Ministers at Campus for Christ conference address challenges facing Gen Z college students

Ministers from across the country gathered at the 68th Campus for Christ conference in Denton, Texas, to address the unique challenges facing Generation Z college students. The event, hosted by the University of North Texas, brought together 115 attendees representing 42 churches, including members of the Churches of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The conference aimed to equip campus ministers with strategies to engage students amid evolving cultural and spiritual landscapes.

Keynote speaker David Fraze, youth ministry program chair at Lubbock Christian University, highlighted the enduring nature of fundamental questions college students grapple with. He noted that students today, like those in 1968, seek to understand their identity, find belonging, and discover purpose. Amy Kendall, The Well campus minister at the University of Arizona, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the concerns of emerging adulthood remain consistent across generations.

Dylan Kirkland, REACH campus minister at the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, reflected on the 1968 International Campus Evangelism Seminar, which inspired a generation of student missionaries. He explored how today’s students face similar temptations—partying, drinking, sex, and money—as past generations, though the context and pressures have evolved. Kirkland warned that loneliness and isolation have become more pronounced, potentially leading students to withdraw further from community.

Beau and Jill Davis led a session on trauma-informed college ministry, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health and emotional well-being in student outreach. The Davis duo emphasized that understanding and responding to trauma can foster deeper connections and more effective ministry.

Campus ministers also discussed the role of community in combating isolation. Casey Coston, board president of Campus for Christ, noted the value of annual gatherings in reminding ministers they are not alone in their efforts. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with campus organizations and the need for ongoing support and collaboration among ministries.

The conference provided a platform for sharing resources, strategies, and encouragement as campus ministers prepare for the new academic year. By focusing on the shared concerns of students and the need for compassionate, informed ministry, the event aimed to strengthen the Church’s presence and impact on college campuses.

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