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Growing in a Local Church

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:31:00 -0400

This blog post is provided by Robert K. Rohm, vice president for Christian ministries at Cedarville University.

There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

This saying is not primarily a horticultural maxim. The proverb is talking about the relationship between the present and the future. The tree will take time to grow, and what happens today affects the future of the tree.

Cedarville University is not primarily responsible for planting trees. Instead, we are privileged to care for the growth of some of the best university-aged students on our planet -- including your son or daughter. We take this charge very seriously. Your student's spiritual growth is of uppermost importance to us. It's what drives us every single day. None of us on the faculty, staff, or administration has arrived at perfection -- and never will, this side of heaven. But discipling and mentoring students who become part of the Cedarville family is an exciting priority!

One of the elements in the spiritual growth dynamic here at Cedarville is seeing to it, as best we are able, that each student connects with a local church. The years of their academic training could leave them separated from any type of effective fellowship with the body of Christ, except for what takes place within the boundaries of our campus. Chapel is exciting and distinctive to a Cedarville education, but it does not take the place of the local church.

We are blessed to have many great churches in the greater Miami Valley region. The top-10 churches (based on number of Cedarville students in attendance) are:

We are blessed with many more churches as well! We will continue to impress the importance of the local church upon our students, with the goal of seeing them grow spiritually while they attend Cedarville and then watching them naturally step right into a solid local church wherever they land in the years ahead. To God be the glory!

Graduating from Cedarville University

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:25:00 -0400

In today's blog post, graduating senior Emily Sweet reflected on her last four years at Cedarville University ...

Cedarville University has played a huge role in shaping and molding me into the woman I am today. The institution and its faculty have come alongside me to help shape me into a student who pursues excellence and thinks critically.

For some, choosing a college is very difficult, but for me the choice was clear. After looking at many other colleges in Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana, I visited Cedarville and loved it. Despite being 13 hours from home, I have enjoyed Cedarville more than I could have ever imagined.

One of the first aspects that attracted me to Cedarville was the fact that the University was serious about developing students with a solid faith in Jesus Christ AND an excellent academic education. Other schools we visited may have excelled academically, but were only Christian in name. Other schools were very obviously Christ-centered but suffered academically. Cedarville University had the perfect balance between the two. While students graduate attending daily chapel and obtain a Bible minor, it was very evident that they also received a top-rate education as well.

Another aspect of Cedarville that I found attractive was the effort, time, and energy that was placed on the Student Life division. Even after my short visit to Cedarville, I observed the love and dedication the staff had toward the students. The freshmen class party, the Getting Started activities, the week-long Christmas party, campus-wide outdoor movie and game nights, and everything in between – I knew this was a university where I would have a great college career.

As a freshman I had no idea the impact that Cedarville would make on my life. Now, four years later, I have grown more in love with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but I have also been prepared for my career through real life experiences. Because Cedarville is a liberal-arts school, students receive a well-rounded education, not only focused on their particular field of study, but also in other areas as well. Cedarville offered me countless opportunities to grow as a person and a professional.

When I think about walking across the Commencement stage, my mind is flooded with memories of these last four years. The lifelong friends I have made, the faculty I have known, and the learning experiences of both life and academia have become an essential part of my very being. It has been an honor and a privilege to attend this institution, and I am proud to say that I will soon be an alumni of Cedarville University.

Thank you, Cedarville! God has used you to change my life.

Walking across the stage on May 4, 2013, Emily is now an Organizational Communications graduate from Minneapolis, MN. She also holds a double minor in Bible and Writing for the Professions. She is the daughter of Michael and Trisha Sweet. After graduation she planned to return to Minneapolis and continue her search for jobs in the corporate business world.

Reservation Deposit Due

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:23:00 -0400

May 1 (Wednesday) is the reservation deposit deadline! If your student has been accepted to Cedarville but has not yet deposited, now is the time to take that next step by faith, affirm your college choice, and start what will be an amazing academic journey.

Plan to submit the $250 reservation deposit tonight or tomorrow to ensure your student's place at Cedarville in the fall. Note that deposits may be paid after May 1, but if the class is full, a place cannot be guaranteed.

