Goals and Program Ideas

Setting Goals

As Christians in the body of Christ, we have had few constraints put on us by God. We are told to be holy and to glorify God in all we do (I Cor. 10:31). Within these guidelines, we have great freedom to be responsible and creative.

A student chapter is to be under the guidance of a chapter advisor(s) and led by a leadership team consisting of student officers, local professional members including graduates, and potentially one student representative from each class. Once the leadership team selection has taken place, the next step is to consider the specific role God has for your chapter for the upcoming semester and/or year. What are the unique needs for the chapter members, classmates, university, community, and so forth? At the start of the academic year it is advised to have the leadership team consider the role(s) God has for their chapter. Consider the distinctive characteristics of your school and students. Each pharmacy school has unique characteristics and needs which may change from year to year. What can your CPFI chapter do to realistically meet these needs? Do not start with a program; start with a purpose. Set your goals accordingly.

Programs to Consider

There are five basic elements that you should consider as you formulate your chapter’s program. These are the “backbone” of your campus ministry.

1. Fellowship

Since Christian students have a common purpose, it follows that they should meet together for encouragement, edification, uplifting, and sharing. The scientific training involved in pharmacy education may stem from a humanist/agnostic philosophy. Therefore, regular meetings of Christians can help students maintain perspective on the “big picture” God has planned for mankind as He revealed in the Bible.

2. Bible Study/Discussion/Prayer

The need to examine, study, and struggle with social/medical issues has never been greater. Faith rooted in Scripture builds firm convictions about God, man, lifestyle, human relationships, purpose of science, and the nature of a profession. Christian principles taught through the Bible equip pharmacy students to become compassionate pharmacists that go above and beyond to care for the entire patient by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Times of discussion encourage growth of the chapter through shared experiences and individual insights. Prayer helps the chapter to remain dependent on God.

3. Ministry Projects

A young attorney once asked Jesus a test question in an attempt to entrap him. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded with a question of his own. “You know the Law. How do you read it? Sum it up in one sentence.” The young attorney quickly answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:25-29 and Mark 10:17) Jesus complimented the attorney on his succinct answer and told him to do just as he had answered.

One of the characteristics of our society today is the rapid decline of a sense of community in tandem with an epidemic of autonomy. One does not have to travel far to do mission work; many opportunities are available in every community. Wherever God has placed you is your mission field and even closer to “home” are those who sit next to you in class every day. Remember that we are told to start at home (Jerusalem), then work with interfacing cultures (Judea and Samaria), and then distant cultures (ends of the earth).

4. Witness

Every one of us is a witness for Jesus Christ. The question is, “Are we effective?” Student chapters should consider evangelism as individuals and as a chapter. The chapter should be a source of strength and encouragement for personal outreach.

There is another facet to our Christian witness: The individual who sees himself/herself called by God and who knows Jesus Christ as the Lord of all creation is vitally concerned about this world and its values and priorities. Our witness involves not only a verbal declaration of the saving power of Jesus Christ, but a promotion of Christian alternatives to secularism and other “isms” which are dehumanizing and degrading to man. The Christian view of life has more than a passing relevance to a discipline concerned with life, death, and the person. A chapter genuinely concerned with its witness must seek to let its light radiate forth in the midst of the healthcare community, piercing every facet.

5. Worship

Though worship may not be the primary goal of your student chapter, it will be difficult to meet regularly as Christians and not spend some time worshiping our Heavenly Father. Worship will often unify a student chapter as no other activity can, and it is greatly encouraged where ever Christians gather.

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