STEP: STudent Ecumenical Partnership

You are what they're waiting for

Meredith Jackson What do you lose when you leave your home church?
What do you seek?
What can you find?

These are the questions on the minds of incoming college and university students, their families, friends, and their church communities. How will young people hold their faith in the face of the high-speed life of college? Is there a place where young people can find balance, roots, and a reminder of what they left at home?

There can be. The opportunity for community, God, and a sense of justice in the world is there. It exists in the world. It is the job of our churches to take hold of this opportunity and further the mission of Jesus in the lives of college students. Do justice — teach young people to raise their voice for the least of those among us. Love kindness — guide young people to be Samaritans in the world. Walk humbly — live in recognition that we are blessed with life and are given the opportunity to rise to the challenge put before us as Christians. To follow Jesus, preach his word, and praise God in every moment.

This is the job of the church. Not fighting over kitchen organization or the installation of a new hymnal. Time is precious and should not be wasted, particularly when it comes to young people. Let's rise to the challenge and reach out towards our mission to and with college students — students ready and willing to love and learn and seeking companions on their journey.

We know that young people wonder what lies before them. Why not step up and be what they've been waiting for?

Meredith's previous stories:

Meredith Jackson is a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Santa Rosa, California, and works at the Cal Aggie Christian Association.



		You are what they're waiting for What do you lose when you leave your home church? What do you seek? What can you find? These are the questions on the minds of incoming college and university students, their families, friends, and their church communities. How will young people hold their faith in the face of the high-speed life of college? Is there a place where young people can find balance, roots, and a reminder of what they left at home? There can be. The opportunity for community, God, and a sense of justice in the world is there. It exists in the world. It is the job of our churches to take hold of this opportunity and further the mission of Jesus in the lives of college students. Do justice — teach young people to raise their voice for the least of those among us. Love kindness — guide young people to be Samaritans in the world. Walk humbly — live in recognition that we are blessed with life and are given the opportunity to rise to the challenge put before us as Christians. To follow Jesus, preach his word, and praise God in every moment. This is the job of the church. Not fighting over kitchen organization or the installation of a new hymnal. Time is precious and should not be wasted, particularly when it comes to young people. Let's rise to the challenge and reach out towards our mission to and with college students — students ready and willing to love and learn and seeking companions on their journey. We know that young people wonder what lies before them. Why not step up and be what they've been waiting for? Meredith's previous stories: Rebuilding the movement and reenergizing the passion Singing out values from within From talk to action for marriage equality The intersection of faith and politics Meredith Jackson is a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Santa Rosa, California, and works at the Cal Aggie Christian Association.