Latest First Look from Greater Birmingham

Why is being a campus missionary so important?

As a youth worker, I know that you are passionate about reaching this generation with the love and message of Jesus Christ. Why else would you do what you do? Your camp rocked this year, small groups are in full swing and your Wednesday night services this year are going to blow the kids away. But, what about the other students? What do we do about the students who will never EVER come to a church or church sponsored event? These students are also known as... the majority. On average, 12 percent of students attend church. Your numbers may spike to 20 percent if you are in the Bible belt. Don't believe me? Talk to the churches in your community and run the numbers. It will shock and motivate you. I did in Birmingham, Ala., and it was dead on.
Knowing these things, we can all agree that public schools are the largest mission field in the USA. Twelve percent of students attend church, 95 percent attend school. Do the math.
What do we do then? What is our role? You and I are not there 8 hours a day. We are fortunate if we are allowed to each lunch there weekly, do a devotion here and there, and attend the school functions.
Our responsibility is to raise-up Campus Missionaries out of our groups and give them the resources to be successful.
Campus Missionaries are students who care about their friends and others who walk the halls of their campus every day. Campus Missionaries have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They are interested in seeing Jesus have an impact on their campus and in the people they influence. Campus Missionaries are willing to do whatever they can to see that Jesus is represented on their campus.
Becoming a Campus Missionary
To become a Campus Missionary you need to:
· Have a desire to see your campus impacted for Jesus Christ;
· Begin praying daily for the people in your school;
· Be involved in your local church youth ministry;
· Be willing to tell your story and how Jesus has impacted you; and
· Tell the Gospel story to those who will listen.

The Campus Missionary's Priorities
Campus Missionaries have the opportunity to do several things, but none are more important than these:
· Live the life.
Your example of a strong Christian testimony is a powerful tool in your school.
· Pray for your friends and your school.
You may be the only one who is praying for them.
· Tell the story of Jesus.
It all comes down to you presenting Christ at school to those whom you can.
· Begin or support an ongoing campus club or ministry on your campus.
· Give to other missionary efforts.
Your church probably has mission programs or people you can support.

Matt Wilson, First Priority Executive Director