Youth Transition Coalition Takes Shape as More Ministries Join

By Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, July 26, 2006

The Guiding Coalition of a network dedicated to helping high school students who leave the nest for college is taking shape with major campus and youth ministries getting on board in a nationwide effort.

As newly admitted students take orientation tours around their respective university and college campuses these summer months, ministry heads are making regular talks to keep students on track when it comes to faith and college.

The newest official member of the coalition for the Youth Transition Network is Intervarsity, one of the largest national college ministries, and prospective partners include Campus Crusade for Christ. Other groups already on board include The Navigators, National Network of Youth Ministries, Mission America, Young Life, Chi Alpha, and Campus Ambassadors among others.

"The fact that this is all coming together is awesome," said Ben Burns of CCC in a conference call earlier this month.

At their most recent conference, ministry representatives pointed out the challenges of youth ministries which tend to follow a common agenda but one that doesn't include a send-off of high school seniors to the next major step in their lives – college.

Burns, who applauded the new national effort, noted that youth pastors constantly lead summer missions, leadership teams, small groups and retreats – "standard part of their DNA" – but helping students transition to college life is "not a part of their ministry cycle."

Another obstacle brought up was Christians' perspective on Christian colleges and secular ones. Some, even nationally renowned evangelical leaders, call non-Christian universities "evil."

Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, had commented on a radio broadcast that college was a different place now with more dangers on campus for the Christian student. Personally, Dobson would send his children to Christian schools as opposed to secular campuses.

While missional opportunities are there for students on secular campuses, Lane Palmer of Dare 2 Share Ministries International, noted that students that have not been grounded in such witnessing ways would not automatically have the mission perspective on campus.
"Changing the DNA of youth ministry," Palmer said, is needed.

With a majority of students falling out of their Christian faith when entering college, the Youth Transition Network is planning to launch an annual campaign next year to heighten the awareness of the fallout and foster an effective transition for students from high school.

"How do we create something that will work to connect with youth and motivate them no matter where they're going and not fuel or divide them?" posed Jeff Schadt, a major coordinator for the Guiding Coalition and national facilitator of the YTN.

Schadt warned of launching a campaign next year that would be shot down by one evangelical party such as those more in favor of Christian colleges. He suggested developing a campaign by bringing in some Christian college leaders into the equation for a "united front" and to be accepted in as many circles as possible.

Ministry leaders have agreed to print a Youth Transition Network Card that will help students get connected to a Christian ministry of their choice before arriving on their new campus. The card, currently utilized and distributed among Southern Baptists, will be developed as non-denominational for distribution at camps, concerts and other youth events.

A conference with college ministry heads is slated to be held in October while Guiding Coalition conference calls will continue on a monthly basis.