Erik B. Kesting
Top Picks for Campus Ministry
Greetings! My name is Erik Kesting and I serve as Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA’s) Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Our office staff is here to support all Unitarian Universalists (UUs) in the work of creating thriving campus ministries.
Every week, we receive inquiries from congregations starting and maintaining campus ministries, connecting students with congregations, and building networks of campus ministry leaders. Below are links to the resources we’ve found valuable in supporting these congregations in the past year. If you don’t find what you are seeking in this list, please contact me. We have a wealth of diverse resources available and I look forward to being in touch!
Erik B. Kesting
yayadirector @ uua.org
Campus Ministry 101
- Campus Ministry Grants
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries offers a number of grants for districts, local congregations, and groups. We are always seeking to fund innovative, accountable, and sustainable campus ministry programs around the continent.
- Building Intergenerational Wholeness
This fifteen-minute video was designed specifically for congregational leaders emphasizing the importance and interconnection of campus ministry to the congregation. Also available on DVD.
People-power
Sometimes the best resource is another colleague. District, congregational, and campus staff are available to support your efforts. Contact your district staff member and reach out to neighboring churches to see what they are doing or how you can work together.
You can also contact a congregation certified as a Young Adult and Campus Ministry Anchor Congregation.
There is a Facebook group for UU Campus Ministry Professionals and a variety of email lists hosted by the UUA.
- ConnectUU
This online database is a listing of young adult and campus groups and events. It is particularly useful for those seeking a local Unitarian Universalist connection as they move from their home turf to new locations around the United States. It is also helpful for constituents who seek to build stronger relationships with young adults in the denomination.
- Facebook
Facebook is where the college students are. It’s where they talk, think, learn, share and grow. If you want to access them, the first step is being in touch. Set up an account to get connected with young adults in your life and build strong mentoring relationships. Facebook has revolutionized the way college students connect and communicate. Anyone doing campus ministry belongs on this site.
Activities for Your Campus Group
- Young Adult and Campus Ministry Covenant Group Manual
This resource will guide you through creating successful young adult focused small group ministry or covenant groups. Accompanied by two covenant group curricula, UU Identity by Kate Tweedie Erslev and Finding Your Path by Rev. Dr. Michael Tino, these documents are all available as free online downloads.
- Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
Beverly Daniel Tatum analyses the different stages and forms of racial identity development in whites and People of Color in the United States. Exploring race and racism in America and how we can develop stronger anti-racist identities in ourselves, in our children, and in our communities, this is a great book for group discussion.
- Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Young Adults
Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality. Resources include a book of age-appropriate workshops and an accompanying guide, Sexuality and Our Faith: A Companion to Our Whole Lives, of faith components to enrich the Our Whole Lives experience in a faith-based environment.
- Popcorn Theology for Mature Audiences: Exploring Theology and Ethics Through R-rated Movies
For this engaging and educational resource, Director of Religious Education Michelle Richards compiled a list of R-rated films and developed activities and discussions to accompany each one. College students, in particular, will find the movies relevant and the discussions thought-provoking. This resource capitalizes on the use of media as a means for entertainment, learning and community-building.
Further Reading: Becoming a Campus Ministry Expert
- Campus Ministry: The Church Beyond Itself
Although 20 years old, the message from Donald Schockley’s 1989 book rings loud and true: campus ministry needs to be seen as part of the ministry all congregations seek to provide to all beings, regardless of their ability to make it “in the doors” of the church.
- Big Questions, Worthy Dreams
Dr. Sharon Daloz Parks covers many topics in this compelling book, namely the importance of mentoring. As UUs, we do a wonderful job of offering our youth and young adults the freedom to explore their inner and outer worlds, but rarely do we stay beside them as they do it! Parks, through her insight and research, guides the reader in developing the mentoring muscle to be an effective and accountable adult ally to young adults.
For more information contact youngadults @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, January 29, 2010.
