Students are becoming more and more a part of Guildford life. Surrey University is almost a small town now and is growing all the time. Guildford School of Acting is one of the top drama colleges in the world and the Academy of Contemporary Music is now the largest modern music college in Europe. Then there are 20,000 students at Guildford College and trainee lawyers coming each year to Guildford Law College.
In addition to tens of thousands of British students there are thousands more arriving from all over the world to study in Guildford - from over 100 countries such as China, Uzbekistan or Greece.
For some arriving at college is make or break for their faith - many lose their way without the support of their family church; many others are asking questions and come to faith in Christ and get God's vision for their life after Uni.
In other words we need to take students seriously!
Guildford has a University team which churches support to help develop student ministry in these areas - particularly through CU and cells. GCC is also developing a stronger side to its involvement with students. We seek to be a place where students can be rooted in their time in Guildford. In practice this means ..
- We look to provide a pastoral foundation and resource for students who are part of GCC
- We can provide mentoring and support for student cell groups and group leaders
- Sundays can be a family congregational base for students away from home
- There are various social activities such as lunches, awaydays etc where studenst can get to know others
- there are loads of GCC training opportunities and modules which students can access
- there are a host of mission/ outreach opportunities both in Guildford and overseas which students can link into.
- We recognise that students have a clear role in mission to others students and therefore positively encourage GCC students to get involved in CU and other student friendly initiatives such as Submerge. ( which is based in a local church but also draws young people and students from across the area)
GCC is supportive of student organisations such as Fusion, UCCF and Friends International, which works with overseas students.
If you are thinking of coming to Guildford to study its a friendly place and there are loads of great churches - so don't hesitate to contact us, we can offer advice to help you settle in.
If you are a GCC student - welcome! Do get involved in any way you want and don't feel hesitant about asking for help or support. As you settle there will be a 'New To GCC' opportunity to get to know the church better. Oh .... and register for the site and student area. | 