Finding a good church that relates to you in college is quite the task for anyone. The college years are a time for students to engage in new ideas and start making life decisions for themselves. But the demands of school, work and life itself can turn Sundays into extra slots to relax instead of a day for service.
The church can be a source of strength, family and finance and it still holds important value today.
So if a church has these 3 components, it is a sure fit for you:
1. Some of the best inspiration comes from inside the church
Merriam-Webster defines the word “inspiration” as: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation.
The church is the catalyst that propels me to success. I lost count of the many times I have received inspiration when I really needed it. But I do appreciate the times when I feel like giving up during midterms or on an exam because, thanks to the church, the help and confidence I need is always near.
2. The right church takes care of its students
The church will make sure that you are stable. (My Pastor has never forgotten my birthday and he always sends gifts for Christmas.)
One of the greatest things about the church I attend in college is that service is tailored exclusively for college students, organized by college students–which is why I think it is very effective. This service runs for a little more than an hour and afterwards they feed all of the college students, which encompasses anywhere between 500-700 students.
Compassion is intentional. You will feel it when you find a great church that is led by a great Pastor. And while being away from home is never easy, the right church can make it somewhat easier to cope with.
3. The right church offers scholarships for students
Must I say more about scholarships? Everyone needs scholarships to pay for school. Obama once told college students: “College is a luxury.”
Churches can turn a costly experience into a money saver. Churches will push you to a better college experience. It is your choice to choose a church that will love you and show compassion throughout your entire stay.
Here is something I took note of from the message during last week’s service at my campus church: The preacher talked about what it meant to transform from a wounded person to a person with scars. Rev. Justin Lester said: “Don’t allow your pain to rule you. God allows hurt in your life to show you how strong you really are,” and “Show your scars.”
He is right. And it tells that some inspiration can be found in a great church.
