Radical Welcome: Agape Campus Ministries

Agape San Diego stands as a vibrant testimony to the power of presence and the transformative love of Jesus Christ. Based on the bustling San Diego State University and UC San Diego campuses, this campus ministry has grown into a space where people from all walks of life—students, faculty, staff, and even members of the broader community—find belonging, dignity, and spiritual nourishment.

Eight decades of presence at SDSU have seen different expressions of what Campus Ministry can be, but what lies ahead for Agape San Diego?  Listening is at the root of our ministry, so the answer is exciting and rooted in the mission we’ve always embraced: building deeper connections with local churches, offering new opportunities for student bible study, and introducing people to Jesus Christ by being the people of Jesus Christ. As we look ahead to 2025, we aim to deepen this presence by expanding partnerships with local churches. Agape provides a unique bridge between the church and the university. By fostering these connections, we can enrich student ministry and create opportunities for churches. 

Agape San Diego is about collaboration. Already, churches like St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ramona, Faith Presbyterian in San Diego, St. Timothy’s in Rancho Peñesquitos, St. James Episcopal Church in La Jolla, St. Andrew’s Lutheran in San Diego, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal in San Diego, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in La Mesa, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in University City, and so many more stand alongside Agape–offering prayers, resources, and a shared vision for ministry. But we believe this is just the beginning.

We are actively inviting local Episcopal and ELCA Lutheran congregations to join us in supporting and shaping this work. These partnerships can take many forms:

Sponsor Pizza

Twice each week (Tuesdays at UCSD & Wednesdays at SDSU) Agape provides a meal and community with students, faculty, and staff.  You or your congregation can sponsor this time once a month, weekly, one time at one campus or a combination of all these.  This is our time in the community, from which all connections grow, where all are welcome to rest and refresh amid the craziness of campus life.

Invite me to your church

I regularly visit congregations to preach the gospel, share student stories, and work with church leaders to wonder about how Parish Life and Campus Life can mesh.

Plan a campus visit

We can work together for a convenient time to join the community as we continue to preach the gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words.

Join us for worship

Listening to our students, we have heard a desire to share spiritual practices. Since “church” is a heavy word these days, 2025 will bring Sunday at Six as a time to gather around a bonfire, share ways to pray, and grow in community at SDSU.

Visit AgapeSanDiego.org to read more about our ministry, student’s stories, and our building project for intentional community at SDSU.

The stories coming out of Agape San Diego continue to illustrate the power of this ministry to transform lives. Luca, a student at SDSU, found peace and belonging through a retreat at Camp Stevens. In contrast, Joseph, a returning student after incarceration, deepened his faith through conversations about the commonalities across religions.  Agustino found community while studying at SDSU from Australia. These are a few examples of how Agape meets people where they are and helps them move closer to the love of God in Christ.

As we look to the future, we believe that these transformations will only multiply. By strengthening our connections with local churches, offering opportunities for bible study, and continuing to provide spaces of kindness and presence, we are laying the foundation for a ministry that introduces countless students to Jesus Christ and equips them to share His love with others.

At Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s investiture, The Archbishop of The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Justin Badi Arama, inspired me by calling for “careful discernment” and “great kindness.” This is the heart of Agape San Diego—a ministry of presence and love, rooted in Jesus Christ and open to all.

Together, let us build a future where the love of God shines brightly in the lives of students, staff, faculty, and all who encounter Agape San Diego.  Email me directly greg@agapesandiego.org, visit AgapeSanDiego.org to learn more, and join us in this holy work.