75% of Christian students may leave The Church after attending public university. The answer? Personal, spiritual investment on campus with students. We spend time with Christian young people.
“I’ve never thought of that before!” This is the kind of statement I hear every week. At some point during any conversation, I give a Christian answer to a inquiry that college students have not considered, prompting this response. I meet one-on-one and in small groups with IUPUI students to discuss life: their questions, their academic disciplines, and their vocational interests.
Comenius on campus extends into the classroom. This semester I have been invited to teach in the humanities department at IUPUI. Because I am on campus throughout the week, I am able to show Christian care to students and faculty. I have had wonderful talks with fellow professors about faith and belief. I would LOVE to tell you these stories.
Expanding respect for Christian thinking on campus is important. I was asked to speak at the inaugural English Series at Marian University on Gothic Literature. “Theological Roots of the Abolitionist Movement” – a final assignment for a class I took last semester on Civil War Literature & Culture – was published this fall in a peer-reviewed journal. We have begun a weekly video teaching series available on our website entitled “Truth in Two,” story-based, biblical belief shown in 2 minutes. Opportunities to broaden a Christian voice on campus are ongoing!
Connections with leaders on campus and throughout Indianapolis communities are imperative. Our weekly Warp & Woof Radio Show continues its three year, 150 show run, with over 200 guests. We discuss social, political, cultural, educational, and every-day human issues. In 2018, Dr. Clyde Posley and I permeated every dialogue with biblical thinking. We invited Christians to the show from around Indianapolis who are “doing good” (Titus 3:1, 8, 14).
Compelling stories of Christians working together for good are being shown around Indianapolis through our new, 45 minute movie (1 min preview here). Homes are opened for conversation, Q&A. Josh Collingwood, our digital marketer created the documentary. Polly Riddell, our Chief Connections Officer, plans and invites.
There is SO much more to say! I would love to chat with anyone, anytime about how leaders, churches, businesses, groups, and individuals can become involved with Comenius. I teach in various venues around Indianapolis and throughout the nation and would be glad to speak to your gathering. My essays, radio interviews, and video teaching on numerous subjects – including “Thoughtful Christians in Culture” – are all freely accessed on our website: www.comeniusinstitute.org. The front page highlights three, one-minute videos focused on our work with college, community, and culture. My personal website has over 1000 podcasts, sermons, articles, theologies, teachings, and personal philosophies available at www.warpandwoof.org. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter & Linked In.
What does it take? Answering student questions, serving faculty, creating respect through writing-speaking, producing radio programming, and addressing cultural issues we need Comenius patrons to support us financially. We need to raise
*2 monthly gifts of $500
*5 monthly gifts of $250
*10 monthly gifts of $100
*15 monthly gifts of $50
*20 monthly gifts of $20
The next generation needs your help. First and foremost, pray for us and our work. Second, consider joining us as a regular financial patron. Third, consider how you might partner to work alongside us. We are humbled and honored to serve students, faculty, business leaders, churches, and communities. We can’t wait to share with you what The Comenius Institute can contribute; because we believe Christian ideas change people and Christian people change culture.
Consider how YOU can HELP on this GIVING TUESDAY. The Comenius Institute is a [501(c)(3)] organization. Donate online: www.comeniusinstitute.org/partner/
Checks to: “The Comenius Institute” c/o Dr. Mark Eckel, 11150 Plum Hollow Circle, Fishers, IN 46037
Contact: mark@comeniusinstitute.org, eckel1957@gmail.com (text/talk 630.303.4891)
Source: WarpAndWoof