College is one of the most significant transitions a young person faces. For many WELS students, it means moving away from home, building new friendships, and navigating life without the familiar support of their home congregation.
Staying connected to God’s Word and a community of fellow believers during those years is vital. That’s why WELS Campus Ministry works to connect students with local campus ministry programs, congregations, and contact pastors near their schools while also providing resources and encouragement throughout their college experience.
To strengthen those efforts, WELS Campus Ministry has launched a new tool to make sure that distance does not mean disconnection: the WELS Campus Ministry App. The app is the centerpiece of WELS Campus Ministry Online, a new initiative designed to serve students wherever college takes them. Available now on iOS and Android devices, the free app gives students access to Bible studies, ministry resources, student connections, and other tools that support their faith throughout their college years
“One of the strengths of WELS Campus Ministry has always been helping students connect with a local church and family of believers wherever they attend school,” says Thomas Welch, member of the WELS Campus Ministry Committee and campus pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Houghton, Michigan. “The new app gives students another way to stay connected to God’s Word throughout the week through Bible studies, resources, and other tools designed for college life. It also creates opportunities to serve students who may not have access to a local WELS campus ministry program through online Bible studies and other digital resources.”
As part of the new online initiative, WELS Campus Ministry also will begin offering a weekly online Bible study for students. The first study is scheduled for September 3 and will provide a regular opportunity for students—especially those without a WELS church nearby—to gather around God’s Word and connect with other Christians their age.
Registering helps connect students with a local campus ministry contact pastor when a campus ministry is near their school. Parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, and friends are also encouraged to refer students and share information about the Campus Ministry app. Students are encouraged to sign up with WELS Campus Ministry at wels.net/college and download the app. It takes only a few minutes, but it can help students remain connected to Christ as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of college life.
