It is an odd question, isn’t it? A campus ministry isn’t a commodity that can be bought or sold. But as odd as the question may be, it is crucial to know the answer. We could take the easy way out, and affirm that it is God who owns CCH. That is certainly true, but for our purposes, it is not particularly helpful to recognize something so self-evident. What we really want to know is… who (humanly) owns this ministry?

Well, organizationally, we do have a board of directors (about a dozen men and women—most of whom are CCH alumni) who oversee the ministry. These dedicated folks make important decisions about the staff, the budget, the building and grounds, and the various legal issues that must be addressed. But they do not own CCH.

From a leadership perspective, we do have four full-time campus ministers. Danah, Matthew, Augie, and I work to provide vision, direction, leadership training, mentoring, and counseling for the many college students who come through our doors. The four of us collectively have committed more than four decades of our lives in service to this organization. We may provide long-term continuity of leadership. But we do not own CCH.

CCH is an RSO—a Recognized Student Organization—accepted by Eastern Illinois University. But EIU certainly does not own CCH.

So, who “owns” Christian Campus House? Maybe you have already guessed the answer. You do. If you are involved in this ministry, you share ownership of CCH with all of your brothers and sisters here. CCH is a “peer ministry.” The best “stuff” that goes on here is always the “peer stuff.” If anyone comes here, it is probably because you invited them—and maybe you even went out of your way to bring them with you. If anyone decides to commit their life to Jesus, it is because you chose to take a risk and engage them in deep conversations about their relationship with Him. If a life is radically changed, it is likely because you took the time and initiative to open up a meaningful and challenging conversation. If anyone comfortably calls CCH “home” it is because you made them feel welcome. And if anyone graduates and fondly reflects on cherished memories of their experiences here… it is because you shared your life with them. Yes, it is you who owns CCH. It is as it should be. It is as it must be for a ministry like this to make a significant impact on this campus. You own it. Go enjoy it.