Your Story

You are unique but your story of what God has done in your life to bring you to graduate school is a point of connection for many grads who have experienced similar desires and issues. Your struggles represent an opportunity for grads to resonate with you and learn from your process (II Cor 1:3-4).

Don Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, wrote about his story and the process God used to bring him to faith. In addressing the role of STORY he has helped many to present their story in such a way for others to connect, assisting seekers and believers alike (his talk can be downloaded for $1.50 http://www.cccaudio.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2951). He states, there are 3 components to stories: the central character has an ambition, they face conflict along the way, and there is a resolution (though it is not always a positive ending). I tell of my pursuit of approval and success as a child and how that carried over into my college experience in a negative way, seeking approval from peers. My friend George modeled grace for me and broke the quest for approval in my life, allowing me to be free to live out who I really am, without the pressure of performance.

You have a process that God has taken you through to become the person you are today: a grad student seeking to build a Christian Grad Community on your campus. In order to help you connect with peers in a similar position we encourage you to write your story using this format:

Once upon a time... (tell a little of your history by themes God has used)

I decided to enter graduate school... (tell of your calling, desires, field, etc)

But... (tell of some conflict faced along the way)

We don't share details too intimate or revealing until we know our audience is safe and trustworthy but others WILL connect with you when you tell of your pursuit and struggle. Try to share some of your story at the gathering of Christian grads and profs. These partners will then form a community with you who will add to the support network of your grad experience and provide synergism for reaching out to lost peers (who will also value your story).

Things in Common
When discussing the topic of Community among leaders of grad groups from 30 different campuses we found similarity in many areas. See how you and your friends would answer these questions:

• First in family to go to grad school?
• Felt pretty successful in college as an undergrad?
• Feel like you're not as smart as others now in your department?
• Don't feel understood by family/Church on WHY grad school?
• Don't feel understood by family/Church on pressures of grad school?
• Has an advisor that makes excessive demands?
• Let personal spiritual walk suffer due to academic demands?
• Feel inadequate as group leader?
• Fearful about being able to build community in group?

Either we can live as unique members of a connected community, experience the fruit of Christ's life within us, or we can live as terrified, demanding, self-absorbed islands, disconnected from community and determined to get by with whatever resources we brought to the island with us.

The calling of community is to lure people off the island onto the mainland where connection is possible and provide it. Connecting, Larry Crabb

Something stronger than fate has chosen you. Evil will hunt you. And so a fellowship must protect you.

Prov 18:1 "He who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment."

Building a group of Christian Grad students in community may be a challenge, but I wouldn't do anything else. Nick Repak