Free spirit: Campus ministry aids students' relationships with Christ

The college years are a time for learning and growing as a person. For the Ignite ministry and its pastor, the Rev. Jeffrey Waters, this is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

Waters, the college and campus pastor at La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau, shares thoughts about its outreach in today's Ministry Focus.

Q) Tell us a little about yourself.

A) I'm just a messed up person that has survived a lot in my life thanks to the grace of God. I grew up outside of Savannah, Ga., and completed my undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. Although I'm a pretty big sports fan, my favorite thing to do is have real, honest, heart-to-heart conversations with people as we figure out this thing called life.

Q) How long have you been a member of your faith?

The Ignite band plays music while students socialize during the first week of classes. (Submitted photo courtesy of Ignite Campus Ministry)

A) I have been involved in and around the church for the majority of my life. However, it was during my years in college that I truly began to understand what it means to follow Jesus and to love him with my whole heart.

Q) Who or what inspired you to join the ministry?

A) As mentioned above, I really enjoy digging into life with people and figuring out what lays at the heart of who we are and why we do the things we do. Since I know that Jesus is central to understanding life and living an abundant life, I knew I wanted to spend my life helping other people find the same grace and love Jesus extended to me. I knew how important my friends, family and community were in my own development, and I wanted to help play a role in developing those relationships for other people.

Q) What's your favorite Bible verse and why?

A) 3 John 4 says: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." This verse has become my call to ministry and accurately describes my own heart. The joy I experience when people I love find truth is exhilarating and drives me to do what I do.

Q) You lead the college ministry on the Southeast Missouri State campus called Ignite. Tell us a little about the ministry.

A) Ignite is a community of college-aged people, from all backgrounds, who are trying to figure out what it means to follow Jesus and love others the same way he loves us. We have weekly services on Wednesday nights on campus with live, student-led worship and talking about God's story in the world. We like to have a ton of fun with one another and be a safe place for anyone to come and explore their faith.

Q) How long has Ignite been on campus?

A) Ignite started in the fall of 2008 as a ministry of La Croix Church to college students at Southeast Missouri State. Since that time, we have seen many lives changed and many friendships formed.

Q) What ongoing ministries does Ignite offer?

A) We have small groups, called iFams (short for Ignite Families), where students regularly gather to invest their lives in one another and learn how our stories intersect with God's story. We try to be involved in the community with service opportunities and plan mission trips where students get to experience God at work around the world. Different activities are planned throughout the semester where we simply attempt to have as much fun as possible. Our website, www.ignitesemo.com, is updated regularly with all of our events and information.

Q) What's the most exciting part of your role in college ministry?

A) The college years are such a pivotal time in a person's life. I get a front-row seat as college students begin to understand who they really are, decide how they are going to view the world, and grow in their devotion to Jesus. I see so many types of people not only being accepted as they are, but also using their talents and personalities to welcome and love others.

lpresson@semissourian.com

388-3649

Pertinent address:

415 N. Pacific St., Cape Girardeau, MO

2 Lexington Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO