College Union

The Ivy Jungle Network

Campus Ministry Update August 2007

Trends in Student Ministry, Culture and Higher Education:

Leaving Church in College: This fall, thousands of students will leave their high school youth groups to head to college. If the statistics are correct, most will never darken the door of a church once they set foot on campus. Only 20% of students who attended church regularly in high school will do so in college. Only 10% of students who identify themselves as Christians will attend church regularly while at school. (Comment Magazine June 29, 2007).

Reasons College Students Leave Church: A survey by LifeWay Research indicates 70% of Protestants (evangelical and mainline) ages 18-30 quit attending church by age 23. More than one third said they had not returned to church, even sporadically, by age 30. According to the LifeWay survey only about half of respondents saw the church as “caring”(52%) or “welcoming” (48%) or “authentic” (42%). Almost all (97%) cited life change such as moving as a reason they left the church. 58% said they were unhappy with a pastor or people at the church and 52% had religious, political, or ethical reasons for quitting. Those who quit attending church have a much harsher view of people in the church than those who continue attending. Among the criticisms: people in church are judgmental (51%) hypocritical (42%); and insincere (41%) According to the book UnChristian, even Christians in their 20’s are “significantly less likely to believe a person’s faith in God is meant to be developed by involvement in the local church.” ** (USA Today August 6, 2007)

** Gabe Lyons, Director of the Fermi Project and co-author of UnChristian is one of the plenary speakers at this year’s Ivy Jungle Conference. Join us in Orlando for the chance to interact with him. **

Not Losing their Religion (as quickly): For all the perils of college life with regard to faith, it turns out college students are less likely to walk away from their beliefs than those who never attend college. The A study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas shows that young adults who never attend college are more likely to turn their back on religion than their peers in school. Those earning a bachelor’s degree showed a 59% decline in attending religious services and a 15% decline in the “importance of religion.” However, for those who did not attend college at all, 76% quit attending services and almost a quarter reported a “decline in the importance of religion.” Researchers remarked that as many schools have moved toward more professional programs and less liberal arts driven curricula, students are no longer exposed to as many philosophical questions that challenge their beliefs. They also have noted that more religious groups exist on campus and that religion is more accepted in both intellectual circles and campus life. (University of Texas Office of Public Affairs News Release June 6, 2007)

Facebook Sparks Roommate Concerns: After roommate assignments for college dorms hit mailboxes in the middle of summer, residence life staff and housing officials found themselves again fielding numerous phone calls from parents expressing concerns about their son or daughter’s potential roommate. Most often they have looked up the person’s profile on MySpace or Facebook and are concerned about party-related content. Race, religion, and sexual orientation are also concerns voiced by parents. Many schools will not make changes before school starts, a decision driven by a commitment to helping students meet new people or by capacity constraints. Some schools have begun addressing the issue of looking up student profiles in parent and summer orientations. (USA Today August 7, 2007)

Off Track in their 20’s: Researchers and youth leaders have given great attention to curbing risky behaviors among teenage adolescents. Increasingly, however, people have noticed that people in their 20’s are often the one’s engaging in the riskiest behavior. Many a bartender can attest to the common scene of inebriation and end of the night hook-ups. New brain research also indicates that certain brain functions regulating risky behavior are not fully formed until the mid-20’s. According to the University of Michigan study “Monitoring the Future,” the 20’s are the time of heaviest binge drinking. Nearly 40% of those 21-25 reported binging in the two weeks prior to the survey. More than half of the women ages 20-24 who give birth are not married. (Among those 25-29, only 29% are unwed). A number of advocacy groups such as the Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy are expanding their mission to include people in their 20’s. Other troubling statistics demonstrate the concern over this age group. The average net worth of people in their 20’s has fallen by 30% over just the last 5 years. A University of Pennsylvania sociologist studying the transition to adulthood reports that 15-25% of young adults in their 20’s are “seriously off track”. (USA Today August 15, 2007)

W.Va Tops Party Schools: The time for the award that makes administrators cringe and students - well - party more has come. West Virginia has topped Mississippi, UT-Austin, Florida and Georgia as the nation’s “number one party school” according to the Princeton Review’s annual report. The school had the honor back in 1997. Not coincidentally, West Virginia also ranked first in “students who never study.” At the other end of the spectrum, BYU, Wheaton College (IL), Thomas Aquinas, and Grove City led the way in “stone cold sober schools.” (CNN August 20, 2007)

