ACF: What About It?
By Natasha Richards
What if I told you there was a place you could go to for nine months a year and meet young adults from almost every walk of life? Would you go? What if I told you there is a time in a young adult's formation where they seek to find their identity and community, and I know where they are? Would you want to go? What if I told you that if we just cared for those young adults' basic needs, they would have an open ear to receiving our support and the love of Jesus? Would you believe me?
Let me introduce you to Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF). Adventist Christian Fellowship is a student-run club in the North American Division on public university and college campuses. There is likely an ACF chapter on a campus near you, a student organization that can help students throughout their academic journey and open their minds to a life with Christ.
Working with ACF for ten years, it has been my great joy and honor to serve young adults from all walks of life. One of the most incredible things I’ve learned is that getting to know them works best when you go to them. We’re better able to build trust and consistency when we are on their campuses, in their environment. It is not about our needs but theirs.
So what are you supposed to get out of this article? Two words: Christ's Method.
"Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow Me…Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit" (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 143, 144).
Christ's method works. We have an opportunity to go to the college campuses and take care of our young adults. We can have a better relationship with them when we stop looking at them as numbers to fill our church sanctuaries. It is not about the numbers. It is about growing a relationship. Focus on the relationship; the numbers will explode.
What should I do next? Here are some steps to get you and your church started:
Start a prayer tree/wall. People will pray for a set period, e.g., 30 days, for the campus near you and for your church involvement. A prayer tree/wall is a popular decorated area in your church where prayers are placed for the ACF chapter and the local college students. This gets the entire church involved and brings attention to ACF.
After your prayer period, listen to what God says about your church being involved with the local college or university.
Find out if an ACF Chapter exists and what support it needs. Visit www.acflink.org for the ACF Directory.
Build a relationship with the students in the chapter.
If you have students who want to start a chapter, contact your local ACF Director or Youth Director to help you get started.
Keep praying no matter what comes.
Search out the gifts and talents in your church to see how your church can assist the students.
Build an Intern program at your church for them to work on AV Team, Social Media Team, or college degree-related fields
Keep praying.
Questions?
You may be asking the following:
Can I delegate the prayer tree to the Prayer Ministry leader?
Yes. You can assign this task to your Prayer Ministries department/leader. Please clarify what the mission is and why you are asking for prayer.
How do we develop relationships with students who don’t respond to our calls?
We must be in tune with the Holy Spirit. We want instant results. We must be patient. Our young adults must see that we are trustworthy and consistent. Focus your attention on building trust. Whatever you start, be consistent with it. Don't over-promise and under-deliver. It is highly encouraged that your church has training regarding the Do’s and Don'ts by your local ACF Director or Youth Director.
How do we support an ACF chapter that won’t tell us what they need?
Continue to pray and contact your local ACF Director. There are always needs, but it might be in the approach or other variables you have no control over. This is why I say pray and wait on the Lord. Again, I encourage your church to be trained on the Do’s and Don'ts of public campus ministry
I have a lot on my plate. Do I have to be the one to sponsor or liaison with the ACF Ministry?
Pastors, we would love it if you were the ones involved. If you have an elected church leader for Young Adult Ministries or Collegiate Ministries, they can be the ACF chapter liaison. Preferably, use a young adult for this position. You can have the college or university be a local mission field for the missions program at your church. And note, pastors, like all ministries attached to the church, your visibility is highly encouraged.
There is much more to share. To stay in touch with ACF and the various things we are doing, go to www.acflink.org. I look forward to hearing the many beautiful stories that will come out of what is going on in your area. I pray for your success.
Natasha Richards is pursuing a MDiv and MBA and serves as the Administration Pastor at Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church, South Bend, IN. Natasha is also a member of the North American Division Public Campus Ministry Advisory Board
