College can be an equally intimidating and liberating time for students. For many, it’s the first time students have ever experienced true freedom. Amid that freedom, they can get lost in what the world values and lose their faith along the way. Amid these growing pains, many students who grew up in the church are now distancing themselves from their Christian faith.
According to Pew Research’s demographic modeling (2022), young adults are disaffiliating from Christianity at historic rates. These coming-of-age years are developmentally critical for the rest of their lives. Why wouldn’t Jesus be in the middle of it all? Why isn’t He?
With the current state of the world, students don’t have it cut out for them. The United States is a country that’s severely politically divided, mental health problems and suicide are most prevalent among Gen-Z, gender confusion is on the rise, and economic instability is rampant. Students need their faith more than ever. This next generation needs a faith that supersedes the world they are now a part of. Strengthening their walk with the Lord should be the primary purpose of their college years, not walking away from it. The question is how can we disciple the next generation as they face the complexities of the world they live in?
If your child is about to graduate high school, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they’re set up to be resilient disciples in a rocky world. When your student begins searching for a college or institution, have conversations with them about how they can partner with God when making these big decisions in life. If God is at the center of every choice they make, especially surrounding continuing education, they will be more likely to hold onto their faith as they leave home and begin making their own choices as adults. Building a firm foundation in Christ before these pivotal years of development will keep their faith rock solid.
Secondly, ensure that your student finds a community of Christ followers as they look at universities, colleges, trade schools, and other programs. Organizations like YoungLife, Intervarsity Fellowship, Cru, and local churches in the area can help them foster a faith-based community for them to plug into. Large universities can be intimidating, but it’s essential for your student to get connected to a community so they don’t feel like an island in their faith.
Thirdly, consider a non-traditional educational program for your student to be a part of. There has never been a greater time than now to pursue a different and fulfilling education path. Your student can be a part of a non-traditional program that focuses on spiritual formation while getting a degree, like Flatirons College. Flatirons College is an accredited university that partners with Southeastern University for 9 different online degree programs. Small class sizes provide ample opportunity for your students to connect with others who are chasing Jesus and their dream careers. The college years are prime years to build a foundation of faith, and Flatirons College is here to make that a reality.