Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a strategic city for campus ministry not only because of its major universities—such as the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, and Villanova—but also because of its historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of American democracy. As a center for education, healthcare, business, and law, Philly attracts students who will become leaders in key industries with national and global influence. The city’s large international student population creates opportunities for global gospel impact. Philadelphia’s rich history in shaping ideas, movements, and leadership makes it an important place to engage the next generation with the gospel. Its secular and post-Christian environment presents both a challenge and an opportunity to reach students wrestling with faith, identity, and purpose. With its mix of elite universities, public institutions, and community colleges, Philly offers a wide-ranging mission field, where students from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds can be discipled and sent out to impact their communities, industries, and the world.