Learning Challenges of Campus Ministry

Sam and Darcie Gutierrez recently completed internships at the University of Calgary, a university that has an enrollment of about 30,000 students who come to college with lots of questions, experience with a range of faiths, and the desire, often unspoken, to know God better.

Supported by Christian Reformed Home Missions, the internships gave Sam and Darcie a taste of the many challenges they would face should they decide to enter full-time campus ministry. The university is located in Calgary, Alberta.

In a wide-ranging interview about the experience published on the CRHM Website, Sam Gutierrez discusses the disappointments that he faced when students didn't flock to his office to learn more about Jesus. He also speaks about how the experience expanded his perspective, teaching him that the "world is a very diverse place."

Despite the challenges, he came away from the experience convinced that young people are yearning to learn more about and to seek God.

The internship taught him about the ministry of presence, of simply being available. For instance, he and his wife instituted a program called "Tea Time" that was geared to give students an initial exposure to the chaplain's center.

To read the entire interview, click: Calgary Campus Chaplains.