Making Connections

No matter how many (or few) responsibilities we have in our lives, we have an inherent need to connect with others. Humans are created to be relational beings. We respond to communication and interaction with others, and can become more well-rounded through it.

It can be difficult, however, to find ways to connect with others in meaningful ways. If we are not intentional it simply won’t happen. Here are a few tips on making connections…

On Campus

Most colleges offer a wide range of groups and organizations in which students may participate and get to know others. Do some research to discover the variety of clubs and/or teams available.

A great organization to check out first is a faithbased group, such as the Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM). This multi-faceted group can be a great way to connext with others who share your beliefs. BCMs usually offer a variety of activities from which to choose, including worship, sports teams, missions events, and more.

Greek organizations are another place that have always provided extracurricular interaction for students. If you have interest in Greeks, however, be sure and do your homework to find a group whose beliefs and behaviors do not compromise your standards. While the majority of fraternities and sororities get a bad rap for substance abuse and hazing, some Greek organizations do exist with higher standards and who participate in worthy causes. Typically, the behavior of current membership is what primarily drives a group’s reputation (whether good or bad), so get to know its members before making a decision. (Be advised! Recognize that the impression a group makes during an enrollment period may not be a typical representation. Don’t join during your first semester on campus and don’t join just to find a place to belong. While it is possible to be a strong Christian witness as a Greek, the exposure to undesired behavior is often part of the package.)

On the Job

If you are working, your job may consume more of your free time than you’d wish. If so, consider further developing relationships with your co-workers. Make an effort to invite someone to join you for a break or a quick meal after work. Invite them to attend a worship service with you. Investigate if your employer offers social or educational opportunities in which you can interact with others. It is important to cultivate relationships with those with whom we work, since we spend so much time with them. Life is too short to travel through life with blinders on.

If appropriate opportunities arise, try to develop deeper relationships with your management. Seeing a supervisor as a regular human being with a family and normal life struggles sometimes helps us understand their decisions or personality. We can become more understanding and tolerant of others that way.

At Church

Many students fail to make a church connection once they leave for college. They think that because they are in town for only four years, they would be a temporary part of the church and should not become involved. That is a mistake!

Most college-town churches offer great opportunities for students to find a new church home and interact with church families. Churches with active collegiate ministries provide an amazing array of involvement activities. Students can be assigned adoptive families with whom to share meals and interact. Church also provides opportunities for students to plug into ministry.

If your home church is nearby, by all means, plug in. Give all that you can to your involvement. Being a student does not mean that you have nothing to contribute! More and more, congregations are recognizing the importance of young adults and the impact they have on the future church. If you want to participate in strengthening the church of tomorrow, choose to involve yourself now.

If you do not have transportation, look for congregations who offer a shuttle service to campus. Don’t let the absence of a ride keep you from fellowshipping with other believers. You can find a way to church!

In the Community

Almost every city or town has opportunities for social, political, or governmental involvement. Check the local newspaper or city hall for news of organizations or their regular meeting times and locations.

Volunteerism is a wonderful way to give to your community while giving of yourself. Check on opportunities for volunteer home construction for the needy, working in disaster relief, reading during story time at the library, and helping with services/ministries to the homeless or abused.

Be a Mentor

Surround yourself with people from whom you can learn and to whom you can be an example. As my pastor says, be both a Paul and a Timothy. Seek a Paul - someone with a strong, disciplined faith with whom you can develop a partnership and sense of accountability. Learn and deepen your faith through your interactions with this person.

Then do the same for someone else - find a Timothy. By investing in the life of another person, you can grow spiritually, but also contribute to the growth of another. Do all you can be become a strong disciple, then multiply yourself in others.

The best way to become a well-rounded student and the person God means for you to be is to reflect His love. And that can’t happen if you only focus on yourself. Share yourself in the gifts and areas in which God has blessed you, even if you are in the process of learning what they are.

Becoming who you are in Christ is a lifelong process and involves the contributions of many others! Get out, meet people, fellowship with other believers, and learn to maintain a healthy balance in your life. Don’t go it alone!