At some point, every pastor internalizes Acts 17:16-34, and I’m no different. Whether serving as a vicar in a foreign land, a parish pastor, or now as the WELS Campus Ministry mission counselor, I always remember the story of Paul in Athens. Motivated by concern for the people, Paul engaged them through their culture, quoted philosophers, and commented on their art, all to reveal the truth about the Lord and salvation through Jesus. Athens was on his mind, and it’s on mine too.

The story of Athens resonates with us today, especially in the context of college campuses. The pursuit of higher learning often intersects with idols that seize hearts, minds, and lives. For years, the Campus Ministry Committee and the Board for Home Missions have recognized that these campuses are modern-day versions of Athens—places where ideas are shared and opportunities to proclaim the Word are abundant. Seizing these opportunities is part of our mission—just like it was for Paul in Athens.

As I work with college campuses and congregations, I go to what is known. I visit the heart of each campus—usually the student union—and observe the student groups that are active. This is a time in students’ lives when they are searching for truth and stability, and it’s important to work with people who can help engage them with the gospel. We trust that God will bless these efforts.

Here are a few examples where Athens is on the mind:

Boston, Mass.: With more than 50 colleges and universities in its vicinity, Boston is known as “the Athens of America.” The North Atlantic District Mission Board partnered with the WELS Campus Ministry Committee as it planted a new mission in the area. Josh Koelpin was assigned to this mission, which is now called Harbor Lutheran Church. A core group is actively reaching out to college students in the area as it works to launch the church.

Athens, Ga.: WELS students at the University of Georgia are being served by pastors and vicars from WELS congregations in the Atlanta area, most more than an hour away. They are helping these students gather for regular meetings and worship. This campus offers a unique opportunity for outreach, as Georgia law allows people to meet on campus without being a registered group.

Athens, Ohio: When a WELS student enrolled at the University of Ohio in Athens, pastors and students worked together to form a campus ministry, despite the closest congregation being an hour away. Now, students and members/leaders of the congregation meet regularly on campus, and students are inviting their friends to join.

Universities and colleges are places where ideas are formed and shared. Paul saw this in Athens, and we see it today. College campuses are mission fields, but they can be challenging. Some people may mock or ignore the message, while others will listen. Still, the opportunity to proclaim the gospel is too great to ignore.

In places like Athens, Boston, and other areas where there are no WELS congregations, we see the Lord blessing the efforts of those willing to reach out. Our hope is that more congregations will engage these mission fields and serve students with the means of grace.

Learn more about campus ministry work, including how you can get involved.

Author: Dan Lindner
Volume 112, Number 06
Issue: June 2025