Perspectives of a new campus minister

by Bob Yoder

In the past few weeks, many people have asked me if I am excited to be serving Goshen College as its new campus pastor. Naturally I say “yes,” otherwise I would have unwisely left a conference ministry assignment that I deeply loved. But as I pondered that question and met face to face with students, I was challenged to articulate why it was that I was excited. Here are some thoughts…

The Holy Spirit has been, is, and will be moving in the lives of students

Perhaps this is a selfish reason, but I wanted to be where there was a “concentrated amount of Spirit activity.” I deeply believe that the Holy Spirit has already been at work in the lives of students before stepping foot on campus and expect that to continue. With “Spirit activity” among the nearly 1,000 students and staff on a relatively small plot of land in Goshen , how could I refuse being a part of this dynamic reality? As campus pastor, I see my role as one of helping students become aware of this Spirit movement in their lives and those around them, as I too am impacted.

Goshen College as a Gospel Community

I was also drawn to this position because of Goshen College ’s core values, particularly that of being Christ-centered. The Jesus of the Gospels was one who ushered in the reign of God as a healer, teacher, nurturer, prophet, and savior. As the Spirit moves within the students and faculty, I am excited to get to know the healers, teachers, nurturers, and prophets on our campus. But I also see the Jesus of the Gospels as one whose actions stemmed from his life of prayer and worship. We can read of those times when Jesus went off to pray, by himself and with his community, in the deserted places in the midst of his active ministry with people. That prayer connection to God, I believe, drove his vision, and demonstrated that his life was one of constant prayer and action, worship and living out a call. As campus pastor, I see my role as one of helping students maintain that awareness of the need for balance of prayer and action, worship and living out one’s call as we together seek to live as Christ dreams for us.

 As I continue the “journey of the learning curve,” my excitement for this pastoral position grows. Parents, I ask you now for your prayers on my behalf for wisdom, guidance and patience, and for the College as the Spirit moves among us to become a Gospel Community.