A Different College Experience: Following Christ in College

by Brian Mills, Ben Trueblood

For many, the college experience is defined by drinking, sex, impulsive decision-making, and a journey of self discovery. It's packaged as a consequence-free zone to have the "best time of your life." But the reality is that what happens in college doesn't stay in college. There are real, lasting consequences to your decisions.

Student ministry leaders Ben Trueblood and Brian Mills have seen this firsthand. With decades of student-ministry leadership under their belts, they have seen too many lives fall apart because of the world's view of what the college experience should be.

You don't have to have that kind of college experience.

Fortunately, just as the gospel redeems all of life, the gospel redeems the college experience. It tells us there is another way. In this book, Ben and Brian provide a biblical and practical guide for how you can have a fun, joy-filled, and spiritually enriching college experience while avoiding the pitfalls that have captured so many before you.

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2019

Reviews

[Theron John · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a college student, do not let your college years be marked by foolishness; let them be marked by faithfulness, and allow this book to be a wise guide toward that end. If you are a parent or youth leader looking for a good gift to give a high school graduate, then make the wise choice and give them a copy of 'A Different College Experience: Following Christ in College' by Ben Trueblood and Brian Mills.

For a full review: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2019/02...

[JAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and simple in the best ways. Very helpful resources for high school seniors or those in their college years.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total freedom and the chance to experience whatever they want without repercussions are two of the many ideals students embrace as methods to gain the best out of college life. Unfortunately, those attitudes and behaviors, along with many others, lead to a dark path of regrets.

But what if there is a way to gain the best out of a college experience that is not overshadowed by darkness and regrets?

There is, and coauthors Ben Trueblood and Brian Mills, who have spent year’s immersed in student ministries, share how in their new book A Different College Experience. A Different College Experience encourages students to live a life grounded and rooted in Christ, and explains how a Christ-centered lifestyle is the basis for gaining the best out of college.

Topics covered in the 181-pages of this book include: the gospel message, how we view God, the source of our true identity, wisdom, relationships, failure, and many other topics. Also tucked within the pages are words of encouragement from students who are at various stages in their college career.

The authors use clear language and present the concepts in a straightforward manner that is easy to grasp.

This book is great for high school seniors, college students, anyone who works with teens or young adults, and parents of high school or college students.

I received a free copy of this book from B& H publishing company in exchange for my honest evaluation.

[Sophia Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Although it doesn’t take a deep dive and can be occasionally repetitive, A Different College Experience gives a wonderful overview of the Gospel, your identity, why we believe in church, how to navigate relationships, and much more in a clear and engaging way. References to other resources, testimonies from college students, and examples from years of ministry are collected to encourage college students to live a life of abundance rather than focus on living “the college experience.”

This book reminded me of truths that I often take for granted in a Christian routine, and reading it was an encouraging and refreshing way to begin the summer before my freshman year of college. I would recommend this book especially to the Christian student who is run down and looking for a fresh start.

[Callie Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making mistakes and learning from them, understanding your role in life, and challenging yourself to grow in each season. There is nothing like the college experience.

Speaking from personal experience, learning the harsh consequences of decisions made in college lead to a better understanding of the plan God has for my life, and the work I need to put into following His plan courageously.

“We must wake up each day knowing our heart is deceitful, and yes, the enemy is after us, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world.”

I think this book does a great job offering multiple views on following Christ in college; it is a book I would recommend to anyone!

[Isaac Colgrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking for a gift to give the seniors in our youth group. I read this book with the preconceived idea that I may be a good gift for them, and that is completely true. Whether you have a philosophical or doctrinal disagreement with the author, the content is undeniably relevant for those about to enter college. There were some very repetitive parts, but the parts that were repeated were important enough to state multiple times in order to help it stick in the reader’s mind. Whether or not that was the intention I cannot say, but I can say that it was effective.

[Emily]

Although I am almost done with my second degree, reading this book about how to live the Christian lifestyle throughout college had me taking notes on how I could practically better my relationship with God.
I think whether or not you are going into college, in college, or have graduated / a young adult, this is such a beneficial read!

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for anyone who is in college or about to start college. It brings Christian principles that aren't impossible to apply, while also bringing up real topics that you will experience. It's relatable! Well written! I will definitely recommend it!!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

[Josh Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Redundant and rudimentary.

Chapters 11 & 12 saved the book from being a 1-star. Like many spiritual “self-help” books, the author takes nearly 200 pages to say what could be said in 20-30.