Why Not Go? Embracing Global Missions and Campus Ministry
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Episode 3 · 35 min
Eric Asp has been in campus ministry for almost 30 years, and he has followed God's call from Bowling Green State University to the streets of Amsterdam. Along the way he has learned humility, how to adapt to a new culture and what it means to lead by serving. He wants to see God's kingdom grow on college campuses and beyond.
In this episode of the Collegiate Church Network Podcast, host Jay Bennett talks with Eric about planting churches overseas and pastoring college students at Kent State University, and about the hard and good parts of ministry for anyone trying to serve faithfully where God has put them.
Following where God led
Eric's story begins in the mid-90s at Bowling Green State University, where a lively campus church brought his faith to life. “I didn’t fully realize how big God’s kingdom was until I started working with our sending agency,” Eric recalls. Video production trips to Italy, Ukraine and Honduras showed him the global church and started him thinking about mission work.
Eventually that led Eric to Amsterdam, where he, his wife and their young son joined a 40-person church planting team. They hoped to start a young, culturally relevant church in a diverse city with deep spiritual needs.
The Reality of Church Planting
Despite the team’s high hopes and careful planning, their efforts to create a large, production-oriented church faced significant challenges. “We went in with great potential but also a lot of pride,” Eric admits. Within six months, the lead pastor who had cast the vision for the church stepped down due to personal struggles.
The process humbled them and changed them. “We had to go back to the drawing board, listen to the culture, and lean into what God was already doing in Amsterdam,” Eric shares. Small groups became the center of the ministry, and the team moved from large events to relational discipleship.
“It was messy, but God used it to teach us the importance of being learners, not saviors,” Eric says. “We had to embrace our role as cultural toddlers and let the church grow organically.”
The Long Game of Cross-Cultural Ministry
Eric stayed in Amsterdam for several years, slowly building relationships and learning how ministry works in a post-Christian culture. Over time, he and his wife felt called to return to the U.S.
“We loved our time in Amsterdam, but we realized it was meant to be catalytic, not permanent,” Eric explains. After handing off leadership to local Dutch leaders, the family moved to Kent, Ohio, to join the team at H2O Church at Kent State University.
Lessons from Global Missions
Eric’s experiences in Amsterdam shaped his understanding of both global and local ministry. For those considering missions, Eric emphasizes the importance of curiosity, humility, and a willingness to ask, “Why not go?”
“You don’t need a supernatural sign to step into missions,” Eric says. “If there’s a need and you’re available, that’s reason enough to go. But don’t go in thinking you have all the answers—go in ready to listen and learn.”
Eric also highlights the unique opportunity that short-term missions provide for both personal growth and ministry impact. Programs like EuroLink, which connects students to sister churches in Europe for six weeks, are an excellent way to explore international ministry.
Faithfulness in the Everyday
Back in the U.S., Eric takes a long view of ministry. “There’s something powerful about being a faithful presence in one place for years or even decades,” he says. That view has helped him stay close to students as he gets older.
Eric also points to the importance of creating space for rest and reflection. A recent two-night personal retreat allowed him to process grief, reconnect with God, and recalibrate for the season ahead. “It was exactly what my soul needed,” he shares.
What’s Anchoring Eric Right Now
Eric keeps finding strength in:
Personal Retreats: Intentional time away has become a key practice for staying grounded in ministry.
Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot: This classic book about missionaries in Ecuador is one of Eric’s top recommendations.
Joshua 1. The command to “be strong and courageous” has encouraged Eric throughout his life.
Wisdom for Ministry and Life
For those just starting in campus ministry, Eric offers this advice:
Evangelism and Discipleship are Core: “These are the most essential parts of what we do. Everything else is secondary.”
Embrace the Learning Process: “You don’t need to know everything. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Stay curious and humble.”
Trust God: “He’s faithful, even when you feel insecure or unsure. Lean into His presence and guidance.”
A Final Word
“Cheer up,” Eric says with a smile. “You’re actually way worse than you think—but God’s grace is far greater than you could ever imagine.”
Eric's story shows God working through humility, perseverance and weakness. Whether you are considering missions, struggling as a leader or trying to be faithful where you are, God's goodness is bigger than your doubts.
Guests & resources
Meet the guest
- Eric Asp
Official ministry page