12 Things to Look for in a Church at College

It’s summer already, and that means a new generation of students is getting ready for college. This summer we’ll offer some insights and advice about starting that first year of school. Do you have something to contribute? Mention it here, and we’ll all grow together

1. A friend. No, not like you need to meet a new friend there (though that’s very important too, just not the point of this one), but you need a friend to go with you to visit churches. Sure it’s fine to go by yourself, but it’s easier with a friend. So ask someone, and go with a buddy.
2. Old people and babies. And every age in between. The church isn’t called a family for nothing. It’s made up of all ages. Granted, there are wonderful churches without all these generations, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t get to interact with people older and younger than you are.

12 Things to Do When Your Finals are Over

As if you needed any suggestions…

1. Sleep.
2. Eat.
3. Read for pleasure.
4. Clean.
5. Pack.
6. Play a game.
7. Exercise.
8. Watch a movie.
9. Hang out with friends (any maybe rub it in that you're finished).
10. Play music.
11. Shop.
12. NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT NOT STUDYING!!!

12 Prayers for Students (and the rest of us) to Pray

With practice, I’ve gotten better at being honest with God, and myself, when I pray. He knows the truth anyway, right? So why shouldn’t I be up front about my thoughts, opinions, feelings and perspectives? Here, 12 prayers that are common to all of us, whether we’re students in the formal sense of the word or not.

1. “Please pick up this pencil and write.” Let’s get this one out of the way right away. You’ve said this, haven’t you? Yeah, God didn’t answer that prayer the way I had hoped either. But at least we were honest in our desperation!
2. “Show me whom I should date/marry.” College is admittedly a time for testing the relationship waters. Unfortunately some students take dating way too seriously and stressfully. The whole point of a first date is NOT to determine if you’re going to marry someone, but only to find out if you want a SECOND date! But seeking God’s guidance and provision is never a bad thing.