We hope Cedarville University is your choice, but wherever God leads, we wish your family His very best!

Summer 2013 Academic Camps

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:10:00 -0400

Your student's college experience is just around the corner. It's time to explore the options and prepare for the future.

That's what Cedarville Academic Camps give students the opportunity to do! Spend a week at one of the finest Christian universities in the nation, and explore the world of art and design, criminal justice, engineering, geology, journalism, medicine, music, psychology, theatre, worship ministry or writing.

And students will accomplish much more than career exploration. Camp faculty will challenge them to make their career their calling. Students will consider how their gifts, skills, and interests can make a difference in this world for Christ.

Registration is now OPEN for all 2013 camps!

Outfitting A Dorm Room

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:46:00 -0400

To access the best deals, start shopping now for your student's dorm room and other needs. We've posted a helpful list of "What to Bring" items on the Destination: Cedarville accepted student website.

Thinking about a cell phone or computer purchase? Be sure to check out discounts available to Cedarville students. (Having a computer is not required; we provide a desktop computer upon request.)

If your student has been accepted and plans to attend Cedarville in the fall, please take the next opportunity (no later than May 1) to secure your student's place in the fall class. Submit the $250 reservation deposit today.

Any Final Questions?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:25:00 -0400

Along with our admissions and financial aid team, I have enjoyed communicating with our Parent Prep subscribers this year as you have considered Cedarville University.

As you finalize this decision as a family, I thought it may be helpful to share the top reasons your student's future classmates tell us they have chosen Cedarville:

Academic reputation: We have the in-demand majors students want, and our grads are excelling at places like Harvard, NASA, and Procter & Gamble (just to name a few). Cedarville doesn't just "talk" about quality. It is validated by national surveys, college rankings, job and graduate school placement data, competition results, and test scores.
Christ-centered focus: It's not just a buzz-word here; it's intentionally part of every aspect of classes, residence life, activities, and ministries.
Outstanding value: The rigorous academic experience is life-changing, costs and scholarships are competitive, and Cedarville is worth the investment.

If you have any last-minute questions or concerns that need to be addressed, we want to help. You are welcome to e-mail us, or call your student's admissions counselor at 1-800-CEDARVILLE (233-2784).

To ensure your student's place in the fall class, submit the $250 deposit this weekend! May 1 is the reservation deadline.

Top 10 Challenges Christian Students Face in College

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:09:00 -0400

In today's post, Dr. Bill Brown, president of Cedarville University, shares the Top 10 challenges that Christian students face in college. This article was originally written as a blog submission for Relevant magazine and was then shared with Cedarville students in chapel on Monday, March 19, 2012.

"I have seen many friends that I went to high school with just completely abandon their faith, and I was in danger of doing the same when I first went to college." – Chad, college senior

During the past few years, studies have recorded the growing number of young Christians who are "leaving church and rethinking their faith," as Dave Kinnaman puts in his book, You Lost Me. This departure usually occurs after high school, and many times the blame falls on college campuses for what is perceived as an inhospitable attitude toward Christianity.

While the college experience may contribute, it is too much to say that it causes students to leave their faith. We are quick to blame the environment and not take responsibility for personal choices prior to and during the college years. It is better stated that the college experience reveals the quality and depth of a student's faith.

Most Christian students who go away to college will graduate with one of three outcomes:

Take a Dive – Students walk away from their faith commitment and no longer profess to be Christian.
Withdraw to Survive – Students learn to compartmentalize their faith as a personal choice while struggling though the complexities of the college experience.
Strengthen and Thrive – Students grow spiritually and strengthen their faith through the challenges of the college experience.

These challenges confront college students at a crucial time of life when decisions can alter the trajectory of their future. To add to their difficulties, college students are generally left to themselves to sort through the choices they make. Willimon and Naylor refer to college students as "the abandoned generation" since their primary interactions are with teaching assistants and resident directors scarcely older than themselves. Adult mentors are not available to help them think through important responses to life and college challenges.

