Week 7 – People: Campus vs. Church

Adam Fike
Thursday 2/26

Differences between getting along with people at college vs. in a church situation:

1. Greater Differences in the Church
People in the church are more diversified, mainly in terms of age. The church is multigenerational and contains people from age 0 to 100+. Age and generational barriers breed miscommunication and conflict. At Indiana Wesleyan, we mostly come from similar socio-economical backgrounds. The majority of the students come from conservative, Christian homes. We are not introduced to much diversity unless we reach beyond our walls into Marion. In the church, it is very possible to be placed in a diverse church where we must learn to deal with differences.

2. People in the Church are the Boss
The fact that the congregation is our boss automatically places certain strains on the relationship. At college we have relationships with peers and professors. Obviously, relationships with our peers are different because we do not work for them. Our relationship with our professors is more similar to a relationship to a church, but we work for a grade in class. In the church, we work to make disciples of Christ through relationships. This is a more complex and difficult task. Even if the members of your church are good hosts, the relationship with them will be different simply because they are your boss.

3. No Letter Grade in Expectations
People in the church may have high expectations, but they do not give you a grade like in college. In the church we are given the task of assisting the Spirit in forming relationships, both horizontally and vertically. There is a huge grey area in building relationships because there is no easy or universal formula. In working for a grade, we have clear expectations and requirements. There are deadlines for papers and tests, and we know what to write and study. People work is complex and is both an intrinsic and acquired skill.

4. Forced to Make Confront
In college, we can avoid annoying people or people that we don’t get along with. In the church, we must get along with the members. We are expected to be peacemakers and exhibit Christ-like attitudes at all times.