Updated 2/21/12

I just read a quote from a study conducted at Abilene Christian University (ACU) a few years ago that stated:

When we asked students to think of a specific, critical incident or moment that had changed them profoundly, four-fifths of them chose a situation or event outside the classroom.

Four-fifths!

Does this surprise you?

It’s definitely not the message you hear communicated by admissions staffs or administrators… those messages are almost always focused on the significance of what happens in the classroom.

And this post is not meant to downplay what happens in the classroom… I myself have taught in the classroom for the past 4 years — and I love it — and I know students are impacted in that setting!

This statistic does suggest, however, that the kinds of opportunities we provide for students through our ministry opportunities — and God’s ability to profoundly change students through those same opportunities — have the potential to be some of the most meaningful and life-changing of a students college experience!

What an important reminder — as we move towards the middle of the term and the season of spring break mission opportunities — of our need to be: