REACH - A College Ministry Podcast of Acts 2 Network

Interested in taking your students on the Rocky Mountain Challenge? For only $1500: https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/rockymountainchallenge. In this episode, we make the case for getting guys out of their digital worlds and into the wilderness—on purpose, with pressure, and for discipleship. Dan Kinder talks about the camps and “stress experiences” that reshaped his view of manhood, hardship, and faith. Dan shares stories of summiting 14,000-foot peaks, and dreaming up a men’s challenge weekend called “Gauntlet” that uses intentional stress—no phones, strict timelines, and team obstacles—to form godly character. If you’re campus worker wondering how to move young men from waffling to resilient commitment, this conversation will give you vision and practical steps for planning your first backpacking or challenge trip this year.

This episode of the REACH podcast explores the Stargazers playbook, a pre-evangelistic strategy that leverages awe at the night sky to spark deep conversations about meaning, science, and faith on secular campuses like Tufts University. Host P. Manny interviews astrophysics PhD student Richard Pan about his journey to Christ, his research using James Webb Space Telescope data on galaxy evolution, and how stargazing events—with telescopes, science talks, and creative elements—create low-pressure, highly engaging spaces for spiritually open students.

Bart Smelley, founder of Filter of Hope, shares how his ministry is providing clean water and opening doors for evangelism worldwide. Keith Back, the organization's operations coordinator, discusses the transformative impact of mission trips on both communities and college students. They dive into the origin story of Filter of Hope, explore a typical trip's logistics, and explain how the clean/dirty water analogy is used to present the gospel. Their passion for service and growth in new countries fuels an inspiring conversation.

Explore how to strategically connect with affinity groups on campus by discovering their SWEET spots, defined by strong bonds and trust. Learn about pockets of students like athletes and co-ops that often remain unreached. Hear inspiring stories of outreach, including starting a Bible study with a baseball team. Understand the significance of identifying 'persons of peace,' who can open doors within these groups. Gain insights into effective strategies for high-impact engagement that lead to meaningful connections and outreach.

Dan Wong and Clarissa Wong, leaders of A2CN Boston, discuss innovative mentorship strategies for college students. They emphasize the importance of mentorship in fostering spiritual growth and community. Clarissa shares her journey into ministry, while Dan outlines how A2CN provides free mentorship and career guidance. They highlight unique programs like enrichment sessions and mentorship sprints, and the value of personal connections in nurturing faith conversations. With a focus on adaptability, they share key insights from their Boston launch experience.

In this heartfelt episode of the REACH podcast, it explores the urgency in calling for a decision, and provides five practical steps—summarized by the acronym POWER—to effectively present the Gospel and guide others through both private and public responses. This episode equips college ministers to make the most of every opportunity, emphasizing the eternal impact of asking the "Golden Question" and courageously calling for a commitment to Jesus.https://www.acts2college.org/post/call-to-decision

Join Dan Allan, the Executive Director of Mission Expansion for CRU, as he shares his insights on reaching every campus with the gospel. Dan discusses strategic initiatives like Every Campus, focusing on underserved areas without a gospel presence. He highlights innovative outreach methods via social media and transformative training for student leaders. Discover the impact of programs like Filter of Hope and upcoming opportunities during the World Cup. Dan's passion for evangelism and practical strategies inspire listeners to bring the message of hope to every student.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew and Priscella Martinez share their journey in launching NYC Ministries during the pandemic. Andrew, a former chemistry student, highlights how he pivoted towards ministry, driven by mentorship. They delve into the ISMP playbook, revealing how it streamlined their outreach efforts for international students. The duo shares successes from following proven strategies and adapting them to fit their team’s strengths while maintaining clarity and alignment. Their insights on mentorship and professional presentation offer valuable lessons for aspiring ministry leaders.

Join Jeremy Wan, a software engineer and Berkeley alum, and Naomi Wan, a program manager, as they delve into their experiences with a Chosen Watch Party at Berklee College. They share insights on effective student leadership, empowering peers through low-prep events, and innovative tactics for attracting attendees like movie ticket incentives. The Wans highlight the impact of authentic discussions and the importance of presenting the gospel. Their strategies for engaging students, from tabling at move-ins to tailored promotions, offer valuable lessons for campus outreach.

Bryan and Andrea Mau, dedicated ministry leaders at Indiana University, dive into the innovative idea of curbside socials as a means to engage students. They discuss how these relaxed gatherings differ from traditional events, emphasizing genuine connections in a low-pressure setting. The Maux share success stories and practical tips for creating these informal opportunities, highlighting the importance of adapting to campus culture. They also delve into supporting business students with workshops and the significance of fostering spiritual curiosity among participants.