As the campus ministry arm of Higher Things, Christ on Campus seeks to connect high-school and college age youth with faithful Lutheran campus ministries and assists congregations and campus ministries in their faithful service to Lutheran college students. The Christ on Campus Chapter network plays an integral role in doing just that.
Christ on Campus does not directly “do” campus ministry, but encourages and supports the development and maintenance of faithful Lutheran Confessional campus ministry wherever it is taking place. In doing so, Christ on Campus does not seek to plant or encourage campus ministry in competition with existing LCMS campus ministries, but rather to strengthen existing campus ministries and offer help and support to those who wish to start campus outreach where none is taking place.
Who is eligible to become a Christ on Campus Chapter?
Any LCMS congregation or campus ministry organization may apply to become a Christ on Campus Chapter. Those who might consider joining the chapter network might include, but are not limited to:- Existing full or part-time campus ministries
- Congregations committed to part-time campus ministry and outreach at local colleges, universities, community colleges, or vocational institutes
- Other campus ministry related organizations
- Groups desirous of planting a campus outreach where none presently exists
What criteria does Christ on Campus use in evaluating potential new chapters?
Those who would seek to be a part of our chapter network are expected to:- Teach and practice according to the Lutheran Confessions
- Encourage worship according to the Lutheran liturgical tradition
- Adhere to synodical standards for communion fellowship
- Provide pastoral care and a welcoming environment for college students
What can Chapters expect from Christ on Campus?
Christ on Campus will- Provide continued support to those Chapters who seek help in building, developing and expanding their local campus ministry outreach
- Provide a link and basic information for each chapter at the Christ on Campus area of the Higher Things web site
- Include the name and location of each Christ on Campus Chapter in any campus ministry print materials distributed via regular mail
- Provide information about each Chapter at various Christ on Campus booth displays at Higher Things conferences and other synodical events
- Offer additional online opportunities to highlight Chapters and their ministries
- Encourage high school students and others to utilize the list of Cchapters as an aid to their researching where to attend college
- Provide each Chapter with one free Higher Things magazine subscription (or extend an existing subscription if one is still current)
What is expected of a Christ on Campus Chapter?
It is expected that Christ on Campus Chapters will- Support the mission and objectives of Higher Things and Christ on Campus
- Promote and cultivate interest in Higher Things in general, and Christ on Campus in particular
- Publicly identify themselves as a Christ on Campus Chapter by prominently displaying the Christ on Campus and Higher Things logos/links on their web pages
- Make various Higher Things and Christ on Campus related materials as readily available as possible (magazines, brochures, Reflections, conference information, etc.)
- Encourage college students to attend various Higher Things and Christ on Campus events and become involved as volunteers
- Help identify other churches, campus ministries, individuals or organizations that might be interested in also learning more about Higher Things and Christ on Campus