Louisiana State University, recently cited for that dubious distinction by the Princeton Review , has ministries that are rising to the challenge. Drinking is a problem, but not more than at the other universities where I have worked for the past 19 years. Every school has its element of partygoers, but many who get involved are just following the crowd, Kirk Priest of Chi Alpha, an Assemblies of God ministry, told Religion Today .
Bars dot the area and students crowd the streets on weekend nights, making the rounds.
On Friday nights, Chi Alpha members go into the streets telling people about Jesus Christ. A number of students become Christians every week, he said. Ministries aren't seeking only the partyers. They also reach out to athletes, residents of dorms and fraternity houses and international students. Chi Alpha helped hundreds of incoming freshman move into their dorms last week, Priest said.