Occasionally, we have opportunities to instruct college students when they’re particularly open, particularly interested, or particularly available. If we indeed strike while the iron’s hot, our impact might be greater and/or our draw – even among outsiders – might be stronger.

I know how busy all college ministers get. Sometimes we miss chances ’cause they simply pass us by. So in hopes of serving you guys, here’s a little rest-of-the-semester calendar that might prove helpful, for planning ministry events or even connecting with the rest of campus in a unique way. (And you can help – see the Qs at the bottom!)

February

  • Of course, we’re already mid-Lent, but that’s often a popular ministry opportunity.
  • February 27th: Purim starts at sundown on Saturday the 27th, so something on Esther could be a bonus. (Or for you church-based college ministers still scrambling for a talk for this Sunday…)

March

  • Thursday, March 4th: The Office airs its Jim-and-Pam-have-a-baby episode. An hour. A great watching party opportunity. Or a talk on babies.
  • Sunday, March 14th and beyond: March Madness officially begins on Selection Sunday, March 14th. The first NCAA Tournament games happen that week. So there are quite a few opportunities there – for hanging on campus while students watch the games, hosting a watching party, taking a road trip to see the tourney in action, or – of course – having a ministry-wide Bracket Challenge.
  • Wednesday, March 17th: St. Patrick was truly an amazing individual. Sharing about his life could be a win – and, believe it or not, college students these days can get pretty excited about church history.
  • Sunday, March 28th: Palm Sunday and the beginning of Resurrection Week. Lots of ministries use this week in some cool ways.
  • Monday, March 29th: Passover begins at Sundown. More teaching opportunities, or (combined with Easter) discussions of Jewish-Christian aspects. You could even look into hosting a Seder – or attending one with a local synogogue, Hillel group on campus, or local Messianic Jewish congregation.

April

  • Thursday, April 1st: April Fool’s Day. Possibilities of interesting teaching tie-ins or campus-wide hijinks abound.
  • Friday, April 2nd: Good Friday.
  • Sunday, April 4th: Easter Sunday.
  • Also Sunday, April 4th: Opening Day, Major League Baseball. (HT: D. Merricks)
  • Thursday, April 15th: Tax Day. I can definitely see this setting up interesting service projects among your students or with the community. (HT: Bob Wreidt) Bob also reminded me that some restaurants or other orgs might do special things on this day – worth tying into!
  • Thursday, April 22nd: Earth Day. Regardless of your thoughts on the environment and its care, this is likely a cool opportunity to connect with your campus.

May

  • Wednesday, May 5th: Cinco de Mayo. Sounds like fun, diversity, or something else awesome. Or participating with others who are enjoying the awesomeness.
  • Sunday, May 9th: Mother’s Day. Great for teaching about family, creating opportunities for students to serve their moms (even extra-valuable right before they head back home), or at least reminding students!

Share your thoughts:

  1. Anything I’m missing?
  2. Want to share your methods for any of these activities? I’d love to highlight them (and you!) on this blog!

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