Last Thursday night we co-hosted a significant event on UNO's campus. I consider it "significant" because out of about 130 people, roughly 70% of the room consider themselves to be atheist.
I have become increasingly more aware of the ease and tendency of campus ministries everywhere to focus on events that reach the Christians. I think there is a great value in this and a much needed aspect of any ministry.
The problem with this is that in a culture that is continually drifting further away from Christendom, we're often missing 90% of the campus - those who have no relationship with Jesus.
Over the past two semesters I have spent time getting to know the President of the Secular Student Alliance and we came to agree on co-hosting a "Skeptics Q & A" night. There was some risk involved in that we were essentially working with a group of students whose worldview is extremely opposite of a Christian. Their experience with Christians has mainly consisted of judgment and condemnation, and has only led to more hatred toward Christians.
So my hope was to use this event as a means to develop trust and build bridges.
After about an hour of good debate and some Q & A the event ended. But I think what happened after the event is what really stood out and generated greater excitement for me.
The room was full of continued dialogue between Christians and atheists for an hour. The atheists in the room, who I would consider "cold" toward Christians, really let their guard down. There were comments made about how much they appreciated the event and the opportunity to have good, respectful conversation.
Many of them shared about past involvement in church, hurt they have experienced, and what pushed them away. In fact, while talking with our speaker that night, one person asked for his e-mail so that they could meet up to process through more questions.
Never have we had an event with more non-Christians in the room than Christians. And what an incredible opportunity that is!
5 comments:
That is so wonderful to hear about! Thank you!
Wow, Ted and Alicia. What an amazing event you put on! While not voiced, I'm sure many atheists left questioning their current beliefs. Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing Jesus love with those who do not yet know Him.
You guys are the best!
Jan and Paul
Interestingly enough, I was invited to that event by an athiest former classmate. I'm happy to hear how well it went!
How God honoring to be out there reaching those who don't know Him. That's what Jesus did. Keep reaching out. Love in Jesus, LaVern and Marlene Smith
Awesome, awesome!! Thanks for sharing...it will be so exciting to see how God uses that night to build bridges, like you said, and stir in hearts on both sides!
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