BY GINA JACOB

UR SCHOOLS JUST AREN'T SPIRITUAL anymore," the woman responded sadly. Her comment caught me off guard.

I was visiting my home church and was greeted by members, as always, with questions about my life--especially now that I've graduated from college. Her words, as far as I could tell, did not spring from her personal experience; rather, she had heard reports that clouded her perspective on the state of Adventist higher education. As I drove home, her words echoed in my mind, and I struggled with how to respond.

Sharing My Experiences
In addition to attending Adventist schools from kindergarten through college, I'm currently working on a project sponsored by the North American Division (NAD) to collect information about the spiritual activities at Adventist colleges and universities. Having visited all NAD Adventist institutions except Canadian University College, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, and Kettering College of Medical Arts, I have a unique perspective on Adventist higher education that I'm eager to share in response to this concern about dwindling campus spirituality.

I have yet to find a weakening religious vision or expression. Instead, I have seen campuses that are vigorously tackling the Great Commission. Students in Adventist colleges today still have a passion for ministry, and they are complemented by faculty and staff who are deeply committed to nurturing young people.

A Potluck of Spiritual Opportunities
My findings have been surprisingly rich and diverse, with each school nurturing spiritual growth in ways unique to their environment. This potluck of spiritual activities has further illustrated to me that spirituality is alive and well--in many different ways--in Adventist higher education. Here is a quick taste of some of the spiritual fare available at Adventist colleges.

Andrews University's spiritual programs are supported by faculty, staff, students, and members of the community. Chapel Choices, a creative small group worship experience, is led by faculty, staff, and students twice a semester. Parents are also involved in spiritual programs at Andrews. What began two years ago as a handful of students meeting for breakfast and Bible study in their parents' homes on Sabbath mornings has now grown to hundreds of participants. The Higher Ground Sabbath School now meets in the school's cafeteria; parents of the first participants still buy, cook, and serve breakfast for all the students. Another student-led ministry bursting at the seams is the Mosaic afterglow, an innovative after-vespers program. Mosaic, launched several years ago, hosts hundreds of students and a different format every week.

Atlantic Union College's students guide and individualize their own spiritual journeys. One highlight of their campus ministry department is a vibrant student-led church service. They also foster a wellness program that sponsors themed holistic cafés that include "open mike" poetry nights and student-created "commercials" for healthy foods, herbs, and practices. Atlantic Union also features a growing women's ministries program. "Our [college] president is very supportive of missions. He's made sure that we have a budget to work with," said Marc Julmisse, senior nursing major. "The individuals in leadership here are praying people, and that makes a huge difference."

Columbia Union College can boast of its creative and innovative worship experiences. Because of current building projects, campus ministry staff have needed to be more inventive in finding locations and activities for spiritual programs. One positive program that has emerged is called Chapel 4 You and features four simultaneous chapel experiences from which students can choose: a traditional service with a speaker, an exploration of other faiths' beliefs, a discussion on real-life issues as seen in media and entertainment, and a praise music service. Friday night vespers, now meeting in the college cafeteria, has also transformed into a worship café with rotating programs such as student improvisations on spiritual topics, Christian musical groups, and art and poetry exhibitions.

Nearly 300 La Sierra University students flock to local churches each Sabbath, with teams of students sharing praise and worship songs, drama, special music, and inspiring messages. La Sierra students also lead Sabbath schools, youth rallies, and First Service, a Friday night church service that connects students to the community. Based on the program's topic of discussion, a booth is set up after each First Service that offers students opportunities for social action. "We want to have people make the connection between spiritual beliefs and social realities," said Geoff Blake, a sophomore.

"I really feel that what brings students together with true passion for spiritual activities is the message--Christ-centered and Bible-based," said Loma Linda University senior Tim Arakawa, who also serves as student body religious vice president. The second annual evangelistic series hosted on their campus reflects Loma Linda students' strong leadership and commitment to mission. Entitled "Restoration 2004," the series will run for two weeks and three weekends. "It is our obligation and privilege [as students] to spearhead the spiritual momentum on our campus," said Arakawa.

Along with strong Adventist Youth (AY) and literature evangelism programs, socially conscientious students at Oakwood College are most excited about their highly active chapter of the National Association for the Prevention of Starvation (NAPS). NAPS is a nonprofit volunteer relief organization concerned with poverty, starvation, and AIDS issues in the United States and abroad. Student members of NAPS have participated in mission trips to Africa and traveled to New York City directly after September 11, 2001, to provide messages of peace in the streets through their marching band's music.

