(THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO LEE STROBEL, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THE CASE FOR CHRIST)

Have you ever made the remark, “Where have you been all my life?”

We typically utter this quip when we come across something we wish we’d discovered a long time ago.  Something we now can’t imagine our lives without.  Maybe you’ve said it about a restaurant, a band, a gadget, or maybe you’ve actually said it to a person.

For me, RESOURCES are among my most favorite things to discover.  A good book or video can provide inspiration, instruction, answers, and stories to help in any given situation.

And as leaders of the next generation, we should be on the lookout for great resources which we can pass on to those we come into contact with.

One of the best ways to utilize these resources is to collect them as we discover them.  I.E., start a Student Library.

Why Start A Student Library?

1.    It Makes Resources Assessable

Just as people have a variety of needs, there are a variety of resources to help meet those needs. The key is to connect the two.

When students face a challenge, have a decision to make, or wrestle with a question; they don’t always think to seek out a resource.  They might even assume that none exist.  And even if they do hear about one, they may not go out of their way to track it down.

Having a crate or bookshelf full of resources makes it easy for them to take advantage of a book or video that just might be exactly what they needed.  In fact, something they learn may even find its way into a writing assignment or presentation for a class.

2.    It’s Like Having Coffee With Lee Strobel

Some of my favorite resources come from former atheist, Christian author, Lee Strobel.  I haven’t met him in person, and can’t exactly invite him to be a guest speaker any time I want. However, because of the beauty of resources, I’ve been able to spend the afternoon at a coffee shop with Lee (through his books) many times.

In fact, a Student Library allows students to have coffee with all kinds of great minds; many of whom lived before our time.  And because these remarkable men and women have been through what we’re going through, they have a lot to offer.

3.    It’s Another Means of Evangelism & Discipleship

Think of something you believed five or ten years ago, but changed your mind about.  How many times did you have to hear the new perspective before embracing it?  If you’re like me, you probably lost count.

Whether students are finding their faith, owning their faith, living their faith, or sharing their faith, it’s a process that requires hearing the truth more than once.  As a leader, you are only one voice, competing with a world of voices.  That’s why students need multiple voices of truth informing their lives.  And that’s where resources are your friend.

Every book that’s read, and video that’s watched, is a seed planted; a link in the chain that allows the Christian worldview to sink in that much deeper.

Kristen’s Testimony: “Our campus ministry’s student library has been an invaluable resource as I pursue a stronger faith. Many of the books I have read and the study guides I have used have challenged me to take the steps necessary to deepen my faith and my relationship with my God and Savior.”

4.    It Keeps Momentum During Breaks

Studies show that the retention rate in Campus Ministry drops significantly between the fall and spring semesters, and even more after summer break.  Exploring the reasons why and what to do about it is another post for another day.

For now, I propose that encouraging students to check out a resource to take home with them for the break will help keep the momentum.

5.    It Encourages Students To Start Their OWN Library

Resources help dispel the fears that cause Christians to shy away from sharing their faith for fear of being asked a question they can’t answer.  They give us the confidence to admit we don’t have all the answers, because we know where we can take our friends to join us on a mutual investigation.

That’s why I encourage students to budget a little money each month and begin their own personal library.  It stokes their evangelistic fire and broadens their concept of what evangelism looks like.

Imagine this: Christian students make friends with agnostic students.  Instead of reinventing the wheel and spending countless hours compiling information, they simply invite their friends over for dinner and a movie, popping in Lee Strobel’s The Case for a Creator, or the fantastic series from TrueU: Does God Exist?

Ryan’s Testimony: “Christian books are ideal for digging deeper in the Scriptures and for learning how to tackle current issues. Researching topics by seeing the issue from different perspectives is also very helpful. I recommend starting a student library because the variety of backgrounds that Christian authors come from and the writing styles that they have helps everyone to find something beneficial.”

How To Start A Student Library

1.  Make a Wish List

• Start a list of resources you’d like your library to possess.  It may include: books & audiobooks, videos & movies, music, etc.
• Be sure to collect books from on a variety of relevant subjects. Here’s a list of categories to consider: College & Culture; Investigation & Apologetics; Discipleship; Leadership; Careers; Spiritual Growth; Christian Living; Church & Community; Service & Ministry; Evangelism; Bible & Theology; Singleness, Dating, Marriage, & Purity; Money & Possessions; Struggles & Behaviors; Abortion; Miscellaneous; and Fiction.
• Depending on whether you have a student center or not, determine the context and space you have to work with, and pick out a portable crate or bookshelf.

2. Ask for Donations

• Donors like to give to specific things; you just have to ask them. You can ask: churches, students and their parents, alumni, and even authors and publishing houses. My ministry received the entire Nooma series from one church member; a commentary set from another, and $200 worth of books from one author.
• Once you gather the details, be sure to communicate the vision for a new Student Library. You can do this through: church announcements & bulletins, emails & newsletters, flyers & websites, etc.
• Students can even hold a special event to raise funds, such as: a spaghetti dinner with entertainment, an auction, a golf tournament, a garage sale, or a car wash.
• When you buy the books, I recommend ordering from Amazon; and buying new books instead of used, and hard covers instead of soft (when possible). They will last longer.
• Be prepared to have donors donate actual books.  Then be discerning as to which books you’ll keep or not.

3.  Grand Opening

• Grab a sharpie and write the name of your ministry on each item.
• Have a simple check-out system where students can indicate: name, resource, date of check out, date of return (I recommend two weeks), email, and phone number.
• When you’re ready to make your library available to students, brainstorm ways to make it a big deal. That may include: cutting red tape, taking pictures to include in publications and thank you notes, huddling for a prayer, dedicating it to a certain volunteer or former staff member, etc.
• Consider having a page on your website that promotes the use of your Student Library. Our ministry even lists each item on our website to make it that much easier for students to pick out the right resource. You can find our list at www.BlueHensForChrist.net.

4.  Keep It Going

• Be prepared to replace a resource now and again.  They can get worn out or lost.
• Be prepared to follow-up with students who may forget to return the resources on time.  A quick text message reminder should suffice.
• Try to save up funds or put it in your budget to grow your library. Our ministry sets aside $50 a month. This allows us to be on the lookout for new (and old undiscovered) books.
• Finally, be intentional about promoting the use of your Student Library. This can be done through occasional announcements or testimonies from students who have benefited from it.

LEAVE A COMMENT

What resource have you discovered, about which you’ve said, “Where have you been all my life?”