Next Faithful Steps: Episcopal Campus Ministry

by | Oct 12, 2023

The June 2023 article Rooted In Purpose: Reimagining Episcopal Campus Ministry, explored how campus ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington is in a period of flux. Campus ministry no longer rests on the shoulders of an individual college chaplain. Parishes and worshiping communities geographically close to college campuses have sought to fill the gap and minister to their university neighbors. The diocese strives to support those parishes dedicated to this ministry. We are committed to focusing our efforts on campus ministry and discerning a life-giving way forward to serve our university neighbors.

To help us reimagine campus ministry, the diocese has partnered with The Vinery. Last month our partners from The Vinery facilitated Rooted In Purpose: A Workshop to Reimagine Episcopal Campus Ministry. 28 people representing 11 EDOW worshiping communities gathered at the University of Maryland’s Memorial Chapel to participate in the workshop. They learned about campus life in the 21st century and current young adult demographics. Participants then delved into small group case studies, took stock of their parish’s assets, and identified their two most faithful next steps in ministry with their university neighbors. Participants shared that they left the workshop feeling excited, hopeful, and optimistic about ministry with university neighbors.

Excitement, hope and optimism are often feelings associated with encounters of the Holy Spirit. We trust that the Spirit is at work in our reimagining process – a process that we are only just beginning. The workshop was a strong start to the conversation, but the dialogue has really only just begun. We are in it for the long haul.

Our next faithful steps as a diocese are twofold. First, workshop participants and other interested parties are invited to a follow-up webinar on Monday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. With diocesan staff and our Vinery partners, webinar participants will further explore asset assessment, accountability, and faithful ways forward. Second, diocesan leadership will assess viability and the support needed to assist parishes as they commit to their next faithful steps with university neighbors.

The Diocese of Washington has a vital role to play in supporting our university neighbors. This role will look different than it has in the past. And, we believe that the Spirit guides us in our discernment. I hope that you will consider joining the conversation as we discern next steps for campus ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

For more information, contact the Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell, Missioner for Faith Formation and Development.