Discipling Alumni

As a faculty member for over 35 years, it is clear that Christian faculty are in a unique position to make disciples globally without ever leaving our university. The opportunities are vast, from ministering to struggling undergrads, to sharing the gospel with graduate students from countries deeply hostile to Christianity. Furthermore, we even get to wrestle with foundational issues within our academic fields of study from a Christian worldview.

Recently, I have noticed a whole new ministry area. For decades, I typically introduce myself on the first day of class as a follower of Jesus. I tell the students that my reason for doing so is three-fold:

1. I wanted to know the worldview of my professors when I was a student because that would explain so much of their vocational perspective.
2. I want my students to have the freedom to express their own worldview within the context of finance discussions.
3. The students are given the freedom to correct me if they see me acting in a way that they believe is inconsistent with a follower of Jesus Christ. 

One consequence of this identification with Jesus is that current Christian students, as well as future believers, remember my statement long after graduation. Given that I teach finance, graduates from my class often reach back seeking personal financial advice and personal mentoring. With the new Zoom culture, it is straightforward to meet regularly with believers and seekers who desire to grow deeper in their relationship with God or enter into such a relationship.

Sometimes these alumni encounters are simply a one-hour Zoom event to get a biblical perspective on their current challenge. In other cases, the encounter grows into monthly accountability meetings. Many alumni struggle to find the right work/life balance that honors God and serves their employers well. It is a high honor to serve as God’s ambassador in advancing His kingdom through serving as a mentor.

In light of these recent encounters, I now seek to make sure my current students know that I am willing and available to help in any way. Sometimes this means I go for walks in the park with a seeker, explaining the Apostle John’s account of the gospel or I sip coffee with an alumnus and consider their particular issue. Regardless, there is great joy found in fulfilling the mission God has given me. 

Besides introducing yourself as a Christian on the first day of class, you could also mention on the last day of class your willingness to be of service after graduation. The next time an alumnus reaches out to you, please consider offering to serve as their Christian mentor for the purpose of either introducing them to Jesus Christ or assisting them on their Christian journey.

A thousand years from now, they’ll be glad you did.  And so will you.