The Pacific Northwest is witnessing a significant boost in public campus ministry with the launch of Adventist Christian Fellowship activities in the region.
This initiative connects local and regional efforts to a robust network of more than 100 ACF chapters across North America, enhancing support and networking opportunities for campus ministries.
Traditionally gathering annually for the ACF Institute, this year each union hosted its own training gatherings.
Fittingly themed, “The Launch,” this year’s institute marked a historic first in the Pacific Northwest, drawing more than 25 public campus university students, pastors, leaders and church members.
Represented campuses included Montana State University, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Washington State University, University of Idaho, Green River College and University of Washington's Seattle and Tacoma campuses.
"ACFi is pivotal in fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth among Adventist students on non-Adventist campuses,” said Rob Lang, North Pacific Union youth and young adult ministries director. “It empowers student leaders, pastors and church members to effectively minister in these unique environments.”
The NPUC ACFi convened in late June at the University of Washington Seattle campus. Activities included a bowling night and networking, followed by intensive learning sessions and a visit to Pike Place Market.
Guest speakers Ron Pickell, Pacific Union campus ministries director, and Joshua Guerrero, Wisconsin Conference ACF coordinator, as well as John and Sarah Leis, Northwest ACFi hosts, shared their expertise in campus ministries.
Topics included how to mingle with, minister to and reach students with the gospel. Evangelism on campus and ACF advocates were also presented in practical, easy-to-use terms.
“One of my favorite aspects of this weekend was having deep conversations with mentors and leaders,” said Ashok Willmott, Springfield/Storyline intern associate pastor whose church is near University of Oregon. “I have little experience in public campus ministry and hearing their challenges prepped me for whatever challenges are ahead of me.”
To provide follow-up support, an ACF Cohort is now established to offer monthly meetings for supporting and training each new ACF club. This cohort is designed to launch, grow and sustain ACF clubs on non-Adventist campuses across NPUC.
“As our students are spiritually nurtured and connected, they become even more capable of sharing the love of Jesus on their campus,” said Lang. “By building strong ACF chapters, we can reach the campus and change the world, one student at a time."
“This ACFi has encouraged me because it showed me there are others out there with the same heart for college campuses as me,” reflected Daniel Gorton, a participant from Oregon Conference with a passion for campus ministries. “I sense God is raising up more leaders on public college campuses across NPUC to lead students to the knowledge of how much God loves them and to live influential, impactful lives.”
Next year is the 20th anniversary of ACF within North American Division. Washington Conference and NPUC will be co-hosting this division-wide event on the University of Washington Seattle campus July 22–26, 2025.
Are you a student, pastor or church member who is interested in learning more about this mostly untouched mission field? Email john.leis@wc.npuc.org for more information and how you can become involved.