Faith Challenges in College: The Top Ten

"No matter what background you come from, the transition from high school to college will try your faith." –Vanessa, college junior

An important step in preparing for college is to know what to expect. I asked hundreds of college students of faith to describe the challenges they faced in their own college experience. Here is a Top Ten list reflecting their responses.

1. The Faith Challenge

Many college freshmen claim that they struggled with faith-identity. "Is this my faith or my parents' faith? What do I believe? Why do I believe it?" In high school, their faith was associated with familiar places and people. That familiarity was replaced by a college environment that made their faith seem out of place. When they faced questions about their faith, they struggled to find answers.

Nathan admitted, "I don't think we are receiving the biblical foundation we need growing up to sort through tough issues, as well as feeling like our hard questions aren't being answered."

A number of students said they had serious questions about their own faith before going to college, actually wondering if they had been brainwashed during childhood. "In college, the stakes are much higher," Eimile said. "I didn't want to commit my life to following Christ if I was not absolutely sure that it was something I would die for."

Some criticized their own "dysfunctional faith" and its inability to sustain them through their struggles. They had "the wrong view of God," one student complained. "Yes, He provides; yes, He comforts; yes, He brings peace and many other amazing gifts, but they still feel like they don't 'get enough out of God.' He's not a Redbox."

2. The Freedom Challenge

Out from under parental guidance and restrictions, new-found freedom caused priorities to change. "In college there are no parents, and the tendency is to act on impulse, make decisions based on emotion, and instant gratification," a college website warns. Tim said he was unprepared for "the greater level of responsibility without accountability" that college involves.

Freedom can be exhilarating but also paralyzing. There are so many things to choose, many students found themselves struggling to prioritize their choices. "You end up going along with what everybody else is doing or go to your room and play video games or stare at Facebook."

3. The Diversity Challenge

College provided not only ethnic diversity, but the inescapable confrontation with different beliefs, worldviews, and moral choices. Most felt ill-equipped to answer challenges raised by alternative views to their own faith - both in the classroom and in the dorm room.

Katherine felt overwhelmed by the different views. "It was hard to figure out the truth by myself," she admitted. Some students admitted they were so overwhelmed that they spiritually shut down. Apathy was mentioned by many students as a response to the college milieu.

4. The Time Challenge

The unrelenting schedule and stress of studies, relationships, and social events were temporal black holes. All of these provided quicker payoffs than time spent in spiritual growth. Serious students particularly struggled with the amount of reading demanded. "Stress can warp your perspective" Josh says. This warped perspective caused priorities to shift dramatically in a short period of time.

The idea that college is a time to contemplate the crucial questions of life seemed unreal to most students. There was little time to think and discuss important issues. The good students took too many courses for there to be time to reflect. Other students filled their time with parties and other social events.

5. The Social Challenge

The rarefied air of the college social life caused students to engage in activities they normally would have avoided. Who doesn't want to fit in? The social expanse of college also provided anonymity - a free pass to let loose. "Alcohol and sex: that's why you go to college, man," one student said.

College years constitute "the experimental phase of life" said Jacob. One student told me that she lead a tour of middle school students around a college campus. The thirteen to fifteen year olds were obsessed with all of the details of alcohol on campus. Their expectations for college were shaped by Animal House, Old School, and American Pie 2, and they could not wait to party.

The social environment was frequently oppressive. Michayla felt the weight, "Peer pressure is intense in high school but at least you can go home and leave it at the football game or by the lockers. It's a whole different ball game when you're faced with peers 24/7, living lives that reflect a style you don't agree with."

6. The Relationship Challenge

The dating scene as a freshman is "wild and wicked." Freshmen girls talked about upperclassmen who troll for new conquests. Emotional attachments frequently dominated the college experience. Many students gave up their faith when they fell in love. Love conquered all.

7. The Community Challenge

The effort required to find a supportive community for their faith was too much. "I miss my youth group back home," many said. The lack of regular and substantive Christian fellowship was a reason many began to wander away from their faith. Ian had a friend back home commit suicide. "It completely destroyed me," he said. "I felt completely alone and depressed. It caused me to question everything I believed."

Kristen said that when she arrived at college, "My entire support system was ripped from underneath my feet." The result was a sense of loneliness that belied their crowded experience.

