Q&A For Parents
As the parent of a college student, maybe you've experienced what relay runners feel as they make the all-important baton pass to their teammates.
Fear: "Will I make the pass successfully?"
Sadness: "Wow, my part is done. But could I have done better?"
Joy and relief: "I did it! It's their turn now!"
Like a coach, you've worked hard in training your children, preparing them for that time when you "hand them off" to the next level of maturity. And the "baton" pass is a critical component in assuring your child's success through the journey of life.
Fear: "Will I make the pass successfully?"
Sadness: "Wow, my part is done. But could I have done better?"
Joy and relief: "I did it! It's their turn now!"
Like a coach, you've worked hard in training your children, preparing them for that time when you "hand them off" to the next level of maturity. And the "baton" pass is a critical component in assuring your child's success through the journey of life.
What will they find on campus ... maybe not what you'd typically think! Research expert George Barna, in an on-line report, states that 80 percent of today's teens claim religious faith as being very important. "Most teens are desperately striving to determine a valid and compelling purpose in life," Barna concluded. "There exists an opportunity for the church and para-church organizations to position themselves as a place of valuable insight and assistance."
That's where The Navigators collegiate ministries fit in. Beginning in 1933 when Navigators founder Dawson Trotman taught sailors how to mature in their faith, The Navigators has grown into an international, interdenominational Christian ministry with 4,600 staff members of 70 nationalities, serving in more than 100 countries, in over 170 languages, and among 220 people groups.
The Collegiate Navigators now number over 600 staff and volunteers on nearly 170 college and university campuses. Our Organization is an officially recognized student organization on each campus with faculty sponsors.
The Collegiate Navigators now number over 600 staff and volunteers on nearly 170 college and university campuses. Our Organization is an officially recognized student organization on each campus with faculty sponsors.
Our goal is straightforward:
To reach, disciple, and equip college students in the U.S. to know Christ and to make Him known through successive generations in all the nations. So what does that look like. While every campus ministry is unique, there are some things that make our ministries distinctively "Navigator".
- One-to-one, "life-to-life" time with students, helping them learn how to study and apply the Bible, communicate their faith, balance priorities, pray, and grow in Christ-like character;
- Small group Bible studies, which help students mature in their understanding and application of Scriptural truth.
- Large group events aimed to develop relationships and provide fun and challenging social and spiritual growth opportunities.
- Conferences and retreats where students can get away from the rigors of college life and focus on friendships and spiritual development.
The bottom line - Navigators staff love students and we value the opportunity to invest in your child's life during the college years. Someday, these years will end and your son or daughter will begin a new chapter in their life. Until then, we count it a privilege to be one of the pairs of "hands" that help carry him or her forward in the ongoing journey.
Tony Brown
TJC Campus Director
What Other Parents Are Saying About The Navigators Collegiate Ministry
"Our Son, Tim, became involved his freshman year with an organization called 'The Navigators'. Who were The Navigators? An obvious concern was 'cults'. Was this one? In due time, all our concerns were alleviated. We spent time with many of Tim's Navigator friends, and we have yet to find one we didn't like and/or admire."
- Bob and Susie Bastian, Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
"My Husband and I have been so pleased by our daughter's experience in Navigators at an Ivy League College. The weekly Navigator worship services, as well as the Christian friends she has met through these gatherings, have kept her Christian walk strong. We would recommend The Navigators to any parent."
- Diane S. Passno, Executive Vice President, Focus on the Family
"Our Daughter was activily involved with The Navigators during her years in University. Through the Bible studies and informal social interaction, she met other students who were serious about their faith. I see The Navigators as a rudder that helps students navigate their way through the unpredicatble shoals of their college experience."
- Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Chicago
"Our Son, Tim, became involved his freshman year with an organization called 'The Navigators'. Who were The Navigators? An obvious concern was 'cults'. Was this one? In due time, all our concerns were alleviated. We spent time with many of Tim's Navigator friends, and we have yet to find one we didn't like and/or admire."
- Bob and Susie Bastian, Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
"My Husband and I have been so pleased by our daughter's experience in Navigators at an Ivy League College. The weekly Navigator worship services, as well as the Christian friends she has met through these gatherings, have kept her Christian walk strong. We would recommend The Navigators to any parent."
- Diane S. Passno, Executive Vice President, Focus on the Family
"Our Daughter was activily involved with The Navigators during her years in University. Through the Bible studies and informal social interaction, she met other students who were serious about their faith. I see The Navigators as a rudder that helps students navigate their way through the unpredicatble shoals of their college experience."
- Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Chicago