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United Campus Ministry papers, 1970-1972

1971-01-25 Ministry In Higher Education: Priority of Periphery Page 1

From the January 25, 1971 of MONDAY MORNING, (pp. 10-12).

MINISTRY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: 
PRIORITY OR PERIPHERY!
by Emerson I. Abendroth
Regional Secretary, United Ministries in High Education

Considering this topic is a good deal like the good news-bad news stories that are going around these days. It is not possible to stay on one side very long. I want to indicate how it seems to me that ministry in higher education is both a priority and a periphery matter in the church.
This ministry is at the very periphery of the church's membership. It is taking place among those people who have always been in the midst of rapid growth and change which has caused them to be a bit standoffish about the church.
Similarly, this ministry concerns itself in large part with persons who are on the periphery of the church's future. It is clear that if the average age of church members today is 40, it will be at least 50 in ten years unless the youth of this country decide that the church is important and worthwhile. It is isn't relevant to them in college, it may not occur tot them again that it could be relevant. 
As a ministry of the church, the ministry in higher education is frequently involved at those places in our society where change is taking place. That is so because the campus is a likely place for the people to be who constantly energize change. If we think largely of the church in terms of local congregations, in that sense it is a ministry at the periphery of the church. 
At the present time, with great emphasis on the cities and great concerns on the part of individuals with what seems to be falling in chaos about them, it appears that ministry in higher education is at the periphery of the church's understanding of mission. It is difficult to expect more understanding and interest in this time of turmoil, but the future is still before us and there is no way to influence the future without being where it is being shaped. One could hope for more interest, more genuine dialogue and less handwringing or outright attacks on some very thoughtful and responsible persons who are involved in our ministry in higher education. 
It would also appear that ministry in higher education is at the periphery of the church's interest in higher education. One could make the case at the present time, at least, that the church'related college is closer to the church's interest in higher education. But I would make the point that the members of the churches seldom think of the ministry in higher education when they think of higher education. 
On the other hand, I would point out that the church has invested a great deal of money in this venture. In that sense it has had a priority spot. As we come to times when money is more difficult to find in the churches for this ministry, put me down as one who is proud of what the churches have done so far as finances are concerned. 
(OVER)

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From the January 25, 1971 of MONDAY MORNING, (pp. 10-12). MINISTRY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: PRIORITY OR PERIPHERY! by Emerson I. Abendroth Regional Secretary, United Ministries in High Education Considering this topic is a good deal like the good news-bad news stories that are going around these days. It is not possible to stay on one side very long. I want to indicate how it seems to me that ministry in higher education is both a priority and a periphery matter in the church. This ministry is at the very periphery of the church's membership. It is taking place among those people who have always been in the midst of rapid growth and change which has caused them to be a bit standoffish about the church. Similarly, this ministry concerns itself in large part with persons who are on the periphery of the church's future. It is clear that if the average age of church members today is 40, it will be at least 50 in ten years unless the youth of this country decide that the church is important and worthwhile. It is isn't relevant to them in college, it may not occur tot them again that it could be relevant. As a ministry of the church, the ministry in higher education is frequently involved at those places in our society where change is taking place. That is so because the campus is a likely place for the people to be who constantly energize change. If we think largely of the church in terms of local congregations, in that sense it is a ministry at the periphery of the church. At the present time, with great emphasis on the cities and great concerns on the part of individuals with what seems to be falling in chaos about them, it appears that ministry in higher education is at the periphery of the church's understanding of mission. It is difficult to expect more understanding and interest in this time of turmoil, but the future is still before us and there is no way to influence the future without being where it is being shaped. One could hope for more interest, more genuine dialogue and less handwringing or outright attacks on some very thoughtful and responsible persons who are involved in our ministry in higher education. It would also appear that ministry in higher education is at the periphery of the church's interest in higher education. One could make the case at the present time, at least, that the church'related college is closer to the church's interest in higher education. But I would make the point that the members of the churches seldom think of the ministry in higher education when they think of higher education. On the other hand, I would point out that the church has invested a great deal of money in this venture. In that sense it has had a priority spot. As we come to times when money is more difficult to find in the churches for this ministry, put me down as one who is proud of what the churches have done so far as finances are concerned. (OVER)