Have you heard?
Christians are judgmental.
At least most of us are.
And today’s young people know it.
In fact, recent research conducted by the Barna Group shows that the judgmental nature of Christians is one of the biggest ‘turn-offs’ to Christianity — for young Christians and non-Christians alike.
As a result of this, in a sort of reverse-judgmentalism, many college students are coming to campus with their minds made up about us.
We, like all of the other Christians out there, are just waiting to cast judgment on the lifestyle choices these young people make.
Unfair you say?
I agree.
And so would they.
But our present reality is that you and I, as college ministers, start in a ‘hole’ that we must dig our way out of before students will give us the time of day.
Before we (and the faith we represent) can be seen as safe or trustworthy, we need to prove ourselves.
But how is that possible if students have already made up their minds?
Again, they would say, ‘how does that feel?’
Well, without getting to speak to each student individually (as nice as that would be), I think we need to have a reputation of grace that proceeds us.
I believe that the issues surrounding sex, sexuality and faith are some of the biggest hurdles young believers face.
They already feel SO MUCH tension, anxiety, pain, angst, struggle, embarrassment and shame as it relates to some of the things they think about, or participate in, and they need to know that we will be a safe place for them to bring all of their ‘sexual junk’ — knowing full well that they will not be judged — but accepted. And loved.
If this is not where you (or your ministry, or your students) find yourself… all is not lost.
Some of us may have some serious work to do.
Some of us may have some amends to make.
Some of us may need to seek out the forgiveness of those we have judged. And hurt. And shamed. Before we can expect our reputations to change.
But it can happen.
One student at a time.
We have been given the opportunity, during an incredibly formative season of life for these students, to be agents of grace.
A high calling indeed!
- How’s your reputation on campus?
- Would students classify you, your ministry, your students… as administers of grace? Or shame?
- If need be, what changes can you make today to help change your identity and/or reputation, such that students will KNOW that you are safe?
I’d love to know what you think!
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Guy Chmieleski – I am the founder of faithoncampus.com and the University Minister at Belmont University
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