Other Top College Awards: The Princeton Review’s numerous categories include some of the following: Students Never Stop Studying - Reed College (OR); Happiest Students - Whitman College (WA); Best Campus Food - Virginia Tech; Best College Theater - Yale; Hardest to get into - Harvard; Best race/class relations - Wesleyan College (GA); Worst race/class relations - Trinity College (CT); Worst Professors - US Merchant Marine Academy. (Chicago Tribune August 21, 2007 sec. 5 p. 2)

Reasons College Students Have Sex: A University of Texas Study has investigated why college students have sex. The researchers compiled a list of 237 reasons given by students. The number one reason - for both men and women - was attraction to the other person. College men and women agreed on 20 of their top 25 reasons for engaging in sex. Their top three reasons were attraction, to experience pleasure and “it feels good.” While the gender differences appear small, the study did show men as more opportunistic with regards to sex. Women are more likely to do it in order to please their partner. (AP July 31, 2007)

Mobile Ads May Soon Be the Norm: A survey of college students shows a growing receptivity to text message ads sent to their mobile phones. 56% of respondents indicate that they would accept ads if they could get something in return. Among the top rewards: ringtones, gift certificates and free minutes. (More than 90% of college students now carry a cell phone). (Marketing Vox August 2, 2007)

Pills the New Marijuana: Prescirption drugs and “pharma parties” have become increasingly popular among teenager and college students. The National Center on Alcohol and Substance Abuse reports that the proportion of college students abusing opiods (i.e Vicodin, etc.) has increased 343% between 1993 and 2005. Tranquilizers (Xanax, Vallium, etc.) went up by 450% and abuse of stimulants like Adderall (an ADD medication) has increased by 93%. These drugs are easy to find in many home medicine cabinets. A CASA study in Minnesota and Wisconsin showed that almost a third of teenagers taking medication for ADHD had been approached to sell or trade their drugs. (cnn.com July 5, 2007)

Video Game Addiction: Most researchers won’t classify XBox, wii, or other video game systems as an addiction just yet, but many are becoming increasingly concerned about the addictive behaviors around video games - particularly for college students. A University of Iowa study found that 80% of students - including virtually all of the males - play video games. A Harris Interactive poll in April 2007 indicated about 10% of youth gamers could be classified as pathologically or clinically addicted to playing. A study by the Pew Research Center reported that nearly half of college students who play video games said that playing kept them from studying “some” or “a lot”. Almost one-third confessed to playing while in class. In addition to playing, many gamers rely heavily on caffeine - particularly in the form of energy drinks - to fuel all night marathons. Some college health officials are beginning to produce materials and plans to help students struggling with this addiction. (Time.com August 9, 2007)

Piling up Debt: College students should have a vested interest in the recent college loan investigations. The average debt among recipients of bachelor’s degrees is now $19,300. In addition, the average college senior carried another $2,864 in credit card debt. (Chicago Tribune July 15, 2007 sec. 5 p. 5)

Highly Caffeinated: Caffeine has long been a staple of college life. However, students are arriving on campus more addicted than ever before. Research shows that kids are drinking more caffeine and starting at younger ages than in the past. With the ubiquity of Starbucks and other coffee shops, many begin drinking coffee by age 13. Energy drinks have become increasingly popular as well. The percentage of people ages 18-24 who drink coffee every day has doubled since 2003, from 16% to 31%. (Washington Post.com July 17, 2007)

Internet “Most Essential Media”: The internet is second only to television nationally as the “most essential medium” in the country. Five years ago it trailed both TV and radio. However, it will likely pass TV soon as it is already in first place in every age bracket under the age of 45. (Edison Media Report July 2007)

Teen Sex Declining: The percentage of high school students having sex has declined to 47%, from a high of 54% in 1991. The rates have leveled out some in the last few years, sparking some concern among abstinence advocates. Birth rates among 15-19 year olds have declined sharply and condom use is at its highest. The numbers come out of the nation’s most recent report on the well-being of the nation’s children. The report also indicates a record high among students completing high school. (July 13, 2007)

