Our house is pretty tidy. Every Friday, we do a “Factory Reset”. Everything is put back in its right place and the house is cleaned. This may have something to do with my wife’s perfectionism!
The reason why it needs this is because living, particularly with two kids, is messy. Having friends over is messy. Having fun is messy. Life is messy.
It’s the same with church. If we are going to reach all the students of the UK with the very good news of Jesus Christ, we need to prepare for our churches to get messy. Students will come into our communities who have issues that we don’t quite know how to deal with. Things we haven’t come across before. We may feel uncomfortable about their attitudes, choices, outfits and social media posts. Their journeys will be messy, relationship statuses will be complicated and their beliefs will be eclectic.
I say, “Church, let them come!” Let’s welcome them with the open arms that the father showed to the Prodigal Son, that God the Father showed us when we came home. Let’s offer help where it is sought, patience where it is required and love the whole time. Let’s hoover up the mess later and not mind when they make our church meetings all messy.
For too long, the church in the UK has reached the same kind of people who fit a certain mould. It’s time to break the mould and welcome the messiness of the Kingdom of God extending.
Other ways the church could reach all students include:
1. Plant Churches near newer universities
3. Work with the Students’ Union
I hope this encourages you and the church. My intention is not to criticise or deconstruct but to offer practical suggestions that may lead to growth. I also want to recognise that my list of 5 is by no means exhaustive and I want to encourage lots more creativity in this area.