8. The Input Challenge

Freshmen usually are intimidated by college professors. The tsunami of information in classes made it difficult to think through the subject matter. A number of students had likable and intelligent professors who "refused to tolerate students' beliefs as viable" and actively sought to change their convictions. The lack of a commensurate input of spiritual truth began a slide away from faith.

9. The Output Challenge

Faith was not measured only by Bible study and fellowship. The need to engage in service to others was a key factor in experiencing Christ. Many students talked about the ministry and service activities that were a part of their lives in high school. But in college, while some opportunities for service were provided by local churches and para-church organizations, schedule conflicts and communication problems made involvement difficult.

10. The Commitment Challenge

A key factor in faith degradation was the missing element of preemptive commitment. In other words, too many did not decide beforehand who they were and wanted to become. They did not make commitments about their priorities and set limits on behavior. "I really needed accountability," one said. "I wish I could go back and start over."

Action Points: Preparation and Preemption

"Students have to be diligent and purposeful about their faith. every. single. day." - Kim, college junior

Let's make this practical with four action points for the prospective college student:

First, accept the fact that your faith will be tested. Prepare by knowing what to expect in the college environment. Ask older friends and adults about their college challenges and how they handled them. Read the series Ask Me Anything: Provocative Answers for College Students by University of Texas professor J. Budziszewski as well as his How to Stay Christian in College. Another really good one is Thriving at College: Make Great Friends, Keep Your Faith and Get Ready for the Real World by Alex Chediak.
Second, take the time to understand what you believe. Christianity is not a lame faith. Many of the greatest scientists, philosophers and thinkers in history were (and are!) devoted followers of Christ. Don't be fooled by attacks that claim Christianity is anti-intellectual. Know where to go and who to ask when your faith is challenged. As the writer of Hebrews cautioned his readers, "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard so that we do not drift away" (Hebrews 2:1).
Third, take responsibility for your personal choices and your faith. Plan ahead for accountability with people back home. Agree to contact them regularly and communicate what you are thinking and doing. Let them know they can ask you the hard questions about your faith and your behavior and you will answer honestly.
Finally and most importantly, make a radical preemptive strike now about your future. If you do not decide how you will respond to the challenges of college life, you have already determined the outcome. Not to decide is to decide.

College can be an exhilarating experience but strengthening and growing your faith will not happen by default. Most students were insistent that you must be intentional about your faith in college. Go into it with your mind prepared, your eyes open and your heart already claimed.

Does Christ-centered higher education address these challenges?

Read Dr. Brown's article: "Is Christ-Centered Higher Education Worth It?"
Learn more about a parent's role.

More Resources

J. Budziszewski, Ask Me Anything: Provocative Answers for College Students, 2 volumes (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2004, 2008)
J. Budziszewski, How to Stay Christian in College: TH1NK Edition (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2004)
Alex Chediak, Thriving at College: Make Great Friends, Keep Your Faith and Get Ready for the Real World (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2011)
William H. Willimon and Thomas H. Naylor, The Abandoned Generation: Rethinking Higher Education (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995)

Is your student ready to finalize the decision to attend Cedarville University? Submit the $250 reservation deposit online today!

What Students Can Do NOW to Get Hired After College Graduation

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:07:00 -0400

It is important for students to begin thinking about future jobs well before graduation ... yes, even their high school graduation!

In today's post, we have featured an article provided by Fox Business informing parents and students what they can be doing NOW to get hired after graduation! View the full article.

Is your student ready to finalize the decision to attend Cedarville University? Submit the $250 reservation deposit online today!

"Stepping Onto the Grass" - A Note from the Parent of a 2013 Graduate

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:44:00 -0400

While your family may be anticipating a high school graduation, this mom reflects on her daughter's college journey that is quickly coming to an end. We share Kim and Brie's story with you for encouragement and perspective on how God can use the next four years in your student's personal, professional, and spiritual development.

Investing in students' lives is why those of us on the faculty and staff choose to serve at Cedarville University! God sends us the most amazing students, and we are humbled to be a part of how God is working in their lives for His glory.

