Biblical scholars and Christian authorities agree that Christian college students walk away from their faith at an alarming rate. In a recent presentation to college student mentors, Dr. Del Tackett, author of The Truth Project and Professor at Focus on the Family Institute, said he is following research of Christian college students that is designed to find out at what rate they are actually leaving the faith; and early results show that it is well over 60%. These students either change their viewpoints altogether (becoming atheists, agnostics, homosexuals, addicts, etc) or at a minimum, they remain silent and alone. College professors often target Christian students with criticism and campus environments are often hostile toward believers.
We need to spiritually undergird our college students for what they will face in college. This new College Encouragement Ministry will establish a group of adult encouragers who will "adopt" a college student and commit to pray for them and communicate with them throughout the school year. By establishing this relationship back home, students will know that the church is significant and cares for them in a real and tangible way. Each year, Salem will pair new encouragers and students together in the hope of establishing friendships and lasting bonds between generations. Any individual can adopt a student or Sunday School classes can adopt several students.
The generation going to college now will become the leaders of tomorrow, so we invite you to join us in praying for and encouraging these next generation leaders through this new ministry. If you are interested in adopting a college student or would like more information about this ministry opportunity, please contact:
Cindy Windom | 678.773.7306
Christy Cook | 404.202.7979 Gary Jarnagin | 770.957.4543
