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President's Update
by Matt Carter
President of the Campus CrossWalk Board
Spring Edition, Campus CrossWalk, 2008
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The emerging church is fundamentally defined as congregations making a concerted effort to reach emerging generations, which of course, includes those on our campuses. In campus ministry, we can’t help but be in conversation about how to reach these young adults, and we should be at the forefront of those effectively ministering to this generation. We must be aware of issues that are touching the hearts of our students.
As we draw to the close of this academic year, in some ways it’s been a year unlike any other, leaving our campus changed forever. At UNC - Chapel Hill in March, our student body president, Eve Marie Carson, was murdered. She was bright, vivacious, and determined to make the world a better place, and our chancellor, board of trustees members, and faculty all shared how she had impacted their lives, leaving them with a determination to live life more fully.
But it’s not just at UNC that we’ve suffered tragedy this year. In January, a Duke University student, Abhijit Mahato, was murdered. At Northern Illinois University in February, a gunman killed five students and then himself. In March, at the University of Arkansas, Katharine Wood, was murdered, and at Auburn, Lauren Burk was murdered.
The changing face of campus ministry. The changing needs of our campuses and our students. Asking, “Why?” and wondering, “Am I next?” No longer a “safe haven”. We minister to those who are grieving and to those whose world has been forever changed by tragedy, shaping the hearts and minds of an emerging generation.
In the midst of tragedy on our campus, we see a beautiful hope for the future. We see a generation determined to make a difference in the world, to leave it a better place. We see a group of people who care about those across town and around the globe.
At the memorial service on campus, Eve’s father was quoted:
- “The irony of Eve’s murder is that she, along with these blessed friends and fellow students, are the ones who can solve the most pressing problems of this time. Please don’t attribute this to hyperbole or relate it to a father’s sadness. I see a stunningly beautiful convergence of talent and caring in this, our children’s, generation. It is the most fantastic realization.
- I believe that these kids, along with their peers around the globe, can reach reasoned solutions for mitigating violence and tackling many of the inequities of poverty, prejudice, inadequate health care and under-education. This is no pie-in-the-sky wish! These kids are smart!
- They’re so capable.
- They’re more productive because they collaborate and communicate like no generation before them. And what is even more wonderful is their generosity…”
(Remarks of Eve Carson's Father - UNC Site)
In campus ministry, we have a great opportunity to harness this passion for unity, peace, and equity, and equip and empower these students to change the world for God. If we can tap into this pool of socially conscious, intelligent, capable leaders and help them see where their concerns mesh with God’s concerns, we can maximize our opportunity to lead people to Christ and lead Christians to change the world.
God bless you as you minister on your campus,
Matt
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