Why every college minister should schedule at least one gathering this fall at their home!
Depending on your context, I know it can be sometimes challenging to have a gathering of college students in your home. There are some in more urban environments where hosting more than 3 or 4 people is a real challenge and in more rurl situations where driving out to someone's home can be a trek and then factor in gas and carpool.
However, i would like to share a few reasons why, if possible, you should open your home at some point this fall to students.
1. Castle vs Weapon
I am personally a big fan of the idea of the power of the home that has been highlighted in the movement of church planting. One viewpoint is to see the home as a castle, where the walls are high and entry into the castle is only through the slow drawing of the bridge. Home is haven and a refuge. And, there is a reality that the home should be a safe place and a refuge for the family.
The other....I am not really a castle guy....is using the home as a weapon for the Gospel. Dhati Lewis, NAMB VP, has popularized, maybe coined, the terminology regarding the home. Instead of seeing the home as an isolated citadel, it is more like a weapon we are wielding. We can use the Gospel as a refuge but for more than just ourselves. It can be a safe haven for students who are out in the world more of the time and s seeking a place of comfort and love, a place that can remind them of God's faithfulness.
2. Relationships with your family
One student who was the president of our BCM became like an aunt to our boys. When she arrived on campus, her dad hoped that she would get connected to friends and families that love the Lord. Our boys were 2 and 1 then. The student's father commented how he loves seeing his daughter have such a close relationship with them that she is like an aunt or second mom to them. It takes a village! Our boys have many students that are like family to them and they call them their "friends." They always look forward to having their friends come over to the house to hang out or to have a Bible study. Our families are often stronger when we bring others in. Students, especially ones from out of town, are often looking for a home away from home and love to have families that treat them like family. Share your life with them like we are reminded to in I Thessalonians 2:8.
3.Events to try
A. Cajun Christmas Party. - My wife is from Louisiana. Typically, the Saturday before finals we have students over to eat Gumbo and Jambalaya. Last year we read the "Cajun Christmas" book.
B. Freshmen Leadership Team - We hosted freshmen each Sunday night during the semester for games and leadership talks.
C. Game Nights - We have hosted small group Bible studies for game nights. It helps them connect in a deep and fun way.
D. Christmas Drop In - You can give them all a little gift bag or ornament Christmas present.
E. Tailgating/Watch Party -Away games are a great time to host students at your house.
F. Halloween Party/Bonfire - Doing a bonfire or a fire pit at your house might be a good option. Everyone love some smores! Also, everyone loves dance parties on Halloween complete with costumes and fun.
G. International Student Fishing - If you have a pond, bring students over to fish. You just need a pond, some bait, and a pole.
H. Swim Party - If you have a pool, invite students over to swim. It doesn't have to be your entire ministry. You can do girls or guys or a certain class.
I. Game Night - There are all kinds of games you can play at your house. To keep cost down, you can provide desserts and drinks.
Adam Venters is the BCM Campus Minister for the Metro ministry in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com/dp/B091F5S1RF or the already classic, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY is at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX
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