Previous page | Main ALOVE site Archive   All things in 'Studentdom' ... : back to students page    Autumn’s fast approaching; the season of ‘back to school’, new terms and new beginnings. For many, it will signal the start of their journey into Further Education, as they take up places at University and College throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. ALOVE takes this opportunity to hear from a student and youth worker on all things in ‘studentdom’. PROFILE 1 ... Name: Carl Location: Leeds Role: Philosophy and Sociology Student at University of Leeds How did you choose your university? I was impressed with the size and reputation of the uni, and the city, which is very cosmopolitan. As a student and Christian, what are some of the key issues you face within the Uni environment? Sticking to Christian morals in the face of an environment that doesn't hold to them much; having the courage to speak out as a Christian and live out what I believe; time management with regard to work, socialising and Christian activities (CU, church). What are some of your hopes and dreams for your university years? To gain a greater understanding of the life and the world through my subjects of study; to be a living witness to the gospel of Christ among my friends; to make the most of this opportunity by taking part in new things and to have a good time! How are you seeking to pursue mission in your university context, either on campus or in the local community? The Christian Union runs cell groups, which help us to network with other Christians, apply the bible to our lives and witness to friends. I'm also a member of a social justice group called SPEAK. What are your hopes for the ALOVE vision/essentials in relation to students? I hope that ALOVE can help students to discover what worship, discipleship, mission and social action mean for them in a university context. So many students who are Christians have trouble expressing their faith at university and are often in need of support. Opportunities for mission and social action on university campuses are so rich, it's just a matter of getting people involved. PROFILE 2 ... Name: Andrea Location: Regent Hall, London Role: Youth worker at Regent Hall Salvation Army How does your role as youth worker at Regent Hall involve you with students? The majority of my time is devoted to students. At Regent Hall, we feel that God is calling us to focus our 'youth' work on Salvation Army students and young people moving to London. Why is student ministry important and what excites you about it? The move from home to university is often a very vulnerable time for young people. They're faced with loads of new choices and it can be a crunch-point, when they decide either to dive into God or to make the break and leave church behind. Christians need to be there for young people at this point, to be the stable rock, welcoming them without condition and investing in them. If students are able to find their centre in God, amazing things can happen. How are you seeking to reach out to students? 1| By creating a culture of welcome in our church and youth group. Along with this is a growing and flexible programme of social events, discipleship groups, worship times and mission opportunities. 2| Through linking with local universities and college and trying to keep on top of student culture. 3| By calling around corps to see if students are moving to London and getting in touch with them before they come. It's a long-winded but worthwhile process. 4| By encouraging young people to invite their friends. To see the Kingdom of God growing and God's people growing in Christ- likeness. What are the main issues students are facing? These are as varied as the number of students we have! Main ones would include: uncertainty at being away from home; loneliness; stress; peer pressure; identity; what living as a Christian actually means; figuring out their future and putting spiritual disciplines into practice. What are your hopes for the ALOVE vision/essentials in relation to students? We aim to filter our student ministry through the essentials. Through teaching, encouraging and empowering students, our hope is that they can disciple others, get involved in mission, worship God and develop their own social action mindset. : back to top : back to students page Youthwork - The Partnership ... ALOVE, Youthwork Magazine, Youth For Christ, Spring Harvest and Oasis are working together to equip and resource the Church for effective youth work and ministry.