Miriam Swanson's passion for students is contagious, and it comes from years of experience and from Scripture. In this episode she shares the stories, convictions and challenges that have shaped her work with college students, and her belief in the local church.
She’s been reaching students for over 15 years. First in the UK with Fusion, and now in the U.S. as Fusion’s National Director. Along the way, she’s walked with students through big questions, hard seasons, and surprising moments of breakthrough. But no matter the context or culture, her message stays the same: the church is still God’s plan A, and evangelism is worth our lives.
A Different Kind of Campus Ministry
Miriam didn’t set out to become an evangelist. She simply never stopped investing in the church that discipled her. While many ministry models operate outside of local congregations, Miriam has always believed that the church-not parachurch ministries-is the long-term spiritual home students need.
So Fusion helps churches as well as students. They help churches build habits, spaces and communities that draw students in and send them out. They want students to put down roots and feel they belong, long after graduation, instead of stopping at a single moment of conversion.
“If the church is a family, students don’t need to be visitors. They need to become sons and daughters.”
How Evangelism Actually Happens
Too often, evangelism gets boxed into awkward conversations or high-pressure moments. Miriam offers a different picture-one where the Spirit leads, people feel seen, and the gospel is naturally embedded in life.
She encourages students to start with prayer and presence. To listen well. To live honestly. And to trust that God is already at work in their relationships, classrooms, and conversations.
“Evangelism is about partnering with what the Holy Spirit is already doing. It’s not performance-it’s participation.”
The Cost and Joy of Boldness
There’s a rawness to how Miriam talks about sharing Jesus. She doesn’t pretend it’s easy. But she does believe it’s worth it. Whether she’s coaching a student who’s afraid to speak up or calling churches to more courage, she holds firm to the conviction that the gospel changes lives-and that people are hungry for truth.
“We don’t need louder churches. We need braver ones.”
She also names the cost of evangelism in today’s culture. The relational risk. The social awkwardness. The spiritual battle. But none of that deters her. In fact, it sharpens her focus.
The Power of Testimony
One of the most practical tools Miriam recommends is helping students tell their stories. A gospel-centered testimony, about what Jesus did as well as what they did, is one of the easiest ways to start talking about faith.
She asks churches to make room for stories in their gatherings and to celebrate spiritual growth as well as attendance, so everyone can see that God is changing people's lives right now.
“When someone shares how they met Jesus, it reminds the whole room that He’s still doing it.”
Final Encouragement
Miriam closes with a deep encouragement to those leading in hard places: your presence matters. Your prayers are heard. The students in your life are not beyond reach. And the church has everything it needs to be a place of radical welcome and bold witness.
“Jesus still saves. The Spirit still speaks. The church still works. Let’s go.”
Resources Mentioned
https://www.instagram.com/hellofusionusa/
https://www.fusionmovement.org/resources/product/howtomakedisciples
Scripture Anchors
Romans 1:16: I am not ashamed of the gospel
Luke 10: Jesus sends the seventy-two
Acts 2:42–47: The early church in action
Practices to Try
Teach students how to tell their Jesus story in 3 minutes
Host testimony nights as part of worship gatherings
Regularly pray for five friends by name using the “MyCircle” method
Encourage staff and students to invite others into community life
Keep Going
The mission isn't new, and you aren't doing it alone. Keep saying yes, keep talking about Jesus and keep inviting people into the life that is truly life.
Guests & resources
Meet the guest
- Miriam Swanson
Fusion USA