For Parents of College Students
Are you hoping to support your college student’s spiritual life when they are in college? Helping your student locate and visit the campus ministry and congregation they will be attending when you do your college tours or orientations is a helpful way to begin the journey. In Mankato, we are blessed to have a standalone ministry center for students right on the MSU campus. A handful of other WELS Campus Ministry locations have a similar building, but many local congregations throughout the country host college students within their church building. Be sure to identify the options as you do your college research, and schedule a visit or tour when you visit your campus.
Visit!
Visiting a new church for the first time can be a lot, regardless of age. When you visit campuses for tours, when you return for orientations, and when you come for move-in day, take the opportunity to introduce your student to the pastor, attend worship together, and locate your campus ministry if there is a standalone ministry center such as the Beacon.
The Beacon Campus ministry is supported by St. Paul’s in North Mankato. Pastor Nelson is the campus pastor and you can contact him directly at 507-317-8177 for tours or questions when you visit any college campus in the Mankato area. Many students will both attend worship at church on the weekend and then also enjoy use of the ministry center, chapel, and fun activities through the Beacon.
Register
Whether you are attending college in Mankato, or anywhere in the country, visit wels.net/campus-ministry to:
Register online to connect with a campus ministry near your school.
Sign up for free subscriptions to Meditations and Forward in Christ.
To get Beacon information directly, visit these links or sign up for our e-newsetter.
Contact Pastor Nelson directly at 507-317-8177 for tours or questions.
encourage
Here are some ways you can help all of the college students in your own congregation:
Pray that the Lord would keep college students close to him and give them a desire to stay connected to the Word.
Encourage the college students in your life and follow up when you see them, ask how things are going. Perhaps send an encouraging note. The college years often involve a high level of stress and anxiety. Your campus pastor can help connect you with local resources and support.
Support your congregation’s own campus ministry or other WELS campus ministries by volunteering, sending care packages or cards, or financially supporting the WELS Campus Ministry program.
The Beacon is a location of WELS Campus Ministry. This is a ministry of WELS Home Missions, which provides resources, support, and encouragement to WELS congregations that serve college students around the United States and Canada. These congregations are vital in connecting college students with fellow Christians, strengthening their faith with the gospel message, and encouraging them to share that faith with other college students. The WELS Campus Ministry Committee provides about 30 campus ministries with financial support and assists hundreds of other congregations in their campus ministry outreach.