As I hand off my role as an NCF faculty advisor, the best prayer I have for an NCF chapter is this Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)
I started an NCF chapter where I teach in the fall of 2019. I was burned out, tired, and insecure in my role. After 13 years of teaching. I was desperate to give students a different type of support. I wanted them to know that God loves them and will never leave them, even in this scary work called nursing school. My vision was that the support NCF provides would bring peace, guidance, and love.
After approval from my director, I emailed a flyer to all the students and current faculty in the school of nursing, inviting them to an interest meeting. Five students and three faculty attended. The interest was there; we were ready to launch. These first students created the chapter from the ground up. We had over 30 students and 10 faculty members at our first meeting.
My teaching philosophy is to guide students to what they already know. So, I asked questions:
- What do you want NCF to look like at this school?
- How do you want to advertise gatherings?
- What do you want to do?
- How can the faculty help?
- What do you see as the faculty’s role in the chapter?
We met as an officer group, praying together and ironing out details. We were off! The first year and half was glorious! Students sought support and love from each other and received guidance from the faculty. And most of all, Jesus met them. We brought in speakers and recruited worship leaders. Out times together filled the students with hope and perseverance. We praised God each month for answered prayers. At the end of the year, the seniors earned their honor cords and walked the stage--to God be the glory!
Then, the pandemic...
Catch next week’s post for the rest of the story!
Laura Logan, MSN, RN, CCRN, is a clinical instructor at DeWitt School of Nursing, Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas.
Student groups, faculty advisors, starting a group, leadership resources—these resources and more are freely available on the NCF website. Contact Jen Wojtysiak to get involved in student ministry as a student or faculty member.
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