A ministry Experiment comes to a close

In 2023 the East Central Synod of Wisconsin began a ministry experiment to plant some seeds on the UW-Green Bay campus with the hopes of starting a new campus ministry site. In a post-covid world, we knew this would be a big challenge as there have been significant changes in how college students connect and form community.

It was slow going at first, but in time developer Rev. Jeff Greathouse was able to build some relationships and partnerships that made it widely known that UW-Green Bay Lutheran Campus Ministry was the only LGBTQIA+ affirming ministry on campus. Through partnership with representatives from the Pride Center and the Multi-Cultural Center, Pastor Jeff was able to maintain a steady on-campus presence for two years. Each week, he would set up a table decked out with bagels, coffee, muffins, and an openness to conversation. It took time, but meaningful connections were made through his presence and ministry on campus.

After two years of working to build the ministry though, limits of time and changes in general student involvement made further growth more difficult. Additionally, Pr. Jeff received a new call to a congregation in the Northern Illinois Synod.

Because of these changes, leaders tied to the ministry gathered online in July to deem this ministry experiment closed for the time being. One of the realities we recognize is that when it comes to campus ministry, ecumenical partnership is of utmost importance. Over the next few years, leaders in the Green Bay conference will be slowly working to build relationships with other leaders from different denominations, all the while listening to how the Holy Spirit is stirring and to explore if something new might bud up in the future related to ministry on the UW-Green Bay campus.

The East Central Synod of Wisconsin and UW-Green Bay Campus ministry wish to extend our gratitude for all those who supported the development and growth of campus ministry over the last two years. Thank you to the congregations who gave financial gifts, and to those who offered prayers and student connections. We now offer our prayers and support to Gather by the Bay — the young adult ministry group of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin— as they look to reach a similar demographic of people in the Green Bay area and beyond!