women are not hearing us say we need them there.  Let's say it.  We need women in college ministry.

Lots more could be said.  Again, this is not about any great theological debate, it is simply the reminder that women are needed in Christian roles on college campuses.  They lead Bible studies in girls dorms, sorority houses, work with women's athletic teams, etc. That's not all they do, but its a task most guy College Ministers do not do well. Also, I have seen that there are some issues college guys would rather talk to a woman about.  And if there are more women on college campuses, we ought to be serious about reaching them.

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger, and author.  His book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in Arliss Dickerson or the title.