Interfaith, Not Isolated: Campus Ministry as Home for a New Generation

On a spring-break service trip to New Orleans, Augsburg University students of many faiths (and none) discovered a deep sense of joy and belonging as they danced together in Jackson Square—until a fundamentalist campus ministry group turned the moment into an aggressive proselytizing effort. The experience opened rich conversations among the Augsburg group about faith sharing, respect, and what it really means to serve in Christ’s name.

University pastor John Rohde Schwehn reflects on this story through a Lutheran lens, drawing on theologian Samuel Wells to shift the focus from doing things for others to being with others, especially in a time of loneliness and isolation. Campus ministry, he writes, is called to form beloved community where Christ is present in shared life, not just in doctrinal correctness. Read the full reflection on Living Lutheran ›