Web Cam Proctors: Currently more than 3 million students are enrolled in an online course. As online courses have continued to expand rapidly, professors and schools have looked into a variety of means to ensure proper testing for the remote classes. Often, a proctored testing site or signed note from a recognized proctor (often clergy) has been required. However, a new web camera technology package will allow online learners to take an exam at their own computers, while ensuring that cheating does not occur. The software and camera combination lock down a computer so that the internet and other files are not accessible. The camera records audio and video, using a reflective ball to ensure a 360 degree view. The software flags significant noise, motion, and/or productivity surges allowing a proctor to go back and review the record for evidence of cheating. While not fool proof, the inventors say their device is likely to be more effective than a human proctor. (AP June 19, 2007)

College Presidents Pulling Out of US News Rankings: A coalition of US College and University presidents is pushing for a boycott of the “prestige” peer ratings for the US News and World Report annual school ranking. The presidents do not believe the ratings - which regularly reward the same schools - accurately assess quality of education. US News, which acknowledges the controversial nature of the rankings, says that the reputation survey is an important way to measure the “intangibles” of a college. (CNN June 20, 2007)

Socio-Economics of Social Networking: 96% of all teens have used a social networking site and almost three quarters log on weekly. However, a recent look into the class division around Facebook and MySpace is thought provoking. As both sites have evolved and attracted more users, a clear distinction in socio-economic status has emerged. MySpace originally went after singles in their 20’s and 30’s and soon became a primary location for bands and music aficionados. It is now a favorite among high school students - and among “Latino/Hispanic teens, immigrant teens, ‘alternative kids’ artsy kids and those who ‘didn’t play into the dominant high school popularity paradigm.’” Facebook originally started at Harvard and then expanded to only those enrolled in college. Eventually, it opened to all, first through invitation by someone in college and then to the general public. With the recent negative publicity around MySpace, Facebook has emerged as the site for “good kids” and is seen as safer and cleaner, particularly by suburban parents. The military has banned MySpace (used by many enlisted soldiers), but allows Facebook (used primarily by officers). (http://www.danah.org/papers/essays/ClassDivisions.htmll)

Ivy Jungle College Ministry Conference: November 15-17, 2007 - in Orlando, FL
Registration is now open!
Featured Speakers at this Year’s Conference
Charles Gilmer - National Director for Impact - the African American Campus Ministry for Campus Crusade for Christ

Gabe Lyons - Founder of the Fermi Project; author of the upcoming book UnChristian - a look at what the 16-29 year old generation thinks of Christians in America

Lauren Winner - author of Girl Meets God; Mudhouse Sabbath; and Real Sex

Os Guinness - fellow at the Trinity Forum and author of The Call; Fit Bodies, Fat Minds; Prophetic Untimeliness; and The Long Journey Home

Rebecca Manley Pippert - author of Out of the Salt Shaker; Founder and President of Salt Shaker Ministries

Steven Garber - author of Fabric of Faithfulness

Tim Elmore- author of Habitudes; President of Growing Leaders

York Moore - author of Growing Your Faith by Giving it Away; Director of Regional Evangelism, IVCF

Guest artists include musician Justin McRoberts and a theatrical performance - Blue Like Jazz//Live.

Sponsored by Compassion, Expelled - the Movie, Food for the Hungry, Foundation for Evangelism, Growing Leaders

Visit www.ivyjungle.org for more details and online registration.

**RESOURCES**

Compassion is excited to be a sponsor of the upcoming Ivy Jungle College Ministry Conference: November 15-17, 2007.

Compassion partners with colleges and universities nationwide to bring nationally known speakers to their chapels and convocation services at minimal cost to the school. If you are interested in partnering with Compassion, please email Kelley Erickson, College Chapel Representative, at kelleyerickson@msn.com or call (866) 380-6689 to get more information or request an online copy of the 2007-2008 Chapel Speaker Directory.

Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, physical, economic and social poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Founded in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean war orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 800,000 children in 24 countries. For more information on Compassion, please go to www.compassion.com.

Ministry at the Fulcrum notes and resources online now: Visit the Ivy Jungle website to see notes and resources from the Ministry at the Fulcrum Regional Events.

How Did a Thief and a Playboy Become the Most Important Christian Thinker of the First Millennium?

Discover the true story of one of the greatest heroes of the faith. This new translation of The Confessions of St. Augustine, complete with introduction and helpful notes by Tony Jones, makes a classic text more readable than ever. “I think that Augustine wanted to know who it was who created him,” writes Tony Jones, “and how he might relate to that Being.”

