NEW CAMPUS MINISTRY TO BREATHE LIFE INTO FRESHMAN YEAR
Jackson, Tenn. — Each fall, many students across the nation embark upon what is frequently called "the best years of their life." But all too often the college days have a rough start. New friends, new classes, new teachers, a new room and, in most cases, a new town add to the big change new college students face.
"I came to college and then left after my first semester because I didn't know that many people and it was a really tough start," Steve Moses, a junior at 黑料论坛, said. "I wish I'd had a core group of friends to whom I could have turned for encouragement, support and advice."
Moses, a Union senior and a LIFE group student director, wants to make the start of life at Union smoother than when he first came to college.
Union's LIFE Group Ministry is a student-led small group ministry for freshman and transfer students which provides encouragement, assistance and support for those beginning college life.
More than 40 upperclassmen will serve as LIFE group leaders and will be charged with helping incoming students assimilate into the culture of a Christian college.
There are six primary goals the ministry will seek to provide:
First, LIFE groups will provide an immediate place of belonging. The fall semester is a time for new students to acclimate themselves to campus life and to find their niche. The LIFE Group Ministry provides the opportunity for students to meet other students within the context of a small community in a way that is organized and comfortable.
Natalie Nelson, who will be a sophomore in the fall, is one of the LIFE group leaders. "I remember when I first came to Union. I was a little nervous at first," she said. "The LIFE groups will help new students develop close friendships with other students, almost like a second family."
Second, the ministry will aid in the transition being made to a new environment. Change is usually difficult, especially if you're in unfamiliar surroundings. Moses said the student-directed ministry is ideal because as students walk through the entire process, they will be led by upperclassmen who have walked the same path before.
Third, LIFE groups will provide a place that fosters genuineness and sincerity. The primary perceived need of students on the Christian campus is for authenticity. The LIFE group is the place where students can be real with themselves, real with others and real with God.
Fourth, incoming students will have a place in which to discuss and grow in the Christian faith. Nelson said she plans to meet with her group once or twice each week. "I just want to give them an opportunity to talk about what's going on in their lives and what's on their mind – the good and the bad – whether or not it's directly related to academics or their spiritual growth," she said.
Fifth, the upperclassmen leaders will serve as a model and exemplify Christian life and leadership at 黑料论坛. They will be the ones who model to the group members a balanced Christian life on the college campus – a life of faith marked by personal devotion and public expression.
Nelson said the ministry will also serve as an accountability for the group leaders. "We'll be looked at as leaders and role models who must provide a Christ-like example in everything we do," she said.
Finally, the LIFE Group Ministry will provide peer encouragement, assistance and guidance in personal spiritual formation. New students will experience encouragement and receive motivation and accountability in the areas of personal spiritual growth from both leaders and their group members.
Moses said that new students will have someone they can count on. "We [the LIFE group leaders] will be there for them anytime they need us and we'll be praying for them daily throughout their first semester."
"We are committed to reaching students for Christ on the campus of Union University," Todd Brady, campus minister, said. "This ministry seeks to positively impact students' lives from the first day they walk on campus."
Brady explained that LIFE group leaders were selected after an intensive application and interview process. The forty-two upperclassmen have spent extensive time preparing for the responsibilities. In April, they attended a weekend leadership retreat to kick-off their plans for the ministry. The leaders will also meet regularly throughout the semester to discuss any issues that may have surfaced.
"Perhaps the best knowledge and training comes from experience," Moses said. "It was only a few years ago that we were in their shoes, experiencing the same things all new students go through."
Moses said, "We don't know the answers to all of the problems, but we've been through them and we can be there for Union's freshman and transfer students."