In 28 days our daughter, Brie, will walk across the graduation stage, shake Dr. Brown’s hand, and receive her diploma in nursing. It seems like yesterday we dropped her off at Getting Started Weekend with a dream to become a nurse.

During her preceptorship last week she cared for a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Dayton Children’s Hospital that was 2 pounds and could fit into the palm of her hand. A dream come true. As she told me of this little baby…my mind flashed back to Brie as a little child playing on the sidewalk of our little country home. Today she stands before me…as a, compassionate, strong, & professional nurse-to-be…in just 28 days. My heart is full of gratitude for Cedarville University - for its passionate and professional faculty and staff, for the transformational experiences, and for the encouraging and supportive friends.

Thank you, Cedarville University.

When we built our first home, we had the task of seeding the surrounding three acres. Brie, four years old at the time, had to stay on the cement patio as the grass slowly grew. Soon, green lush grass surrounded our home. One day as she played on the patio, we realized she was not venturing out to play in the yard. She would carefully put her little toes out to touch the soft blades of grass, but she would quickly pull her foot back with a giggle. On one hot July day, I was sitting on our blue front-porch swing and watching Brie play. I called out to her, "Step onto the grass." Because she had spent weeks avoiding the unknown territory, she looked at me with surprise in her face. I said again, "Step onto the grass. It is OK. Go explore."

At that moment I didn't realize that "step onto the grass" would be a key phrase in our relationship. As I think of the past four years…she not only stepped onto the grass, she jumped. Cedarville University gave her opportunities to explore and serve Christ on other side of the world- as she cared for rescued prostitutes and their children on the brothel lined streets of Chaing Mai, for the sick in a remote jungle village of Cambodia, and for families in the slums of poverty stricken areas of Asia.

Thank you, Cedarville University.

Passionate and professional faculty and staff stepped into her life and made a difference. After watching our daughter journey through university life, I have personally observed the impact of great men and women of the faith inspire her. They took the time to encourage, direct, and guide her. Brie is graduating with an incredible education from outstanding faculty.

Brie experienced transformational opportunities in her time at Cedarville. She worked as a Resident Assistant; she worked on SGA (Student Government Association) as the communication director; she traveled on the Civil Rights Bus Tour; she studied in Spain for a summer through CU; she was involved community projects, professional development opportunities, and much more. Opportunities abounded all along the way.

The encouraging, fun, supportive friends she made along the way will last a life time. Cedarville is more than just what occurs inside of the classroom…it is outside the walls of academia too. I could not recount all the stories I have been told over the past four years. I have heard stories of full of adventure, silliness, and fun…conversations about life, God and relationships…and grand memories of concerts, Elliv, sporting events, and more.

Because of her time at Cedarville University, I saw Brie become more of the woman God designed her to become.

Because of my faculty status, I will be sitting on the platform during graduation in my own regalia. Students who have faculty parents get to meet their student on the stage after receiving their diploma from Dr. Brown…to congratulate their child. Brie and I are looking forward to this moment and have talked about it often over the past four years. It’s just a few seconds in time, but I am sure it will take my breath away. What will I say to capture my thoughts? I am not sure. But time moves on…so I will probably give her a hug, look her in the eyes…and say “Step onto the grass.”

I love you, Brie.

Thank you, Cedarville University.

At Cedarville University since 1989, Kim Ahlgrim serves as Associate Dean for Academic Enrichment. Her team assists hundreds of students to achieve their academic goals, and Kim is known for her deep care and concern (not to mention her enthusiasm and passion) when helping students succeed academically and spiritually.

Webinar Reminder - Register Today for "Sticker Shock: Making the Final Decision"

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:26:00 -0400

Register now for the last presentation in our 2012-2013 Parent Prep webinar series: "Sticker Shock: Making the Final Decision."

- Tonight (Monday), April 8 at 7 p.m. EDT
- Thursday, April 11 at 9 p.m. EDT

You will gain practical advice and perspective on your student's investment in a college education. We will help you navigate through the costs — and hidden costs — of enrollment. Don't let "sticker shock" drive you away from the ideal university for your student!

Is your student ready to finalize the decision to attend Cedarville University? Submit the $250 reservation deposit online today!