In today’s world, where young people are constantly bombarded with competing voices and ideologies, the need for clear, intentional publicity of the church on campus cannot be overstated. Publicity is not mere advertisement; it is the means through which the mission of Christ is extended, souls are drawn to the truth, and the gospel light shines in places where darkness seems to prevail. For students on campus, church publicity is a call to fellowship, to service, and ultimately to salvation. Both Scripture and the inspired writings of Ellen G. White affirm the sacred responsibility of making the church and its activities known.
1. Publicity as a Means of Evangelism
Jesus Himself said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14). On a campus setting, the church must not remain hidden or silent. Publicity makes the church visible, ensuring that students know there is a spiritual home where their questions can be answered, their faith can grow, and their burdens can be carried to God in prayer. Ellen White stresses this point: “Let every worker in the Master’s vineyard study, plan, devise methods, to reach the people where they are. We must do something out of the common course of things. We must arrest the attention” (Evangelism, p. 122). Publicity is one of these methods, using posters, social media, banners, and personal invitations to arrest the attention of students and draw them into fellowship.
2. Publicity Preserves the Mission and Identity of the Church Campuses are spaces where philosophies, cultures, and worldviews collide. Without consistent publicity, the church’s mission may be drowned out by secular activities and worldly influences. Publicity is the church’s way of declaring, “Here we stand; here is the truth.”
The apostle Paul counseled Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). In the same way, the church must constantly make its presence known, not just during special events but throughout the academic year. Ellen White reinforces this by writing, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” (Gospel Workers, p. 352). Publicity is one form of rallying, uniting students to the work and inviting them to identify with Christ’s church.
3. Publicity as a Tool for Fellowship and Unity One of the great challenges of campus life is isolation. Many students come from different regions, backgrounds, and denominations. Publicity serves as a welcoming hand, showing that the church is not a closed circle but an open family. It is through announcements, posters, and campus presence that students realize they are invited to fellowship and grow together in faith.
The early church practiced this openly: “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). Their visibility and openness made the gospel spread rapidly.
Ellen White wrote, “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9). On a campus, this means the church must be organized and intentional in publicizing its mission, so students feel drawn into service and fellowship.
Ellen White strongly advised: “Means must be devised to reach and hold the people. The church must arouse to action. The Spirit of God can never come in until she prepares the way” (Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 16). Publicity is one of those “means” by which the church awakens students to God’s voice amid competing distractions.