Summer, 2026
It is widely reported that young people have an increased hunger for meaning and community. Recent books include The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God and Coming to Faith Through Dawkins. To that end, the District is partnering with congregations and existing campus ministries to establish more and stronger campus ministries across the state.
But then such campus ministry is not a new idea.
Three young men’s paths providentially collided on the campus of Miami University in Ohio. Joe joined his older brother Lewis there; they grew up in a family that taught faithfulness to God’s Word. Jeff came the same year with a steady church life and then experienced the loss of his father to cancer. Both were seeking opportunities to connect with other Christians on campus and in a nearby congregation. Tyson came to the university later, carrying confusion and frustration from a difficult family life and years of conflicting answers from pastors. But God had plans for this young man who had given up on Christians and their beliefs.
Years earlier, Miami students from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Ohio asked Pastor Kevin Jud to lead a campus Bible study. Joe and Jeff connected with Pastor Jud’s campus ministry and worship services at Immanuel. Tyson’s Lutheran girlfriend influenced his participation and he began to attend the campus ministry Bible study as a freshman.
As relationships developed, Pastor Jud’s Christ-like service left a deep impression on each of them. Their faith was encouraged, their journey through college was filled with scriptural guidance, and their questions were welcomed and answered by an approachable, accessible pastor. Joe and Jeff became involved in Immanuel’s youth and worship ministry. Tyson heard answers in God’s Word that led him to baptism at age 20 and service in various roles at the church. All three graduated from Miami University and later from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and God called Pastor Joe Polzin, Pastor Jeff Burgess, and Pastor Tyson Bentz to ministry in the Michigan District. Their friendship remains strong and rooted in that early experience at Miami.
God has a unique calling for each student in Michigan District’s existing and emerging campus ministries. We believe it is an important time to walk with them and to help them know what Jesus says about their future. You can help us “Go” (Matthew 28:19) and reach these young men and women.
Will you help us create thriving ministry where people of all ages can hear about Jesus and his love?
Campus ministry is one of many missions of the Michigan District. You can also help us “Go” and reach others who are served by Gospel mission outposts in urban mission, ethnic and language-based mission, and compassion ministry mission.
Pastor Polzin, Pastor Burgess, and Pastor Bentz will tell you that another generation needs the same encouragement they received in campus ministry. Across the District, there are new ethnic and language-based ministries to immigrants who are seeking answers that only come from God’s Word. In local communities, congregations are forming ways to compassionately connect with people to fill human needs and make life-changing introductions to Jesus. Your financial gift will bring hope to God’s people through these ministries.
We give thanks to God for your joy in the Gospel and the privilege of sharing his Word with others. We are People of Hope … Vigorously Making Known the Love of Christ!
...eyes on Jesus...
Rev. David A. Davis, President
Michigan District, LCMS
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