Reaching young adults is never easy, especially in a church setting. Many churches would like to respond to the needs of this age group, but just don’t know how to facilitate a dedicated college ministry. College Ministry 101: A Guide to Working with 18-25 Year Olds (Youth Specialties/Zondervan) focuses on the importance of dedicated college-age ministries. Author Chuck Bomar states the biggest reason for writing the book was simply based out of need. There are many materials for college campus-based ministries, but this book responds to the lack of materials available for those involved with college students on the local church level.

The book explores the specific needs of 18-25 year olds through practical ministry philosophies, mentor relationships and what students need in their daily lives. It also gives tips and hands-on ideas in how to utilize volunteers and help students experience a personal faith that leads them into a life of discipleship. “College age people want to be a part of the church as a whole, but helping leaders understand how to do this is the issue,” explains Chuck. “It’s one thing to have people connected to a college ministry, which many churches don’t even have, but then it’s an entirely different thing to have college age people connected to the life of a church as a whole. Hopefully College Ministry 101 can help bridge that gap and inspire churches and leaders to reach out to this age-group.”

Chuck has a vision that every church embraces a college-based ministry. As founder of CollegeLeader and author of several resources for college ministries, Chuck has spent much of his adult life helping churches start and develop college-age ministries. Now he serves as lead pastor of Colossae church in Portland, Oregon, but still states his passion is to help develop the spiritual lives of college students.

Related links:
Review: College Ministry 101: A Guide to Working with 18- 25-Year-Olds
Youth Ministry Interview: Chuck Bomar