“You Converted Me makes Augustine’s classic Confessions accessible and available to readers today—young or old, religious or not.” -Brian McLaren

“Jones provides helpful comments and pep talks throughout the book to help readers understand what Augustine was trying to do . . . Hats off.” -Youthworker

“If you’ve ever thought on hearing this classic biography quoted, ‘I should read that sometime,’ this is the time. You’ll likely be struck by the universality of Augustine’s experience with life and God.” -Discipleship Journal

You Converted Me: The Confessions of St. Augustine
Introduction and notes by Tony Jones
Modernized translation by Robert Edmonson
Paperback, 250 pp.
Paraclete Press

SPECIAL OFFER: $8/book, now through 9/30/07 (regular retail: $16.95). Call 1-800-451-5006 or visit www.paracletepress.com. Use coupon code “PRTony.”

What to Expect When You’re Accepted: An African American Christian’s Guide to College
by Christopher Michael Jones, Foreword by Floyd H. Flake

African American students now have a Christian college resource written specifically for them! This short, practical, faith-based handbook provides tips to encourage success in the key areas of relationships, academics, health, and spiritual maturity.

To order, visit www.judsonpress.com where you’ll save 20% off the retail price of $10.00!

“. as useful as a campus map and as indispensable as a personal computer.” -Dr. Jonathan L. Walton, Assistant Professor of African American Religion, University of California, Riverside

“.an astute and practical guide for students who will face the change of culture that a college experience often affords.” -Rev. Eustacia Moffett-Marshall, Associate Pastor, C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina

“In an age of the ‘bling-bling’ and ‘get it cronked’ culture, it is refreshing to read a student handbook designed to help young adults navigate the hurdles of college from a Christian perspective.” -Rev. Otis Moss III, Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, Illinois

“Regardless of talent, motivation and opportunity, if you want to win, a coach is needed. When it’s college, Christopher Jones is the coach and what’s in your hand right now is the playbook.” -Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover-Williams, Executive Pastor, Cathedral International, Preacher in Residence, New Brunswick Theological Seminary

“What a valuable contribution!” -Peter J. Gomes, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, Pusey Minister, The Memorial Church, Harvard University

Resources from ProActive Faith for your ministry:

Need a Speaker
o Please contact Thomas, a former campus minister of a BSU, if you need a speaker for your ministry. He is available for one or multiple nights.
o If you have a theme for the weekend Thomas will customize messages for your theme and group.
o Thomas is a law enforcement chaplain and can share on how to live through crisis.

God Moments In Time
o Each chapter has five discussion questions.
o Ideal for small groups!
o Will challenge your students to live a life in such a way that God can open doors of opportunity in their life where they can experience God Moments In Time.
o Read the customer reviews @ Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com
o Order 20 copies or more for the bulk price of $5.00 each

CRUNCH Time - Just Updated!
o A five session evangelism resource written for students on the collegiate campus.

Evangelism Training
o Evangelism training is done through resources such as CRUNCH Time or The CROSS Training (www.mostimportantthing.org)
o ProActive Faith can provide a speaker to lead your evangelism training.

Visit our website www.proactivefaith.org to discover how these resources will impact the lives of your students and their campus. You can also call our office at (405) 607-0722.

After you place your order you will receive a personal call from our office to confirm your order before any charges are made to your credit card and the resources shipped.
*** Jobs: ***

** Director of Outreach at Belmont University: Belmont University is seeking a full-time Director of Outreach in their department of University Ministries to provide local outreach involvement, leadership and training opportunities for its 4500 students. The director will be responsible for implementing and managing an array of local outreach opportunities as well as contributing to other aspects of the spiritual formation and leadership development of students. Belmont is a Christian University and seeks candidates who are committed to the Christian faith. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in appropriate field, Master’s degree preferred, with 2-3 years experience in ministry and/or outreach. Higher education experience desirable. The candidate must be committed to the spiritual, intellectual and personal development of college students and be a team player willing to contribute in a collegial environment. S/he must be a person with a knowledge and understanding of urban ministry who possesses excellent administrative, communication and relational skills.

Application Process: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To apply, go to www.belmont.edu/hr to complete an online application. An electronic format of your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references with contact information are required as part of the application process.

To advertise in the Campus Ministry Update - visit the website and click on “Advertiser Information” or send an email to info@ivyjungle.org

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