History

Most may not realize it, but campus ministry has a precedent established in the Bible. Long before there were school mascots, degree plans, and bad cafeteria food, students were gathering in places of higher education to learn and discuss differing philosophies of the times. In Acts 19, we read of one such institution called “the school of one Tyrannus.” History reveals that this first century “school” was a lecture hall of some kind. During the day, it would have been used to host the typical classes but at night it could be reserved for other purposes. It is here, on this campus, that we find the apostle Paul “disputing” (teaching, discussing, conversing) daily with students who were eager to learn about the Gospel. Because of Paul’s efforts to teach and train students on that campus who had come from all over the continent, “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). Today, the potential of campus ministry remains the same. When we reach our campuses, we reach our world.

Since its inception in 1990, CMI has sought to provide the framework and resources necessary for local Apostolic churches and students to reach one of the most untapped mission fields in North America. With nearly 22 million college students walking the halls of over 4400 campuses, there is an open door for increased evangelistic efforts that bring the Gospel message to these hungry students.