One of the reasons I've always loved college ministry, specifically working as a part of the university, is because it provides ample opportunity to 'do life' with students in their context - the place where the go to class, eat and live.
I've often thought that those who reach out to this group from 'off campus' have a much tougher road... they just don't have the same 'easy access' that comes when your office is located right next to the cafeteria...
The past couple of days have reminded me, however, that whatever kind of benefit that comes from being on campus with students is trumped 100 times over by the experience of traveling with them.
While trips with students might necessitate time away from family, here are some of the major benefits I've been reminded of so far:
- Relationships are accelerated - the kind of relational work that can be accomplished in just a day, let alone a week, can often take a whole semester - if not longer - back on campus
- Students are less distracted - students are on the trip because they want to be there and are likely looking for the deep, meaningful conversations that might accompany the kind of service opportunity that peaked their interest in the trip in the first place.
- We're more in tune - yes, even us college ministers can benefit from getting away from campus, and the responsibilities of home for a short time, and immersing ourselves in activities alongside students.
- God is more easily recognized - when we're all out of our normal routines and boxes... our eyes have the chance to re/adjust to their surroundings and God is often much more easily recognized and experienced!
- Transformation is made easier - when students (and pastor-types) are less distracted, and more easily in-tune with God in their midst, spiritual transformation becomes much more likely!
Opportunities to travel with students don't present themselves very often... but when they do, they are terrific occasions to grow relationships (quickly), experience new things together, and see God work in new and powerful ways.
