Joe Hepler: Four Ways To Connect With College Students In Church
Joe Hepler, “Four Ways to Connect with College Students in Church: How families and individuals can connect and support students away from home” Vital (November 12, 2015).
There are innumerable presentations, articles, and books being written on the subject of the Millennials and the Church. These angles include the Church’s lack of connection with the Millennials and the Millennials lack of interest in the Church. Or, more specifically, the approach recently presented in an article by Joe Hepler in Vital Magazine, “Four Ways To Connect With College Students In Church.” While reading this article, I find simple insights that could assist the Church to see from the collegiate Millennial’s perspective. The author is recently out of College himself and offers a unique look at the topic at hand.
The reason for the article is stated clearly in the title, the intent being to connect with college students “in Church.” The practicum offered by Hepler in the first point of his article is on point. It makes sense that if college students are studying at a College or University near a Church of choice, they have some level of interest in academics and growth. Capitalizing on that interest to increase their spiritual formation is noteworthy.
“[A] frequent mistake I have observed is when churches view these students strictly as short-term drop-ins instead of sojourners looking for a spiritual home.”

Image: Inbal Marilli
In the last point that Hepler makes concerning involving college students in leadership positions or roles in the Church, the structure and phrasing of the paragraph is a bit ambiguous. I sensed he had much more to say on this point but the article was rushed at this point. Still, his point is a good one. He uses the statement, “Many will give their hearts and souls to the churches they attend during college, and still many more may stay long after they have earned their degrees.” There are many avenues to developing young adults to lead in the local Church, including those that can be used with a transient crowd such as college students. Hepler seems to be leaning toward patience in discipleship, waiting before involving them. This is definitely the safest way to assure that they are quality leaders of integrity and understand the mission of the Church once they do get involved and lead.
“Invite these students into your home, take them out for lunch or to a sporting event, and include them in family celebrations.”
Reviewed by Jeff Grenell
Read the full article: https://vitalmagazine.com/Home/Article/Four-Ways-to-Connect-with-College-Students-in-Church/