n estimated 60,000 or more Seventh-day Adventist students attend secular colleges and universities in North America. In other words, three times more Adventist young adults attend secular schools than they do denominationally operated institutions of higher learning.

The church has attempted to minister to these students, but other than Dialogue magazine, the initiative has been with local pastors, congregations, or conferences. A divisionwide coordinated plan to nurture and empower these valuable church members has not been in place. That is about to change.

We know these students want to link with the church--they have said so. They have specific needs unique to their situations--we can meet those needs. They want to grow spiritually and witness to their friends and classmates--we can help that happen. They want to be empowered to use their gifts for the church now and in the future through mentoring--we want that too.

What can be done? The establishment of a new endowment will create a flow of funds to help meet the spiritual needs of Adventist students in secular settings. The plan calls for using income from the endowment to contract with Adventist students already on secular campuses. They are already in place; they know the school and the local needs. The student leader will be paid to work a specific number of hours and will identify other Adventist students, staff, and faculty on their campus; set up a means of communication with those individuals; maintain ongoing contact with those listed; conduct regular meetings with the local pastor and/or conference liaison; and conduct or sponsor regular meetings of the Adventist on-campus group.

Student leaders will not only be paid, but will earn valid academic credit through Griggs University. They will work with on- and off-site mentors to assist in developing their leadership skills.

An accountability system will be set up to meet the specific needs of each student group and leader. Linkage will include the local pastor, local conference/union, and the North American Division.

A "care kit" of books, resources, leadership materials on small group process, and tips on how to organize and charter a locally recognized campus organization will be provided to each group leader.

An application and evaluation process including their local pastor and conference officials will select student leaders. The aim is to select the best-qualified students and to mentor their leadership skills as they provide linkage to the church and other students.

Plans ultimately include a Web page, video conferencing, and training for participants.

Who wins? Everyone. The student experiences spiritual growth, obtains experience in leadership, and receives academic credit and part-time income. Others get a warm caring group of believers. The church acquires ongoing contact, outreach, and ultimately better-trained people who have had frontline experience in leadership. Most important, we can keep our young adults involved in the church and in outreach to their friends.

We could mourn the 60,000 or more who are not in Adventist schools, or we can look at them as 60,000 missionaries in waiting. We elect to do the latter.

Look for more information as the plan develops. Your prayers, input, ideas, and funds are appreciated.

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Richard Stenbakken is director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.