It's often said that your initial ministry role after seminary is the most challenging. I understand, as not everyone lands their dream job immediately after graduation, making it difficult to face each day at work. I feel extremely blessed to fulfill God's calling for my life as a campus minister from the very start of my full-time ministry career. I can't envision being anywhere other than Winston-Salem, serving this group of students. My life is changed for the better because of my role as Campus Minister at the Winston-Salem Wesley Foundation.
During the semester, the Wesley Foundation experienced a lot of change. We welcomed dozens of new individuals into our lounge. Our current students hail from various parts of the country, represent different denominations, and come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Despite their differences, Wesley students have built a community on our campus. The lounge serves as a place where students study together, meet in small groups, and worship together on Thursday nights. It's been wonderful to see the lounge come to life this semester with laughter and conversation. I know it’s been a good weekend in the lounge when I return on Monday morning to find the snack cart empty and the recycle bin filled with soda cans.
Our current students have been uniquely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequential loneliness epidemic. A recent survey of college students nationwide found that "nearly two-thirds (64.7%) of college students report they feel lonely, and the majority (51.7%) of college students are concerned about their friends’ mental health, and three in 10 (28.8%) college students report severe psychological distress." When thinking about campus ministry, it's imperative that I keep this data in mind for my context.
As a campus minister, it is my goal to find ways for the Wesley Foundation to reach new students who may be struggling with loneliness and mental health. For me, my Wesley Campus Ministry at Davidson College served as a place where I could just be and relax from the stressors of college life. It was one of the first communities where I made lifelong friends. At Wake Forest, I strive to create a similar community rooted in God's love for all people. Wesley is a place where students can take a deep breath and know that they are welcomed, cared for, and loved by others. Nothing makes me happier than seeing friendships form over a conversation at small group, by goofing off in the back of the van on the way to Fall Retreat, or on an outing to the Carolina Classic Fair.
On a campus ruled by Greek life and drinking culture, Wesley serves as a community free from judgement. It's a place where students know they will not be lonely, even on the toughest days. Campus ministry exists as a way to show God's love to emerging adults. One of the best ways to do that is by creating space where young adults can just be themselves and be with others who are also made in the image of God.
Once again, I want to say that I am grateful for the work God has called me into because I get to see the transformation of the world happen before my own eyes. The Church is in good hands with this generation, but we cannot forget to love them and give them space to create community. The older generations must continue to find ways to support our emerging adults as they endure these challenges of a post-pandemic world. That support can be as simple as purchasing snacks for the lounge, donating $28 a month to help fund coffee meetings between students and the campus minister, or praying for this valuable ministry.
I believe that Gen Z will make the Church and the world a better place, but they need support as they begin this work of becoming emerging adults. My biggest takeaway from this semester is that we can take all the help we can get from alumni, local churches, and parents. Are you willing to offer a hand to help the Wesley community make disciples for the transformation of the world?
-Haley Givens, Campus Minister