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This document is part of a larger cluster of articles about InterVarsity
chapter planting at https://www.intervarsity.org/mx/page/chapterplanting
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE – TARPON
By Daniel Rodriguez II
The Campus
St. Petersburg College is a community college located on four different
campuses in Florida. We would like to establish a witnessing community at
each location. I am eager to start a group on the campus of Tarpon Springs.
There are about 4,000 students at the school. It is a commuter campus, and
most of the students are white.
The Challenges
The greatest challenge to starting a group at each of the SPC campuses
comes from the Student Activities Office. Their requirements for official
student organization status are prohibitive at best. In addition, their
requirements for existing student groups make it very hard to maintain what
we like to do. For example, a faculty advisor must be present at every
meeting, on or off campus. This is unrealistic if we have several Bible
studies a week and other activities. A general attitude from SA is that we
ought to work with the other Christian groups before starting our own
thing.
This campus is also very far from my home so it is a challenge for me to
get there.
Campus Contacts
There is one student who has a possible contact for a faculty advisor.
What We’re Doing
In fall 2005, I surreptitiously used an outreach event in conjunction with
a Bible study. It was a dismal failure, most likely because I couldn’t
advertise the Bible study. I told students about the Bible study when I met
them and then called and emailed as a follow-up. But I couldn’t put up a
sign for the study to let them know where I was sitting, etc. I took the
spring semester off from this campus due to funding issues.
The Vision
My vision is modest: I want to establish a community of believing students
who both fit in the culture of their campus while transforming it. There is
just so little student activity at any SPC campus that a small group of
students trying to live as witnesses on campus would be visibly noticed.
I think what gives me the most hope right now is that I know others have
been able to start groups at community colleges under similar situations.
God is Working
The Lord has been working on me more than anything, teaching me to be
patient, creative, and steadfast while being faithful to the one faithful
student at Tarpon.
Help Needed
I would like help to know how to circumvent or overcome the obstacles being
thrown before me so that a group can be started on this campus.
Chapter_Planting_2yr_Comm_St_Petersburg_Tarpon.doc
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