COLLEGE CONNECTIONS

RESOURCE PAGE

THANK YOU

We are so grateful that you have taken the opportunity to invest in the college students that call Forum their church home. We are excited to hear how these connections change the lives of those involved, and know that God is working in these interactions.

As a Forum family partner, we want to equip you with tools and resources that you can use to better connect with the student you are paired with. We have compiled a list of conversation topics, restaurants in Columbia, activities in Columbia, and notable events that are happening in the area and at Forum that you can use to strengthen the bond you have with your student.

OUR GOALS FOR THIS MINISTRY

We ask that you prayerfully consider how to incorporate each of the four goals listed to the right into your routine when connecting with your college student.

  • Determine a rhythm that works best for you and your student to gather around the table. This can be in your home, at a restaurant, or at one of the many outdoor venues Columbia offers. We suggest that you discuss with the student what location they would be most comfortable dining at.

  • Intervening on their behalf may be the most helpful thing you can do for them. Being a college student comes with stress and pressures that are both known & unknown. We hope that you are intentional in your conversations, and learn what specific things they need prayer for.

  • We don't recommend downloading TikTok or Snapchat just to reach out, however we do pray that you are finding ways to stay in contact with your student no matter the chosen avenue. Because every student's schedule and life demands are different, we suggest asking your student their preferred method of communication.

  • Help with job applications, treats for finals week, or an uplifting note during a season of trials - we ask that you find ways to show God's love to your students in ways that are unique to that student.

COLUMBIA STAPLE RESTAURANTS

  • ADDISON'S (DOWNTOWN & SOUTH)

    an American grill.

  • B&B BAGEL

    affordable breakfast & lunch options. fresh, New York sytle boiled & baked bagels served from scratch.

  • 44 CANTEEN

    unique tacos in a polished dining room with a warm vibe.

  • D. ROWE'S

    big portions of familiar American pub grub served up in a laid-back bar & grill with outdoor tables

  • ERNIE'S

    homey diner serving American comfort food, breakfast & sundaes in an Art Deco building since 1934.

  • BIG MAMA'S CAFE

    family owned restaurant that specializes in home-cooked style meals, homemade pies & cobblers.

  • FLATBRANCH

    warehouse setting for a large selection of upscale American pub fare.

  • OZARK MOUNTAIN BISCUIT CO.

    southern homestyle favorites made from scratch using locally grown ingredients.

  • CAFE BERLIN

    casual cafe serving up carefully sourced, hearty breakfast & lunch options with a hipster vibe.

  • LAS MARGARITAS (NORTH, DOWNTOWN, SOUTH)

    freshly prepared Mexican food.

  • SHAKESPEARE'S

    local pizza shop where the pizza's are round and the pepperoni's are all right-side-up.

COLUMBIA ACTIVITIES

STEPHEN’S LAKE PARK

MIDWAY GOLF & GAMES

ESCAPE ROOMS

MIDWAY ANTIQUE MALL

WALKING TRAILS

FARMER’S MARKET

MIDWAY ANTIQUE MALL

OTHER RESOURCES

PRAYER PROMPTS FOR YOUR STUDENT

College is a time of transitions, growth, and exploration. For many young adults, it is the first time they are away from home, which brings new and unexpected challenges. Below is a list of prayers that you can be praying over your student, for their well-being, growth, and spiritual maturity.

  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. - Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

  • For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. - Proverbs 2:6 NLT

  • For He will order His angles to protect you wherever you go. - Psalm 91:11 NLT

  • Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

  • And now just as you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. - Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

  • For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many. - Matthew 20:28 NLT

  • Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

  • Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

  • You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever. - Psalms 16:11 NLT

If you have any questions or comments about the College Connections process or about your connection in particular, feel free to contact Ben Strode.

email: ben@forumchristian.org or phone: 573-443-3900