Annual conferences are providing essential continuing education to campus ministers who serve in the name of Jesus Christ in the academic world for the sake of the faith lives of young adults.

Since 1998, the annual publication of the Beloit College Mindset List has introduced its readers to the newest class of entering college students in a fun, thought-provoking way. Each August, things get rolling with a general shock to the system when the list leads with the birth year of most first year students (this year: 1988). Yet, more significant challenges come through the list's exploration of a generation's general contours. Consider these introductory points regarding cultural touchstones of the class of 2010:

They grew up with a mouse in one hand and a computer screen as part of their worldview. They learned to surf the internet as they learned to read. While they were still in their cribs, the 20th century started to close as the Berlin Wall came down, the Soviet bloc disintegrated, and frequent traditional wars in Latin America gave way to the uncontrolled terrors of the Middle East.... They expect solutions for every problem, from baldness to diseased organs. ¹

Although initially created as a resource for faculty discussions at Beloit College, the list has proven a useful tool for many others, including campus and parish ministers who work with young adults both on and off campus. As with Web-based resources like Harris Interactive's Trends & Tudes or the more college campus-specific Ivy Jungle Network, the Beloit list helps focus attention on particular needs and the cultural context of today's young adults. ² Offering insights into some experiences of a small segment of the population, these resources deepen the capacity of church leaders to build programs consonant with Lutheran campus ministry's aims.

In a foreword to an electronic book of essays celebrating 100 years of Lutheran campus ministry, Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson delights in how such work with young adults across the ELCA is vital to the church's life, ministry, and mission. He commends the work of those who are present "where the most searching questions of life and faith are being asked," and he reminds the church of its commitment to these young adults "who — perhaps for the first time — are being immersed in a culture that is intellectually challenging, culturally diverse, and miles from home." ³

Gathering at Loyola
Such work is exhilarating, but it takes more than sociologists' scorecards and cultural indices to learn the particular contours of this vigorous and deeply rewarding work. To that end, ELCA campus ministry staff and friends gather regularly at conferences that provide opportunities for mutual support, idea sharing, and focused continuing education.

In addition to an annual churchwide campus ministry event held in the summer, at least three regional conferences each winter bring together campus ministers and other interested church leaders who work with young adults. In February 2006, a group of leaders in the areas of outdoor ministry, youth ministry, campus ministry, seminaries, and Lutheran colleges gathered at the New Ebenezer Conference Center in Rincon, Georgia. There, groups focused on areas of concern for all of these ministry areas and discussed ways in which they can partner on a large scale.

Sue Mendenhall, an associate in ministry serving the Florida-Bahamas Synod as a specialist for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, underscored how a gathering of such ministry partners celebrates the partners' "new-found unity while recognizing and cherishing its diversity." She reminded leaders, "Together we are 'one body, many members; one spirit, a variety of gifts; one church, various callings' living together in God's amazing grace." ⁴

This year's annual churchwide campus ministry conference will take place at Loyola University's downtown Chicago campus June 25-28. Keynote speakers Sharon Daloz Parks and Christian Scharen will assist participants to explore the ELCA Campus Ministry's 2007 Centennial theme that emphasizes its ongoing mission: expanding minds, deepening faith, inspiring service. In particular, Sharon Parks will invite a new examination of the charge to those whose ministry focuses on young adults with their "Big Questions and Worthy Dreams" (also title of her 2000 book that explores "Mentoring Young Adults in Their Search for Meaning, Purpose, and Faith"). Scharen, ELCA pastor and director of the Faith as a Way of Life Program at Yale University's Center for Faith and Culture, will examine provocative and engaging ways to sing and speak faith as he picks up themes from his 2006 book, One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God. ⁵ Keynote addresses will be complemented by exchanges with campus ministry practitioners regarding the speakers' presentations and recent publications.

Postmodern Challenges
As with the 2006 conference that brought together Lutheran and Episcopal campus ministers to explore multilayered meanings of the theme "Wireless Fidelity," participants in this year's gathering will continue to look for ways to address the challenges of a postmodern world to those within the church who seek to bear faithful witness to the hope that fills us. With assistance from Terry MacArthur, music and choir director at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva (Switzerland), those gathered in Chicago also will join together in daily worship — delighting in various resources from around the world, exploring new rhythms in song and speech.

Such gatherings provide essential continuing education for ELCA leaders who are gifted with the responsibilities and privileges of serving in academic settings where people are invited more deeply into Jesus Christ and the community that bears his name in order that all may discover and fulfill their vocation as disciples. Such events offer a further leavening to the whole church as participants return to local congregations and share their insights, questions, hopes, and dreams.

More Resources Re: Young Adults Information about the spiritual interests of young adults can be found at www.spirituality.ucla.edu. Practical suggestions of how your congregation can support young adults and campus ministry are available for download.

If you are unable to attend an upcoming campus ministry conference, consider inviting a campus minister to come to you. Ask her to share stories of how work with young adults fills her with hope for the church; invite him to explore with you some new insight gleaned from this year's annual conference. In the conversations, we all will be strengthened for the church's shared work of support and nurture for young adults.