about CMI
Campus Ministry International (CMI) was formed to enable and encourage local churches to effectively reach out to the college and university populations in their vicinities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is done by a variety of means, including motivating Districts and churches to establish and maintain campus evangelism, providing materials and training to aid in the formation of these campus ministries, acting as a clearinghouse for the gathering and distribution of new information, ideas, and materials, and establishing communication and cooperation between campus ministries in our fellowship.

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Basic Training—The Fundamentals: Organization

Purpose: To outline different successful approaches to campus ministry, with the caveat that no option is inherently better than another.

In this section we will discuss why a student organization may be preferred, the specific advantages of an organization, what criteria must be met to get one started, and finally, what it takes to keep one going.

Campus Organizations
Although this approach may not work for every situation, a student organization has several advantages that make it both practicable and valuable. A campus organization may be preferred if there are a number of college students in a local church who want to be involved in campus ministry. It is difficult to operate solely on a one-to-one basis if the numbers become unmanageable.

A group meeting is a more efficient way to involve more people. Tasks can be spread out among the group members, depending upon their abilities. Many students who want to help may not be equipped to teach a Bible study or carry the major load of the meeting, but they can distribute flyers, use a computer, or play a guitar.

A campus organization may be preferred if . . .

·         Group dynamics are desired to enhance the efforts of evangelism. It is exciting and impressive to see a group of college students worship God, sing songs of praise, express their faith through public testimonies, and benefit from fellowship with each other in love and joy. Moreover, a group setting offers credibility. Visitors can see for themselves that others believe the same doctrine that the leader teaches. Group participation can be a compelling factor in the conversion of many students.

·         A neutral, non-threatening site is necessary for evangelism. Some students are hesitant about studying the Bible alone with someone they have only recently met. Many refuse outright to attend a church that is not within their traditional upbringing. The only alternative they may consider is an on-campus group meeting that at least allows them to stay on familiar ground and assures them that other students will be nearby. Some are more comfortable with the known, defined purpose of a campus meeting rather than going to someone’s house (or church) where the purpose is somewhat ambiguous.

·         The purpose is to minister to UPCI young people who are in college. Campus meetings easily lend themselves to Bible studies geared directly to their questions, time for prayer focused upon their needs, and fellowship with other students in the same situation. Such meetings cannot replace church attendance, but they do offer a convenient time and place to fill a gap that the church may not be able to fill otherwise.

·         A church feels that this recognition will better enable it to fulfill its mission in the community. A recognized status may grant a voice for righteous influence that would otherwise never be heard and may provide a church a platform from which to witness. Much of this depends upon the aim of the local church, of course, but the church may not be able to influence the college at all without the benefit of a registered organization.

·         The local church wants the ministry to be larger than any individual. An organization with a constitution and by-laws affords some additional controls over the ministry, provides a convenient vehicle for transition from year to year, and contains built-in accountability. Without these safeguards, some campus ministries have been taken over by independent-minded persons who have used their influence and contacts contrary to the wishes of the church and pastor.

Other Privileges

There are some definite advantages to being an official campus organization, including:

·         Reserving meeting rooms without charge to accommodate a group of any size. This includes tables, chairs, a podium, and any other amenities (a piano and a built-in sound-reinforcement system) that may be available.

·         Some universities even provide office space to student organizations, complete with a desk, chair, and phone.

·         Putting flyers on campus bulletin boards to be included in university publications that list or describe student activities, and in some instances, discounts for services such as banquet catering.

·         Getting space in university fairs or exhibits that feature students activities and can set up tract and literature tables in the student union building upon request. In fact, the student union building can essentially become a headquarters for campus evangelism, all with university approval.

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Part seven: Problems That Affect Campus Ministry