Reaching students with campus ministry
Divine Word, Plover, Wis., serves the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus ministry. Every Thursday, 20 to 25 students meet to study God’s Word and to share in a meal prepared by volunteers from the congregation.
But the congregation has decided to take its campus ministry efforts further. With financial support from the WELS Campus Ministry Committee, Divine Word plans to call a second pastor to serve not only the campus, but eventually the Stevens Point community. The goal is that a second pastor will be able to offer more fellowship opportunities and spiritual guidance as well build stronger relationships with the students.
Campus ministry has been an important ministry to Divine Word, as it offers nearby college students a church home and the opportunity to continue building their relationship with God, explains Mr. Scott Dimler, congregation president. He says, “In order to have any successful program that we do at Divine Word, the congregation has to be not only supportive with volunteering their time and talents, but also it is an important part of our ministry, so we do have budget money set aside each year to support it.”
Rev. Ken Brokmeier, chairman of the WELS Campus Ministry Committee, says, “If a congregation is interested, the Campus Ministry Committee is happy to try to partner with local congregations to get something going.” Brokmeier says the Campus Ministry Committee has funds available to help congregations get a campus ministry off the ground and is able to provide guidance on operating a campus ministry program and how the congregation can get involved.
Casey Urbanek, a student at UW-Stevens Point, says, “Being able to meet with other students who share a faith with me and being able to study God’s Word with them is truly a blessing. Campus ministry provides an opportunity for me to step away from all the stress and challenges of college life and focus on my relationship with God while growing in faith with other students.”
To sign up with Campus Ministry and get Forward in Christ magazine and Meditations mailed to you for free, visit www.wels.net/campus-ministry.
