Willimon was not directly talking about campus ministry, he was preaching on the success which started the Methodist movement and carries it to today. It was at the University of Oxford, where John Wesley was preparing for the priesthood, where the Methodist movement started. Wesley noticed the common people were not welcome in the Anglican Church. His work grew out of his great love for his fellow country men and women. It is interesting to note that Wesley was not interested in starting a new denomination. He died as a Anglican priest, Methodism sprang up later. Wesley aimed to build up the established church, not tear it down.

The college campus needs to be (re)realized as a key place of revitalization of our denominations. College students have a keen sense of idealism, motivation, and enthusiasm to reform the church. They want to see their denominations be God’s agent in the world. Unfortunately, many denominations are reporting a staggering downturn in the number of young people entering ordained ministry. One of several reasons is the lack of voice young adults are allowed. Think about it, do you continue to share your ideas with someone who brushes you off/shoots you down every time? Yea, me neither. I am encouraged by the work of denominations, especially my state conference who is making efforts to create space for youth and young adults to voice their thoughts. Allowing open dialogue between churches and college campuses will foster a powerful combination of idealism and life experience. The combination will prompt change, with the knowledge of how to carry it out. The acceptance of the voices of college students as critics of the church will dissuade them from jumping the denomination ship. This is one way we provide our denominations a steady source of strong leaders for generations to come.