Ever since I graduated from high school, I’ve been contemplating what my spiritual life should be like now that I’m more independent. At church, I serve on the worship team, but I’m not involved with children’s or youth ministry as a leader. I could probably benefit from a more intimate group of people my own age, maybe an accountability partner of sorts. Not every 18-25 year old goes to college, and this age group is arguably the most critical for spiritual growth, but it can sometimes be underappreciated. There are so many big life decisions that happen around this time, and without the right support from trustworthy peers and mentors, students can experience unfavorable consequences while also feeling alone.
This is why it is important for students to get involved with a young adult small group, Bible study or an accountability partner so that they can support each other through this important stage in life.
I spoke with sophomore Nate Urban, a DC for Smith Hall, who said that he looks forward to the times where he can give his peers spiritual encouragement and help them for solutions to life’s problems. He hopes that his hallmates know that they can find people to support them with whatever is on their mind, and they can hold each other accountable for their decisions.
Other students, like senior Sarah Sirks, enjoy the intimacy and accountability they get from frequently meeting with their best friends. Freshman Lexi Graves said it was really important that she had accountability partners because her relationship with God is her main priority, and she wanted to be surrounded by people who pray with her and remind her to keep God first through the busyness of life.
Brandon Lien, junior DC in Dunn, said that college-age students need a safe place to grow in wisdom with people who are dealing with similar problems and questions about their faith. He also said that any student at AU could easily find a small group, Bible study, or another ministry on campus or around the area.
Now, it’s understandable if someone has trouble being vulnerable with people and sharing their stories, but many of the students I spoke with said that they should not be afraid to look for a ministry where they can feel safe and find trustworthy people. In response to vulnerability, junior Emma Moore said, “I believe being vulnerable is a vital part of the church because God wants to use you in sharing your story to strengthen the Christian community and empower people.”
God created us to commune with each other, share our support and carry one another’s burdens. Every student should have some form of accountability whether that is through accountability partners, social clubs, Bible studies, or small groups through a church. All you have to do is ask around, and you can find a group that best fits your needs.
Nathan is a junior music education major from Casper, Wyoming.