Few life experiences approach the emotional intensity of a child’s transition out of your home and away to college. We understand how much you want to see your child survive, and even thrive, spiritually as he or she passes through this milestone.
It’s true your child will face some very real challenges in their transition. They will navigate through loneliness, newfound freedom, academic stress, social pressure, and the natural human inclination to try new things. They will encounter new temptations in the arenas of sex and alcohol.
In secular colleges, it’s very likely they’ll hear a professor challenge the authority of the Bible. In order to withstand these spiritual dangers, it’s imperative that your child gets connected to a Christian community at their new school. We’re here to help with that.
Your child is heading out on an exciting journey, but they’ll be making the journey without you. How can you advocate for them as they head out and you stay behind? There are at least 4 key things you can do leading up to the day you drop your child off at college.
1. Spend time together. Grab as much time as you can with your child before they head to college. Have lots of fun together and build memories that you and your child will look back on for years to come.
2. Express to them the importance of college community. Along with parental counsel on choosing a major, and tips on how to do laundry in a dorm, let the greatest concern you express to your child center on finding a place of like-minded others for encouragement, support, and a sense of belonging in their new environment.
Help your child locate Christian ministries on their new college campus through the school website, like Cru. Cru has a great Christ-centered community where your student can connect with a Cru upperclassman. To learn more about it, text COLLEGESEND to 555888.
Then help them narrow the list down to three Christian communities on campus. Help them locate a contact person to reach out to later in the summer for the details on freshmen welcome events and other first week events each ministry will be hosting. Offer encouragement that if your child connects with any of these groups in the fall, or better still, over the summer, they’ll be headed toward spiritual success.
3. Pray. Pray often with your child and for your child. Ask God to give them (and you) confident trust that He will direct them in this new chapter of life and provide a caring community for them to connect with at college.
4. Relax. God is in control and any anxiety we carry can be picked up by our kids. They need our steady confidence in God for them as they make this big transition.
Prayer for Wisdom
Lord, I lift up my child as they go to college. I pray that You would give them wisdom to make the right decisions. Guide them as they choose their career path, classes, and friendships. I pray that You would speak to and guide them daily. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayer for Godly Friends
Lord, I ask that You would bring godly friends into my child’s life while they’re away at college, to help them draw closer to You each day. I pray these friendships would last a lifetime, and they would encourage one another to seek You more. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayer for Safety
Thank You for my child, Lord! I pray You will keep them safe at college. I pray You will guard their mind from harmful instruction and grant them discernment to recognize truth. Help them to find rest in Your shadow as they live in the spiritual shelter You provide for them. Amen.
If you’re a parent of a college-bound student, check out the Cru FAQ Page. If you’re a youth leader of a college-bound student, check out Cru for Youth Pastors. Article reposted with permission from Cru.
