One of the most significant hurdles for college students is the newfound independence that comes with leaving home. For some, being on their own means deciding whether to attend a local church. With a simple approach, parents and churches can help make this decision a lot easier. Augustine Mendoza recently joined me on The Stand Radio. He is the Director of Spiritual Life at Oral Roberts University (ORU) and has a lot of experience connecting local churches to college students.

Augustine told me how ORU fosters a sense of belonging through its annual "Church Rush" event. This event brings together around 35 local churches, offering students a chance to explore different congregations and find one that suits them. Whether it is through discipleship programs, volunteer opportunities, or simply a welcoming atmosphere, these churches play a crucial role in helping students stay connected to their faith.

Parents also have a vital part to play in this journey. Augustine encouraged parents to ask their college-bound students specific questions about their church involvement. Along with questions about dorm life or classes, parents should also ask about the opportunities that exist for finding a local church family. By asking about their child's experiences with local churches, parents can reinforce the importance of maintaining a spiritual community.

Churches should also be aware of the way they engage with students. Augustine pointed out that students are looking for more than just a place to attend services; they want to be known and valued. Churches need to make it easy for students to get involved. The ones that do this through young adult services, volunteer opportunities, or mentorship programs, are the ones that thrive in attracting college students.

By fostering a culture of engagement and community, both universities and parents can help students navigate this pivotal stage of life with their faith intact. Take a moment and listen to my interview with Augustine Mendoza. I think you will come away with a richer understanding of the crucial support system that parents and churches can provide for college students.

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