Here is a response to the post below regarding this statement, “Do not be surprised or annoyed or upset if you necessarily find that they have no time, or little time, for you, that no matter how well-intentioned you may be toward them, or sure of your cause, you sometimes inconvenience and bore them, and they casually ignore you and your counsel.”

Well, no offense to the author, but I find this point a little belittling to college kids.     It reminds me of youth ministers who think that youth are only capable of enjoying a Bible lesson if it has lights, fun, food and drama.  I think I would have been offended to read this as a college student.  (Although, being easily offended by things isn’t a high virtue…)  I think college students are adult-age and should be treated as such, especially within the church.  Does it mean we should go looking to bore them?  Well, no, but we shouldn’t go looking to bore anyone.  Christianity isn’t boring.  If they aren’t seeking accountability or discipleship and have time for everything else but that, then something is wrong.  Are they a Christian?  Then this should be addressed for what it is.  You can’t be surprised or annoyed.  This could happen with Christians who are well out of college.  People are people.  Sinners are sinners. 

So, I guess… if we are being boring.  We need to start reading and living our Bibles more, right?  If college kids are only wanting to be around college kids, then maybe we should teach more on what a Body of Christ looks like… diverse and with every part united under its head.  Inconvenience them?  I would imagine that a Christian college student would be thrilled if a passionate Christian pursued time with them, including them in family events and mentoring/training them up in righteousness and providing counsel based on God’s Word and life wisdom.  If they aren’t a Christian, sure they might be bored.  But, so would a non-christian 50 year old… until the Spirit works on their heart… they are dead in their sins after all.  For the Christians, we should expect more from them and treat them like we would other relationships within the body.  I think they’ll catch on, even if it’s new to them and they haven’t been treated that way by Christians from other age categories.  We should not be marked by being annoyed or surprised, even though it is a temptation when pursuing discipleship with anyone who seems bored, busy or disinteresed.  We should be prayerful, passionate and persistent.  And, if they aren’t teachable or responsive… tell an elder.  Pass it on and find someone who is ready to grow!  Along the way, I’m sure the college student could teach the disciple-R a lots as well!

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