Church After University

Written by Darren Hewer

Sadly, many young people who go away from home to university never return to their home church, or any church. If you’ve graduated recently and are wondering how you can get integrated back into the church of your youth, or another church wherever you are living now, perhaps hearing about the experiences of others who have been in your shoes can help.

What helped me was the availability of a “young career” group at one of the churches I visited. We are all at similar life stages, and this helps us to bond and have fellowship together. For some other suggestions, UK-based Graduate Impact website offers a “Life after University” handbook, and one of the questions they asked recent grads is “How did you find and settle into a church once you finished being a student?

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” Here are three answers:

Rachel B: I’ve been really blessed by staying in the same city and the same church as when I was a student – the support of people in the fellowship and the encouraging teaching have really helped me make the transition from student to qualified nurse.

Rachel H: Initially I wanted to join a smaller church and found one but I was working so much I couldn’t go mid-week. It was really hard to get involved and I felt like I was disappointing people the whole time. In the end I’ve joined a big church in London and go to a fellowship group there. I feel like I’m doing more taking rather than giving which is not ideal but all I can manage at the moment.

Tim: I asked my parents if they knew anywhere and they got me a list of churches in my area. I had a set of criteria of things I knew I wanted from a church: strong biblical teaching, a friendly place with other people my age. I went to two of the churches on my list and then found the one I’m in at the moment. To begin with I wasn’t sure whether it was the right place but I made friends quite quickly and really felt welcomed so I stayed!

If you’re feeling lonely after graduation, and would like help finding a good community of believers in your area where you can feel at home, or just need someone to talk to, please contact a mentor today to talk via email.

Related: Having trouble with time management since graduating? Try our online interactive life lesson “Managing Time Wisely” and receive a personalized reply.