One of the not-so-obvious benefits of our Campus Ministries throughout the Indiana District is the fact that these ministries develop both lay leaders as well as professional leaders for the church. Young people become involved in the workings of the church through their involvement in campus ministry. They learn leadership skills in our campus ministries. Further, our campus ministries give students the opportunity to learn service to others above oneself. Let me share with you some recent examples.
The student fellowship from Indiana University/Purdue University at Fort Wayne (IPFW) participated in a mission trip to Puerto Rico this past March. The students helped the local residents by cleaning up around their houses and helping to paint houses badly in need of repair, shown above.
Another example is from our Campus Ministry at Ball State University. Ball State LCMS U student leaders hosted a youth lock-in at Grace–Muncie on the weekend of March 20 and 21, 2015. Attendees enjoyed Bible study on 1 Timothy 1, discussion on growing in Christ, lots of games, assembling 20 Orphan Grain Train hygiene kits, making Easter cards for shut-ins, and indulging in lots of junk food.
These experiences help to train college students in leadership skills that they will be able to use after graduation, serving in various Lutheran churches. Our Campus Ministries also are a blessing to the church at large in that many young people have been encouraged to consider a full-time church vocation.
Deaconess Shaina Mitchell recently shared with me the names of students who have been or are active in the Campus Ministry who have become church workers or who are preparing to become church workers.
Deaconess Mitchell states: Since summer 2008, several Ball State University and Taylor University students from our Campus Ministry have either gone on to seminary or are soon heading to seminary. Those who are soon to be heading there have received acceptance letters and will begin their coursework by this fall.