Young adulthood is a pivotal and sometimes-challenging phase of life. That’s why Campus Connections, a revolutionary new ministry, was designed specifically for post- secondary students 18 to 25.

This online effort of Community of Christ Campus Ministries at Graceland University transcends borders. It welcomes and affirms students from all corners of the globe. The mission is simple: create a nurturing community that fosters self-care, support, mentorship, and spiritual exploration.

Why Students Should Join

Whether relishing newfound freedom or navigating the challenges of independence, students can find this time exhilarating, but lonely. Campus Connections provides essential support and companionship, helping loved ones build meaningful links during this journey.

Think of it as a Grown-up Camp Community

At Campus Connections, students bring their authentic selves to virtual gatherings. It’s a space where they openly can share life updates, joys, and struggles. The aim is to create an atmosphere of comfort and support—just like their favorite camp community, but tailored to specific needs.

The Roots of Campus Connections

Stassi Cramm of the First Presidency explained that for several years Graceland Campus Ministries in Lamoni, Iowa, USA, and the presidency brainstormed how church members and friends who were students at other campuses might connect. A desire was building to find a way to share the quality ministry available at Graceland more broadly. It seemed important to find a way to support students away from home.

Recent innovations allowing people to connect and build community online provided a means, Cramm said. As Campus Ministries continued to develop in-person ministries at the Graceland campus, it became a priority to consider how to serve people on other campuses, too.

The goal of building a hybrid community for Campus Ministries by the 2023–2024 school year was established. Cramm said the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Campus Ministries and its supporters made Campus Connections possible.

This online effort of Community of Christ Campus Ministries at Graceland University transcends borders. It welcomes and affirms students from all corners of the globe. The mission is simple: create a nurturing community that fosters self-care, support, mentorship, and spiritual exploration.

“We are excited to see where this ministry will go, knowing that it will continue to adapt to meet the needs of a focused student group that changes every year,” Cramm said.

Mike Hoffman, campus minister at Graceland, explained that when the program started to come together, the graduate assistant, Humberto Tinsman, was involved. He later took a full-time ministry position with the church in New Mexico-Texas.

“Andrew Wolsey came on board as our graduate assistant August 1. Together, Andrew and I put together a plan and started Campus Connections in-person with students at Spectacular who were recent high school graduates. Members of the Communications Team helped us formulate a detailed plan for launching an online ministry. From there, we have invited students at Graceland involved in our ministry and leadership practicum.”

All this led to the first Campus Connections event in September. Campus Connections will be held on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, USA and Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. Central Time, USA.