As International Student Ministries continue to proclaim, “The nations are here,” creative methods of engaging them through friendships develop. Traditionally, we have engaged through friendship partners, church family “adoptions,” conversation partners, conversational English groups, intramurals, class study partners, holiday hosting, cultural events, and a variety of other ways. The purpose of these programs and methods is…
Some have recently suggested that downplaying a focus on the authority of the Bible is a necessary evangelistic strategy in reaching people who do not recognize the authority of the Bible. Much of my ministry is focused on reaching people from around the world who have no allegiance to the authority of the Bible whatsoever. On…
With international student ministries (ISMs) across the country…it seems that the leadership pool is often entirely student leaders or entirely community leaders (i.e. non-student, adult volunteers). Or when both are in leadership, they still function separately from one another in the ministry. But leaders in their 20s…and leaders in their 70s…and everything in between all have…
Each year, millions of international students make their way to the U.S. and Canada to study at one of our many universities or colleges. God is bringing the nations to our doorstep! We must be found faithful in welcoming them! Over the past several years, the Baptist Collegiate Network has deemed September Welcoming the Nations month.…
September 1: Pray for international students to be welcomed by American students and families. September 2: Pray for the many international scholars that are making American university campuses their home. September 3: Pray for international students struggling with language and cultural challenges.
One of the key ways to connect with internationals (and any students for that matter!) is to be intentional in meeting their needs. Below is a listing of ways to connect with international students in your community throughout the fall semester. Be strategic in meeting the needs of these students and intentional in sharing God’s love…
For many years, the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as other Great Commission Christian groups, have encouraged local churches to “embrace” unreached and unengaged people groups through prayer, short-term missions, and church planting. While that remains an important and valuable strategy, today’s diaspora expands the possibilities of reaching the unreached in…
Episode 50: Evangelism Toolbox – Perspective Cards – Collegiate Collective. If you’re looking for effective tools to engage students in spiritual conversations, Perspective Cards are it. The Cards include various topics for conversation starters which help students discover and/or discuss their own worldviews. It allows for a way to talk about the meaning and purpose of…
China, India, and South Korea may lead in the numbers of students studying in the United States, but the number of students from Saudi Arabia pursuing education in the US is gradually increasing over the years. Many may be on your campus. We will be featuring more resources to help share with Muslim students. Here are…