Some surveys say 7 out of 10 high school seniors active in church make NO spiritual connections in college. Other studies say, it is ONLY 6 out of 10 that don't go to church after high school. So, odds are, that includes your son or daughter.....or grandkids. That basically does not count those who disappeared after turning 16 and getting their driver's license.
When I have shared this statistic at Senior Sunday lunches and other Christian graduation events, the parents always smile at me.....which I used to not understand. My wife explained it to me, "They all think it is their kids that will go."
But, I think there is also ANOTHER REASON: Parents don't care! I don't mean to be harsh I have realized that many parents did not go to church while they were in college and they came back to church. So, they just assume the same thing for their daughter or son. I believe in some way or other, that is communicated to their son or daughter. Or, at the very least, there is not communicated any expectation or encouragement to be involved in church and/or a college ministry.
There are two problems with this. First, If they do come back, they bring the issues that developed during this time without spiritual encouragement. Second, they come back with the decisions they made during this "vacation from spiritual connections." They make life choices and often pick a spouse during this time. But, here is another problem: Studies today indicate that many are not coming back after college as many formerly did. I am not saying they will not ever...but.
Here is a less than perfect suggestion: Parents should expect and communicate that they expect spiritual connections in college. Does that guarantee it? Nope. But, most parents communicate expectations about grades and studying. Do the same with spiritual conversations. Just like you ask about grades and going to class, ask about church involvement and attendance. "Where did you go to church Sunday?' "Did you go to the Welcome Party at the campus ministry? You can even tell them in advance that you are planning to ask. Also, many ministries have a special Freshmen event like a "Survival Conference" with lots of fun activities, get acquainted things and spiritual info. Some even have pre-school Retreats or Beach Retreats. Sign them up for one of these. Besides all the good info and meeting other freshmen, they will get connected to upperclassmen who are involved in the ministry.
If you go for "Move-In Weekend" plan to stay for Sunday and all of you attend one of the local college ministry churches. It is a whole lot easier to go somewhere that you have already been once and know how and where to get in, etc. And/or, if you go for Parents Weekend or Homecoming, let them know in advance, that Sunday church will be on the agenda and they can let you know where they want to go.
One way you can increase the odds of their making a spiritual connection: Send their name and contact info to the Baptist Campus Minister or church ministry leader before school starts. College ministry groups are starting to make contacts now.
What a freshman does and who they connect with during the first couple of weeks, goes a LONG way toward determining the arc of their college career.
Want MORE help for your freshman? Check out Arliss Dickerson's book, "Tips for College Freshmen: 124 Tips for Fun, faith & Good Grades, at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.
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