College is a crucial time for students. As they begin an independent new life, they are bound to discover many barriers to developing an others-focused Christian worldview. As a whole, their college life and all that it entails—classes, activities, social events, new acquaintances, teachers, and mentors—embraces self-focused tendencies toward personal advancement, material security, and a narrow sphere of friends and family. But there are ways to help our young adults develop inclinations that combat materialism and foster the generosity and selflessness exemplified by Christ.
Discipleship and spiritual practices can not only foster students’ biblical worldview but also propel them forward into a meaningful and Spirit-led way of life.
First Church partners with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), a campus ministry that exists to reach students for Christ and equip them to serve. Rev. Lucas Tanner is the RUF Campus Minister at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Lucas is a Naples native and holds a Master of Divinity from Knox Theological Seminary; he has been ministering to students for 17 years. His work focuses on helping students grow in their faith, search for answers, and find community and support. Lucas welcomes all students, regardless of their backgrounds or personal beliefs. He encourages them to examine the truths of biblical Christianity in ways that are plausible to the skeptic and life-changing for the believer.
RUF ministers through one-on-one discipleship, small group Bible studies, and large group worship and preaching. Students organize leadership teams and take ownership of the ministry; they serve in various ways as well as reach out to other students. RUF is not a replacement for the Church. In fact, RUF wants to strengthen the Church by developing future Church leaders. In the last 20 years, Florida Gulf Coast University has made a meaningful cultural and economic impact on Southwest Florida. RUF hopes that as they reach and equip these students for Christ, they will make a profound spiritual impact on the region as well.
We are grateful to Rev. Tanner and RUF for ministering to students during this unique stage of life and pray that through their Kingdom work these young people’s minds will be renewed through the knowledge of Christ.
by Trusha Barner, Director of Missions
