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Frequently Asked Questions
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- Why would Real Life be any better than attending a
secular university elsewhere?
Real Life is assisted education, which means you can receive help from
concerned older Christians. It includes experience in Christian community, unlike your
experience at other secular campuses where you may very well be on your own, spiritually.
The ministry training in Real Life is exceptional--proven methods from proven leaders who
know how to reach and build up today's non-Christian student. Finally, with Real Life, you
come away with formal Bible training as good as what you would get going to a Christian
College.
- How would Real Life compare to a private Christian
liberal arts college?
Academically, The Ohio State University is one of the leading schools in
the Big 10, with nationally ranked top 20 programs in a number of disciplines. But Real
Life gives you one thing no Christian college can supply--real life! Think about
it: At a Christian campus you live with Christians, study with Christians, socialize with
Christians. When do you ever learn to relate to the rest of our culture? Short evangelism
classes with a trip to the local mall or once-a-week trips to do street theater are no
substitute for spending daily time sitting and conversing with intellectually vigorous
non-Christians. But this immersion experience into non-Christian culture usually occurs
after college in the work world without any help or coaching from Christians. No wonder so
many graduates from Christian college complain that they did not learn how to be effective
for God in today's secular world!
- Will I be able to hold a job while going to Real
Life?
Yes, if you are a good student. However, it will only be part time (10-20
hours is best) to pay for food etc. You will need funding from parents, savings, or
financial aid for the bulk of the cost. A Real Life advisor will be able to help you
explore you financial options.
- What is the Urban Ministry track?
The Urban Ministry track is operated in cooperation with Urban Concern, Xenos'
award-winning inner city community development ministry. After completing basic Bible
classes, you go to work with Urban Concern on the streets of inner city Columbus. There,
Xenos has developed a ministry that begins with daily involvement in the lives of children
from pre-school age on, building relationships, tutoring, leading Bible studies, sharing
relief help with families, and planting inner city home churches. From our after school
program, to our job fair, to the low income housing ministry, nobody knows urban ministry
better than Urban Concern.
- What is the Missions track?
Cross cultural ministry presents special challenges and Real Life can help
you become equipped to meet them. The first phase involves completing basic Bible classes
for a year. Then, working with Xenos' International Student Services ministry, you begin
learning the principles of cross-cultural outreach. This program has been acclaimed by
missions organizations as one of the best ways to get your feet wet in cross-cultural
ministry while still in college. In addition to several missions classes, you will also
have opportunities to join in on short term overseas mission projects in the summers.
- Do I have to attend college to be in Real Life?
Yes, at this point the program is only available for college students.
However, within the next two years, we plan to initiate a post-college internship program
that will share many of the same features. Keep an eye on our website for announcements.
- What if I want to go to Real Life and live in my
own apartment?
Sorry. We feel strongly that the experience of living with other Christians
in a ministry house is one of the most important parts of this program. We want to avoid a
form of training that is merely book learning, and the way to do that is to have others
vitally involved in your daily life.
- Can I come to Real Life if I'm married?
No. Real Life is for single Christians only. We'd love to have you come and
visit us, though!
- What about financial assistance?
Real Life advisors can help you find financial assistance. Contact us for
information on the various sources that might be available.
- Why do I have to get a laptop computer?
We live in the information age, and we want to equip our students to be
players on this new stage. Real Life involves much online training and experience. We want
you to learn the skills that will put you ahead either in ministry or the work world, and
you can't be fully prepared today without computer knowledge. We will be teaching you how
to link into our study center for research purposes.
- How can I learn more without making a commitment?
Why not give us a call or drop a line? We can send you more info, or better
still, arrange a visit. During your visit, you will meet the leaders of the program, see
what ministry houses are like, and get a feel for the entire range of experiences
available. We can put you up while you are here, and we encourage parents to visit as
well. All candidates accepted to Real Life must make a personal visit anyway, so it's a
good investment.
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