Our mission + vision
The college years shape a lifetime.
We want Jesus at the center of them.
Why the campusMission
Reach college campuses because the future of the world rests with the next generation.
Vision
A gospel-centered church on every campus.
Collegiate.
Teens and twentysomethings are leaving the church in record numbers. On secular campuses, our first priority is to proclaim the gospel boldly.
Students who come to faith in college may go into ministry, and many more carry their faith into engineering firms, IT companies, hospitals, schools and businesses. US campuses also draw students from around the world. When they follow Christ, learn the Bible and learn to lead, they go home as missionaries to people other ministries may never reach.
Church.
Scripture talks about God's people, the Church, from beginning to end. Jesus is its head (Colossians 1:18). Believers are its body, each gifted to build up the others (1 Corinthians 14). The Spirit gives it life, and because it is built on faith in Jesus as King, it will never die (Matthew 16:16–18).
Each year we train college men and women as leaders so that after graduation they can serve and lead wherever God takes them. When they move into new cities, they serve their communities through local churches.
Network.
Collegiate is a network of churches working together to reach college students with the gospel on campuses across the United States. Together, we develop leaders through summer Leadership Training, collaborate in international missions and plant new campus churches. We gather at two national conferences each year, connect regionally for encouragement and support, and share resources and experience to strengthen one another.
A unified mission and decades of camaraderie hold us together, grounded in a shared statement of faith and ministry values that shape how we serve.
Questions people ask
What is the Collegiate Church Network?
The Collegiate Church Network is a network of 18 autonomous local churches on US college campuses in nine states, including the University of Michigan, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, UCF and the University of Arizona.
Each church preaches the gospel on its campus, trains college men and women as leaders, and sends graduates out to serve through local churches wherever they move. The churches share a common statement of faith and five ministry values. They meet at two national conferences each year, gather regionally for support and share resources so they can learn from each other.
Executive Director Jason Bennett, a pastor at New Life Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has led the network since January 2019. Collegiate staff are employed through Reliant Mission, an ECFA-accredited mission agency that also processes gifts.
The network's vision is a gospel-centered church on every campus.
What is Collegiate's mission and vision?
Our mission is to reach college campuses, because the future of the world rests with the next generation. Our vision is a gospel-centered church on every campus.
Where are Collegiate churches?
There are 18 Collegiate churches, serving universities in three regions. The North region includes the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. The East region includes Ohio State, Virginia Tech and the University at Buffalo. The West region includes Texas A&M, UT San Antonio and the University of Arizona. The church directory lists every church and campus.
Who leads the Collegiate Church Network?
Jason Bennett has been Executive Director since January 2019. He has also served as a pastor and elder at New Life Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, since 2010. A directors team and a board of trustees serve with him.
How are Collegiate staff supported?
Collegiate staff are supported through Reliant Mission, which provides compensation, health and retirement benefits, accountability and human resources support.
How can I give to Collegiate?
You can give online through Reliant Mission or through the National Christian Foundation. Both are ECFA accredited. You can also give by phone at 877-614-4600, by mail, or through stock, cryptocurrency or a donor-advised fund.
How can a church join the network?
Churches that share the vision to reach and disciple college students can ask about joining by emailing Executive Director Jason Bennett at jason.bennett@collegiate.church.
How can a college student find a Collegiate church?
The church directory at collegiatechurchnetwork.com/churches maps all 18 Collegiate churches by region and lists each one with the university it serves. Each listing links to the church's own website, where you can find service times and student gatherings. If your school is not listed, email info@collegiate.church.
What is Leadership Training?
Leadership Training brings college students together for a summer of work, worship, community and mission. Grow closer to Jesus, practice leadership in everyday life, and return ready to serve your campus and local church. Programs run at Silver Bay YMCA on Lake George in New York and at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. Leadership Training is run by Collegiate Church Network and administered by Reliant Mission.