by Caroline Tomlinson, Communications Content Manager
It’s common for college seniors to grapple with the question ‘what’s next?’ after graduation.
To help students use their future professions to proclaim the Gospel, Cedarville University has launched the new Synergy Initiative to help solve a growing concern in the United States — the decline of churches and churchgoers. 
The Synergy The Synergy Initiative offers a variety of resources and connections with organizations like Send Network, Great Commission Collective and The Salt Network, all organizations that help connect believers with churches across the nation.
In 2019 alone, approximately 4,500 churches closed, while only 3,000 opened. That deficit poses a concern for Christians who are seeking to make disciples — which is a core element of Cedarville University. Compounding the concern is two-thirds of 22-23-year-olds stop attending church regularly for at least a year.
“There is real work that has to be done,” said Dr. Jeremy Kimble, director of the Synergy Initiative and associate professor of theology. “There is so much lostness and there is so much need. Over the course of time, there can be a great impact for the kingdom if our students use their vocation strategically.”
Designed to mobilize and train students to multiply healthy churches together, the Synergy Initiative serves as a resource for students. This Initiative will host seminars discussing practical tips for evangelism, church planting workshops, and events connecting students with church planters and networks across the nation.
Cedarville has already begun to intentionally connect students with church planters through the university’s global outreach mission trips to Salt Lake City, Boston, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., where churches are desperately needed.
Cedarville is known for rigorous academics and tight-knit community. Those two things together can be used in powerful ways to advance the Gospel. Kimble wants to see students use their vocation and their relationships to strengthen churches across the nation.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.