W.A.R. is raging at Pacific Union College this year. W.A.R. is the theme of student-led spiritual activities and stands for wager--decide whose side you're on; armor--put on the armor of God through a personal relationship; and rescue--be a lifesaver with God. After each vespers, which is planned entirely by students, Interactions draws more students than any other social event on campus. With food and drinks provided, Interactions allows students to relax and build relationships with each other. Melissa Saunders, student body religious vice president, comments on spiritual activities at Pacific Union: "The purpose is to give students the opportunity to serve God and get to know Him better. If we're doing this only for ourselves, it's totally dead."

Southern Adventist University offers high-quality corporate worship experiences, such as their Friday night vespers that reaches approximately 2,000 attendees. With overflow rooms and television monitors, vespers at Southern proves to be a spiritual highlight of students' weeks. "Vespers is loved and looked forward to," said Emily Flottmann, communication major. Southern also hosts The Third, a contemporary worship service on Sabbath mornings. Small groups and creative outreach, such as Chattanooga street ministries, are also thriving through strong student leadership. "Our job as campus ministries staff is to support our team leaders just as [chaplain] Ken supports us," said Jonathan Fetrick, senior theology major.

Southwestern Adventist University is committed to worldwide mission trips and literature evangelism (LE). Southwestern employs a full-time student task-force worker committed to local literature evangelism. In the LE office, students mark a regional map of homes they have visited. Students then connect individuals seeking Bible studies with local churches. "Students have become leaders in Bible studies and peer support groups--all from their own initiatives," said Avi Mendoza, student chaplain. Southwestern also organizes multiple mission trips throughout the school year, including during Christmas break, spring break, and summer vacation.

Union College's contagious spiritual environment feeds a broad spectrum of ministry opportunities. One of Union's largest ministry events is Project Impact, a school-wide community service day that began in 1981. An average of 80 percent of students, faculty, and staff participate in Project Impact by helping more than 50 local service agencies each year. Union students also plan V2, a student-initiated Sabbath evening vespers program featuring an intimate song service and student speaker. "V2 is an opportunity for the campus to come together as a family because it's a relaxed time. It's never about the program; it's about the people," said John Rivera, junior English major. Various student-led Sabbath afternoon ministries are also growing, including singing at hospitals and nursing homes, children's programs, an international worship experience, and clown ministry.

Three years ago Walla Walla College students began The Awakening, a program that provided a spiritual boost on Thursday evenings. Soon The Awakening evolved into a Sabbath school hour and has now peaked as an 11:30 church service. "Our vision has been to provide a quality program with not just excellence in music and teaching, but [also a program that is] rich in the Holy Spirit," said Troy Ahrens, task-force worker. Prayer and Praise is another outlet to charge spiritual energy. Students, faculty, and staff gather for this service in the church weekday mornings at 7:30 to sing hymns, share prayer requests, and pray together. Walla Walla also hosts active small-group programs.

Student Leadership: The Key
to Campus Ministry Success
From singing groups that visit local hospitals, orphanages, and nursing homes to Bible studies that meet in dorm rooms, college students have taken ownership of their walk with God. As a general rule, on any campus, programs started by students are successful. Again and again I ask how a new initiative began, and the answer is almost always: "Students decided--on their own--to start this."

"One of the greatest parts of my job," says Rich Carlson, Union College chaplain, "is when a student walks into my office with an idea for a new ministry, and I can support them in making it happen. This year we have 15 ministries operating that started that way."

Each school employs a diverse group of student leaders, giving them the opportunity to make their visions reality. Whether their title is assistant chaplain, wellness director, or volunteer coordinator, students--both Campus Ministries staff and otherwise--are leading inreach and outreach programs.

Wendy Lopez, Columbia Union College's assistant chaplain, defines the purpose of Campus Ministries: "We are here to help students develop leadership qualities that they will take with them to their local church communities when they finish college."

While we should always seek to improve the spiritual environment of Adventist college campuses, we should also validate the many positive things that are already happening. Students from this generation love to be involved in ministry leadership, and Adventist education is continually finding ways to effectively channel their energy.

Is spirituality dead at Adventist colleges? You be the judge.

_________________________
Gina Jacob is a 2003 graduate of Union College. Based at Union College, Gina is currently sponsored by the North American Division on a two-year internship researching ministry philosophies, policies, and structures for Campus Ministries in Adventist higher education.