The numbers are pretty discouraging when it comes to students walking with the Lord throughout college. Depending on whose statistics you read, research from ministries such as Lifeway shows that around two-thirds of kids who are active in a youth group during their middle and high school years are not actively involved in church during their college years. That means many young adults are making choices that determine the trajectory of their lives - choosing a major, a career, possibly even a spouse - while they are not engaged in their faith.
So what should you do if you are a young adult who loves the Lord heading off to college?
Here are three ways you can keep walking with the Lord:
1 - Find a faith community. Don't just pick a college campus. Don't just pick a dorm room or an apartment. Don't just pick a roommate. Find a faith community. Decide that if you move away to attend college, you will also find a church family to get engaged and involved in.
2 - Don't become too self-focused. College is very me-centered. It's my major, my schedule, my travel, my internships, what events I want to go to, the person I want to date, the friends I want to hang out with. There is nothing wrong with any of these things, but it's easy to become so focused on your experience and preparation that you forget that God wants you to use your gifts and abilities to serve others. Find a way to get engaged in ministry on your campus or in a local church.
3 - Remember that the most important thing you can do is walk with the Lord. Be in the Word. Have your quiet times. Grow in your faith. Seriously consider God's will for every major decision.
If you get engaged in a strong, local faith community, serve the Lord, and walk with Him personally, your college years can be one the most fruitful, enjoyable times of your young adult life.
Go to college. Work hard. Have a blast. And walk with Jesus while you're there.