As we celebrate the wonder of the Word made flesh (John 1:1-14), it is also amazing to see that Story come alive on campus among faculty, staff and students this fall. Each story of connecting with new faculty and staff at open houses, each conversation during Tuesday prayer lunches, each episode of navigating the dynamics of university system–they are part of the larger narrative that transforms lives, renews the campus, and develops world-changers. Consider how you might pray, partner, or participate as you read four stories from this next chapter of ministry:The fall “Open House” for Faculty & Staff Ministry was a new event, as a result of one faculty’s desire to invite the university community into a group that often was thought a well-kept secret. The email was delivered via the campus-wide distribution system late one evening, and by the next morning, I had heard the buzz through another staff on campus… and the report sounded like the beginning of a mudslide. By later afternoon, I had personally heard from a number of recipients who wanted no further contact, and questioned the legitimacy of Faculty ministry on campus. However, God had greater plans: 49 people clicked through to the invitation, and over the next month or so I met with six faculty & staff that are excited to connect with fellow Christians on campus!
Identifying, encouraging and equipping Christian faculty & staff are the bread and butter of staff work, so connecting with new people is a blessing, and then the question becomes how to engage people with community… which I tend to assume involves physical presence.O contraire! Three nurses stopped to visit at the Academia + Faith book reception this month and mentioned that they appreciate the weekly Faculty Ministry email that is sent to about 75 recipients (which never, ever gets a reply). She further noted that she loves the changes this year from a simple invite to the ongoing Tuesday prayer lunch, to an expanded format with the lectionary scripture, articles of interest, and more. I rejoiced that God was knitting together a community through the experience of a simple, faithful communique–and creating pathways for encouraging other shared experiences.
This year we hosted an Academia+Faith book reception before the campus break for Christmas to give people an opportunity to enjoy “other” reading for a couple weeks, and offer a low-barrier event for newcomers or the curious to preview this faculty and staff ministry. The faculty and staff of the Tuesday prayer lunch group personally invited many colleagues! Seventeen visitors came to “browse, borrow or buy” four tables of newly released titles from InterVarsity Press, Zondervan, Baker Books and more. This included three from nursing, three students, and SIX faculty from criminal justice studies. The conversations were rich, and one former department chair really kept me on my toes theologically as he challenged the identity of God and the worth of humankind to such a God. That follow-up visit will be interesting (please pray for clarity and mutuality)…
Finally, it is a great joy to experience God’s faithfulness to build a sustainable ministry one person at a time, one gift at a time. As a “type A” personality, my plans are continually thwarted– but I learn (and re-learn) to rest and trust in God’s provision to provide opportunities to tell the stories and invite others along. Perhaps I will write soon about the wonderful insights God gave me during a three-week study & practicum on the topic of Generosity. In the meantime, I rejoice to count among the growing partners six alumni of this campus, and two faculty/staff! Its time now to plant the winter bulbs and pray for more blooms in the Spring to press further into Faculty-Staff Ministry.
We also live with hopeful expection that God is already at work on campus, and so pray for God’s spirit as I am faithful to identify, encourage, and equip faculty & staff believers who gather colleagues, pray for one another, and bless the university community. Perhaps the upcoming story will include an enclave of women faculty, or generous new partners for the next chapter, or an Easter gathering to engage the campus? Consider playing a role in this story by committing to Pray, Partner, or Participate this winter… and be part of what God has in store for this campus (and surrounding campuses!)
Thank you for your prayers,
and any way you are able to help Faculty Ministry
transform lives and renew the campus!
Kirsten, chapter planter
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