With enthusiasm and purpose, Ken Puent relates his ideas for a new and improved college ministry program being launched at College Avenue Methodist Church.
The program will focus on study, worship and service, and Puent, minister of college outreach, is very eager to unite students of various backgrounds, faiths and ideas for a common purpose.
Puent is new to Muncie and is eager to try a new approach to student ministry at Ball State. Prior to coming to Muncie, Puent served students at Taylor University in Upland and Purdue students at Lafayette.
His ministry all began with a vision that focused on inclusiveness and an invitation to all college students, he said.
"This is a formative time for college students," Puent said, "Students are exploring all sorts of life pursuits, relationships and careers, and the spiritual piece needs to be included."
Puent said he is eager to offer a haven to Ball State students through the campus ministry, formerly the Wesley Foundation.
Wesley has been reorganized by the Muncie church and will share in the church's resources, staff and services.
Puent said he is pleased to have the tools to build his vision for the campus ministry, and he said it is off to a flying start.
With an infectious smile and animated gestures, Puent began talking about about his plans for improving the ministry. Puent said he has a long history and great affinity for ministering to college students.
"I grew up in the church," Puent said. "But during my college years I grew a lot in faith through my campus connection with peers, and I needed to make faith applicable to my own life. Students today are no different."
Puent has contacted more than 200 students and has published a newsletter, directed through Ball State's Student Services, to distribute information in residence halls.
Puent is conducting a Bible-study program at Wilson Hall in the Johnson Complex at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday and might start a student-run worship service designed to fit the schedules and needs of attendants.
Through tailgating parties, luncheons and study groups, Puent has tried to create friendships and lend an understanding ear.
"Students want to know where I am coming from," Puent said. "They want to see how I will react to the things they say. They ask questions and are often looking for a level of trust with me."
Often students share personal and controversial information, and Puent said he welcomes students to do so. Some students who have professed alternative lifestyles feel comfortable being a part of the new ministry.
Students who have tried other campus ministries are surprised to find such an intense focus on inclusiveness, Puent said.
Once, Puent wanted to better understand what it was like to be a student at Ball State so he asked some of the college group to introduce him to campus as if he were an incoming freshman with no knowledge of the campus. Some of the students and Puent met at the Atrium and each student conducted a mini tour of the areas where they spend their time. Students were eager to share information about their majors and important places in their lives.
Puent said he believes these insight into the lives of the students assists him in meeting their needs.
The college ministry is open to all students who are exploring faith. Students from surrounding colleges and universities are also welcome, Puent said.
"Currently we have 70 students who are participating in activities offered at College Avenue, including Sunday worship services, small groups and choir," Puent said. "We are promoting a sense of belonging because we care about college students."
Students bring many ideas to light about their personal interests in the college ministry and its meaning in their lives.
"I am involved in music at College Avenue," senior Kira Christiansen said. "It is the best way for me to share the message. Music often speaks to me more than the spoken word. I love coming there because of the music. I know Ken, and he speaks to me whenever I see him."
Jace Wittig, a senior, has an interest on a more personal level.
"I was never much of a church attender, and actually, I was sort of turned off by the whole idea," Wittig said. "At College Avenue I feel welcome no matter what my lifestyle is. It has taken the chip off my shoulder, and I feel a part of the church routine. It has given me a way to get my life centered. Ken Puent has provided that opportunity for me."
Michael Pettry, a senior, is currently the church organist and assistant music director.
"Beyond the social outlet, the ministry offers every day living advice for me," Pettry said. "I now have a one-on-one opportunity for growth and a chance to be involved in the services. I can provide service to others. Ken is working very hard to make this a worthwhile experience for students."
The college connection is unique because it gives a Methodist perspective for students seeking to explore faith. The focus is on on how students can better prepare themselves to serve others rather than themselves.
"Preparing a student to serve others is making a lifelong commitment," Puent said. "People grow through reaching out to others in service."
During Spring Break, Puent said he plans to accompany college students to Leeland, Miss., on a mission trip. He will also go to a homeless shelter in Athens, Ohio.
In the past, students participated in Crop Walk, an event that focused on eliminating world hunger.
Sam Clemmons, a church member, is very supportive of the college ministry. He is pleased with the progress Puent has made with the ministry.
"I am very excited that we are being more active in our attempt to serve the college community," Clemmons said. "We want to make them a welcome part of our church. Ken has made a lot of progress in only six weeks at College Avenue Methodist."
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