How are your soon-to-be grads preparing to enter into their next life stage?
If you help make a connection to their next faith community, they will be three times more likely to connect with a church and four times more likely to connect with a campus group. “… Most young adults need someone to create a way in for them either through an invitation or an introduction” (Renegotiating Faith).
We have a number of practical next steps for both you and your students:
1. Organize a youth gathering
Discuss your students’ upcoming major life shift. This is a great opportunity to guide and empower the youth in your community! Campus staff from various Christian communities at universities and colleges across Canada would love to help. Having alumni come back to share their experiences is a huge win!
If you’re looking for an interactive group experience consider using the episode of SHIFT>>ENTER to frame your conversation. (Promo video and student-facing video on Vimeo or on YouTube). Stay tuned for the full series coming soon.
2. Connect them with Christian students at college/university
Whether via a presentation or one-on-one, connect your youth personally to other Christians at the university/college they attend. Find their campus-specific Christian contact info on our website and/or help them connect with us, so that they can be followed up personally by their local P2C group.
3. Start (or continue) a mentorship conversation
If you are planning to have one-on-one conversations with graduating youth, check out our Mentorship Resource conversation cards. If you’d like guidance in starting a mentorship relationship, check out our FAQ.
4. Learn via podcasts
Whether you feel like a pro, or not, we know that there is always something new to learn in life, especially about the complex lives of teenagers shifting into post-secondary life! So, whether you’re at your desk, doing the dishes, or exercising in the park, we recommend you have a listen to one or both of these great podcasts:
Youth Ministry Team Podcast, Episode 41: “How do you support students who move away?”
Youth Ministry Team Podcast, Episode 108: “What should you do now to help the faith of students who are soon going to graduate?”
5. Get more tips in your email inbox
Maybe podcasts aren’t your jam and you prefer ingesting knowledge by reading. No problem! We’ve got you covered through our email lists. We have lists for various audiences, including both youth influencers and high school students. What are you waiting for? Sign up here!
6. Involve your church community
We’re all in this together; that’s the power of the Church! Recognizing that power, Power to Change annually encourages churches to pray for students heading to universities and colleges. We specifically designate one Sunday in mid-August as “Every Student Sunday.”
7. Get the welcome mat ready!
The Church forms the backbone of Christian community and so we’re excited for you if your church is in a university/college town. If that’s the case, you could be seeing new youth coming your way! So be sure to welcome them into your church family with all the hospitality know-how we’re sure you already have!
So, how will you help introduce your youth to the next stage in their life?”
