Campus Ministry Connection

by Jennifer Fouse with Dan Dunaway

As the first days of 2007 passed by, over 500 college students gathered together in North Carolina to experience the 12th annual Montreat College Conference. “I’m truly glad that I came to Montreat,” commented one participant. “It warmed my heart to be a part of that community. Since I’ve been in college I’ve felt somewhat isolated from the greater Presbyterian community. I’ve found myself feeling discouraged by the church I love, frustrated because it often seems impossible to draw any young adults to any of the church program of which I am a part."

From students who are searching for where God is leading them to students who are searching for what and in whom they believe, the theme “Searching for God Knows What” was real and relevant. Another student attending commented that the theme was “ironically appropriate for where I’m at in my life. Even though I find myself unable to believe in God, I am searching. Like any other college student I’m trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do with my life; where I can make a difference in the world; and how to make it through all the other challenges young adults face. I could easily relate to a feeling of searching for something unknown.”

Donald Miller speaking

Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What (among several other books), provided two insightful, funny and thought-provoking keynote sessions. Although those who attended held various beliefs, as evidenced by an open forum held with Dr. Steve Hayner from Columbia Seminary on Friday evening, Miller was able to offer both hope and challenge in what it means to follow Jesus Christ today.

Worship was a meaningful aspect of the conference. Using Epiphany as the theme in worship, we were all invited on the journey of the wise men, who were searching for the Christ child in order to worship him. The House (campus ministry at UTChattanooga) praise band led us in worship throughout the weekend. Rev. Alice Ridgill, Chaplain at Thornwell Home and School for Children in Clinton, SC, preached about the wisdom of the wisemen in their seeking, serving and submitting to Christ and how we, too, can follow in their footsteps.

Conference Theme: “Searching for God Knows What”

Workshops were also held on various topics ranging from songwriting to leading a Bible study to changing the world to responsible consumerism to being creative and so on. Well known musicians Jonathan Kingham and David LaMotte shared their gifts and talents throughout the weekend as well.

“This weekend I rediscovered hope. I am reminded that there IS a larger body of young people who DO care deeply about their faith, and are not merely sitting on the sidelines waiting for life and God to happen to them.”

Thanks be to God for God’s faithfulness! We look forward to seeing even more college aged folks next year at Montreat!