If you've ever wondered what it's actually like to work with college students every day, let me tell you—it's never boring! This semester has been filled with some of the most hilarious, heartwarming, and holy moments I've experienced in ministry. I wanted to share a few stories that capture what makes this work so special.
Just last week, I was sitting at a coffee shop on campus when a student I'd met a few times plopped down across from me with a question that caught me completely off guard: "So, if God is real, why does my WiFi keep cutting out during online classes?" We both laughed, but that question led to a two-hour conversation about faith, doubt, and whether God cares about the small stuff. That's the thing about students—they ask the questions everyone's thinking but too afraid to say out loud.
Coffee Shop Conversations
Some of my best moments happen in the most ordinary places. Whether it's the campus coffee shop, the student center, or just walking between classes, students are always ready to talk. I've had deep theological discussions over mediocre cafeteria food, prayed with students in parking lots, and even had a small group meeting in someone's dorm room because we couldn't find anywhere else to meet.
One of my favorite things is watching students connect with each other. There's something beautiful about seeing someone who felt isolated find their people. I've watched friendships form over shared struggles, late-night study sessions turn into prayer times, and students who started the semester as strangers become like family.
The Questions That Keep Me Up
Students ask the best questions. I mean it—they really do. They're not satisfied with surface-level answers, and they're not afraid to challenge what they've been told. I've been asked everything from "How do I know God is real?" to "Can I be a Christian and still have doubts?" to "What does the Bible actually say about [insert any topic here]?"
These questions keep me on my toes and remind me why I love what I do. There's nothing quite like the moment when a student's face lights up because something finally clicks, or when they realize they're not alone in their questions. It's in these moments that I see God working in ways I never could have planned.
Laughter and Life
But it's not all deep conversations and theological discussions. We have a lot of fun, too! I've laughed until I cried during game nights, watched students attempt to cook together (with varying degrees of success), and been part of some truly terrible karaoke sessions. These moments matter just as much as the serious ones because they're where real community forms.
One of my favorite memories from this semester was when we tried to have a "serious" Bible study but ended up spending half the time trying to figure out how to work the projector. We eventually gave up and just read from our phones, but the conversation that followed was one of the most honest and meaningful we've had. Sometimes the best ministry happens when things don't go according to plan.
What I'm Learning
Working with students has taught me more than I could ever teach them. I've learned that ministry isn't about having all the answers—it's about being willing to walk alongside people as they figure things out. I've learned that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just show up and listen. And I've learned that God uses our messiness, our questions, and even our failures to build something beautiful.
Students have a way of keeping you humble, too. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone asks a question that makes you realize you don't know as much as you thought. And honestly? That's one of my favorite parts of this work.
Why This Matters
Every conversation, every question, every moment of connection matters. I've seen students who were struggling with their faith find hope again. I've watched students step into leadership roles they never thought they could handle. I've seen God transform lives right before my eyes, and it never gets old.
If you're a student reading this, know that you matter. Your questions matter. Your story matters. And if you're looking for a place to belong, to ask hard questions, and to grow in your faith, we'd love to have you join us. You don't have to have it all figured out—none of us do!
And if you're someone who's been praying for or partnering with this ministry—you're not on the sidelines. You're on the team. Every coffee shop conversation, every late-night question, every student who finds community—you share in that fruit. When you invest in this work, you're not just giving to a need; you're making an eternal investment with guaranteed returns.
The student who finally understood grace last week? That's your fruit too. The friendships forming in small groups? You're part of that story. As Paul wrote, the fruit abounds to your account.
Want to be part of what God is doing on campus? Get connected here or partner with us to share in the joy and eternal impact of reaching students across West Texas!