The following letter was recently mailed to representatives of the Cal-Pac Annual Conference, regarding the recent decision to de-fund campus ministry in that conference:

To the California-Pacific Annual Conference:

We write to you on behalf of the United Methodist Campus Ministry Association (UMCMA) with concern around recent decisions being made which affect the spiritual care of students, the making of disciples of Jesus Christ and development of leadership for the United Methodist Church on college and university campuses in the Cal-Pac Annual Conference.

This letter is to 1) communicate our concerns for the future of campus ministry in the Cal- Pac Annual Conference, and 2) raise awareness about Disciplinary process that govern changes in campus ministry units.

THE 2008 DISCIPLINE AND PROCESSES THAT GOVERN CAMPUS MINISTRY

As we become aware of possible changes in deployment of clergy personnel to campus ministry and a possible move toward Wesley Foundations based in local churches, the Discipline of the United Methodist Church outlines specific processes that must be followed:

1. BHECM or its equivalent recommends the policies guiding the annual conference in its program of ministry in higher education. (¶634.4a(2)) This responsibility cannot be appropriated by any other entity in an annual conference. We hope that as Cal-Pac conference leadership makes decisions for the future of their conference ministry, that due authority is given to BHECM in the development of policy regarding higher education.
2. BHECM authorizes any new (or change) in campus ministry units through an extensive and prescribed process. (¶634.4d(16))
3. Discontinuance of a Wesley Foundation or campus ministry(¶634.4d(19) and ¶2515)
a. Prior to a discontinuance BHECM shall conduct an assessment of the campus ministry’s potential
b. A discontinuance recommendation is made to the annual conference with the consent of a majority of BHECM and with the consent of a majority of the annual conference
c. Any proceeds from the sale of a Wesley Foundation or campus ministry shall be reserved for campus ministry needs in the annual conference
4. Staffing of Wesley Foundations is done through the local board following procedures established by BHECM. (¶634.4d(10) and (12))

We trust that all processes outlined by the Discipline are being followed, and that BHECM retains authority in all matters regarding Wesley Foundations and campus ministry units.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CAMPUS MINISTRY FOR CAL-PAC AND FOR THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 

The United Methodist Church states that one its four most important areas of focus is “Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.” Campus ministry has demonstrated its effectiveness in developing leadership, where young persons hear and respond to the call to invest their lives following Christ and leading the church. According to a Lewis Center Study, “conferences that have the highest proportion of young clergy tend to have plans to introduce young people to a life of ministry.” The Mississippi Annual Conference tops the list with the highest percentage of young commissioned and ordained ministers. Mississippi’s leaders attribute much of this to their investment in campus ministry.

Responding to short-term financial challenges, we worry that the church and the Cal-Pac Annual Conference specifically will make decisions that could compromise the ability of the United Methodist Church to have a long-term presence on our university campuses. Once we relinquish a campus ministry site, especially those on or next to a campus, the church does not and cannot regain the same access to that campus. Moving campus ministry away from proximity to campus takes it out of the context in which students live their daily lives.

College campuses are one of the richest mission fields in the United States. Mission, by its very definition, means that we go to people rather than requiring people to come to us. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” He did not say, “Ask the nations to come to you.” The most effective form of outreach to college and university campuses takes place on those campuses. Other denominations and parachurch groups recognize the value of this missional approach and provide the financial and other resources necessary for visible and effective ministry on campus.

In addition, we need to deploy the most skilled and committed staff to campus ministry. With the emotional, social and professional transitions facing young adults on college campuses, we need experienced and trained professionals who connect with young adults, can witness to the Christian faith, and can invite young adults to answer to the call of God on their lives.

Take courage. For our shared work in reaching out to young adults and for our shared work in calling forth leaders for the church and for the world, we ask that you follow the process outlined in the Discipline that widens the conversation so that the annual conference as a whole can make visionary decisions concerning the ministry on university and college campuses.

UMCMA is available to have a deeper conversation around these issues, as well as provide guidance as you consider the future of campus ministry in the Cal-Pac Annual Conference. The health and vitality of our local congregations rests on the continuing development and nurture of our young adult leaders on campuses.

In faithful service,

The Members of the UMCMA Coordinating Committee