It was Buzz Lightyear who gifted us with the iconic line, “To infinity… and beyond!” But way before him, the Great Commission was spoken by Jesus to 12 ordinary men, telling them to go to all nations and make disciples. Going to infinity and beyond began with Jesus. But what does this look like for us today?
Agapé’s Student Life is seeing students take the lead in exciting ways. Some students have been venturing off their own university campuses to help develop Agapé Student Life movements at other universities in their region. Others have been launching movements at their own universities where there are no Agapé staff at all.
Led by Students
Anna Du-mont is studying at the University of Nottingham, where there are currently no Agapé staff, “It was a year ago that I became a student leader. Amidst all of my other commitments and studies, I was initially apprehensive to join but I’m so glad I did!”
Through using Agapé resources and holding quirky fresher campaigns like ‘hook-a-duck’ on campus, Student Leaders at Nottingham are providing an open space for students to come together and talk about the big questions surrounding life and faith. “I am encouraged and surprised that every week students walk through the pub doors and sit down with us for our weekly meeting,” shares Anna. “They open up to us, sharing their opinions on life, faith, and everything in between.”
“Though the mission can feel daunting at times as a student-led movement without full-time staff, the boundaries are not limited to what can be achieved with God on our campus and beyond,” expressed Anna. “I can’t wait to see what he has planned for us next.”
Supported by Other Uni Students
Students from established Agapé Student Life movements are in turn helping to launch new movements at other universities. Joe Purnell, studying at Oxford Brookes, has been going quite literally beyond his own campus to join God in what he is doing regionally at Reading and Nottingham universities.
At the University of Nottingham specifically, Joe joined the search for new leaders, “I just recently had the privilege of meeting those new leaders that came out of that searching! God is so good in the way he promises things and never fails to come through, even when it sometimes feels fruitless on the day.”
“I have seen how powerful a Student Life movement can be as it has influenced my university experience significantly in Oxford. So to have the opportunity to share the movement elsewhere is really exciting! There’s also a certain freedom in taking risks in conversation, as I’m unlikely to see that person around my own campus” shared Joe. “It’s rarely easy to go up to students and ask what they think about life and faith. I’ve had one-word answers and been hurried along but there is such peace in knowing that each conversation could have an eternal consequence.”
Coached by Agapé Staff
It’s an exciting time for Agapé Student Life staff as we’re seeing students empowered to lead their own movements and help launch others. Becky Deare, Team Leader for Agapé Student Life in the West Midlands, shared how staff are joining in what God is already doing.
“This is not a new thing, but it’s a matter of owning the entire scope of movement building, not just on our doorsteps, but also up and down the UK,” explained Becky, who met Jesus and started the Agapé Student Life movement at the University of Birmingham almost 10 years ago. “It’s the same vision to see student-led movements winning people to Christ, building them up in Christ and sending them out to do the same with others, but it owns a much bigger scope.”
Becky has been supporting the Student Leaders at Nottingham from a distance through online coaching and showing up alongside them on campus. “God has blessed us with technology – Paul used letters; now we’re using Skype! Like each of us, students have been given the Great Commission from God and they have the passion to be a part of it – our job is to get alongside them and help empower them to do just that!”
Empowered by God
Through students actively sharing their faith on campus, many students at different points in their spiritual journey have been brought into the Student Life community and have experienced the acceptance that comes from God. “God is raising up student leaders and stirring the hearts of students to share the gospel,” shares Becky. “He is using young adults to change their campuses! The scope and vision of this is huge – we’re praying that as a movement, we would continue to dream big dreams, continue to have our eyes open to see where God is at work, and that we would remain sensitive to his leading.”
The Great Commission was given to reach far and wide to infinity and beyond. Jesus’ promise is what makes all the difference: “I will be with you to the very end of the age.”
Would you join in the work on a campus of your own or near you? To find out how you can get involved, head to www.agape.org.uk/studentlife and get in touch with us as you go into the beyond, right where you are…
Source: Agapé Student Life