Public Universities Praying with Agape

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18.20

Building on the long-standing ministry of midday hospitality and conversation at both San Diego State University and UC San Diego, this fall Agape San Diego launched regular worship on both campuses.

The joint Lutheran-Episcopal student ministry began offering evening prayer every Monday at SDSU this semester. The service is held outdoors to welcome passers-by to join in whatever way feels comfortable, whether they have no experience praying with Christians or are well along the way in their journey with God.

As our spiritual ancestors have done for millennia, evening prayer begins with kindling a small fire as we slow our pace and gather in the warmth and light of God. Around our makeshift hearth, we take turns leading prayer and inviting responses. Someone reads aloud Sunday’s gospel text, and then we share ways it takes shape in our world or raises questions to wonder about. One tradition in the making is writing our prayers on paper and offering them as incense on the fire.

Each week, we add new creative expressions to the ancient traditions. Just two weeks ago, three new participants stayed for a meal and signed up for Agape’s fall retreat at Camp Stevens, choosing to go deeper and make this community their own.

Across town, near the UC San Diego campus, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church has begun a new Sunday evening service for students. 

“Having worked with Agape over the past year and a half, the need for a worship opportunity for young adults in the University City area became clearer and clearer,” said the parish’s rector, The Rev. Paul Klitzke. “Good Sam is excited to offer a pilot service on the first Sunday of each month this fall, with hopes of discerning and finding a more permanent offering in the near future. Our first service went well; it was joyful and shared the love of God with all who were there.”

Good Sam has a long history of serving the people of UC San Diego, and this new service is especially possible because Rev. Klitzke has regularly spent time on campus to build connections alongside Agape’s staff.

Dedicating time and caring attention really matters when students decide where to show up.

Students (and university staff and faculty) trust communities that faithfully show up for them, listen deeply, care for the whole person, and demonstrate that young perspectives and abilities are valued. 

Other Episcopal congregations are expressing interest in partnering with Agape to serve students. St. James-by-the-Sea has committed financial support, and The Rev. Mark Hargreaves is exploring ways to connect students with their congregation life.

These new evening gatherings create space for students to slow down and gather in Christ’s presence. They offer a place to step away from the pressure of university life, pray together, and encounter the Gospel in community. A safe place to ask questions and explore their faith alongside others. As new students arrive and others graduate, the community will keep changing. But the invitation remains the same: come as you are, bring your questions, and see where Jesus is already at work in your life.

To find out more about these new services or explore ways to partner with campus ministry and young adult formation, contact me at darin@agapesandiego.org. You can also follow Agape on Instagram / Facebook @agapesandiego.org or the Center for Ethics and Spirituality @ucsdspirituality.