One of the greatest challenges in doing ministry, in my case University Ministry, in a city with 50+ campuses in its metro area, is the challenge of doing discipleship with students who are live and work and play 45 minutes away on public transit). But the challenges that this context poses are more than just one of distance. The draw for students to remain on their campuses with their own kind is surprisingly powerful in its sociological force. Add those attractive and repulsive forces to the challenge of proximity along with the sense of isolation that can often mark an urban context, and we find a soil that is almost hostile to discipleship. Investing in one on one, or what some are beginning to call "Life on Life" discipleship is astoundingly time-consuming and extremely difficult.
As of now, we have no answers. All we have is a need. Any thoughts here would be greatly appreciated!