Sharing your faith with faculty

College students have always intrigued me! When I was a high school senior, I was dating a college freshman. She took me to her campus group where I met her campus minister, who later became a close friend and influenced me toward campus ministry. During my Masters studies I took every course relating to that field. Later I worked with students as a full-time campus minister at a large state university. Then most of my 40+ years of teaching were with students who were also preparing for student ministry.

I love college students, especially the six who are my grandchildren. They still challenge me in my understanding of their generation, as well as their growth and relationships. While I know I still have a lot to learn about them, I believe they still need to learn a thing or two themselves… and research proves it!

One university’s human growth and development faculty declared that, during the 4 years of college, students make 8 cognitive leaps.
This pilgrimage is a journey and a deliberate process. I have observed some students who had great thoughts but whose egos made them think they were the first to ever have such conclusions. It is so great to hear them respond with “I never thought of that before…” ! This is a continuation of the learning process that started during the teen years.

Just as cognitive development is pivotal during the college years, so is faith development. In fact, an outgrowth of faith formation is the desire to share that faith. Sharing your faith with your peers is a natural place to start. But have you ever thought about sharing your faith with your faculty?

If you want to share your faith with a professor, you have to consider some things first. Your desires to share your faith can be either helped or hindered by how you relate to your faculty friends. Seldom will the confrontational manner be effective! We should not approach a non-believing or agnostic professor with the “bible-thumping” attitude. It is interesting to realize that Jesus seldom quoted scriptures to non believers, but rather told them stories while loving them unconditionally.

A more subtle approach would be more effective: Be the best student in the class. Work hard for good grades. Show some respect to your professor by being consistent, courteous, attentive and punctual. This gets the attention of a professor! By being the best student, you also earn respect and the right to be heard. That way, when the opportunity arrives to discuss faith, a relationship is available.

If you’ll approach your professors respectfully this way, they’ll be more open to hearing about your faith. What’s true for us all is true for your professors too: The mind is like a parachute; it only works when it is open!

Phil Briggs, PhD, UBC Adult, Distinguished Professor of Collegiate & Student Ministry Emeritus