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BY MELISSA LAUBER
UMCONNECTION STAFF

MELISSA LAUBER/UMCONNECTION

The Rev. Kim Capps works in partnership with students at the University of Maryland.

It is, she believes, where God has called her to be. This year, Capps was honored for how well she has responded to that calling with an award from the United Methodist Foundation for Christian Higher Education, which named her as the best of the denomination's 700 campus ministers.

She will be honored officially at a dinner banquet on May 28 at the annual session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference in Baltimore.

Capps refuses to accept the award alone. 'Any honor I receive belongs to the students as well. I provide them with a safe place to deal with questions of faith. They nurture each other and engage with Scripture, reason, tradition and experience,' she said. 'The students are a part of this ministry. They are being celebrated.'

During the week, Capps ministers to a core group of between 40 and 50 students, but comes in contact with approximately 500 people. Between 15 and 50 students attend a contemporary worship service at nearby University UMC, 30 of those stay for a meal afterwards; 12-15 participate in a Sunday evening program, between 20 and 25 students attend Wednesday Bible study, about 18 students sing in the musical group.

One of 14 chaplains at the University of Maryland, Capps also serves on campus committees and as a police chaplain.

She has been at the school for 14 years, but the ministry has morphed a lot over that time, she reports. One of the biggest changes is the constant turnover of students. Over the years, the university has changed and now attracts students who are far above average intellectually, entering as freshman with at least a 3.85 grade point average.

Ministering to naturally curious, overachieving people can present some distinct challenges, said Capps, who helps the students 'to see that they are not what they do' and to empower them to find their gifts and put them to use.

Over the years, Capps has also learned 'to be boldly myself in ministry,' she said. Sometimes this involves sharing her music and singing the blues in worship. Other times, it means opening her life to students in a way 'that gives them permission to bring themselves fully to God.'

During the past three years, Capps lost both parents and her house burned down. 'The last few years,' she said, 'have been like a bad country song.'

But allowing herself to be genuine in her sorrow as well has her joy, has taught Capps' students something about faith.

'Kim is powerful,' said graduating senior Jen Allain. 'She struggles and she shares that struggle. Because of her I've preached twice and that's something I never thought I'd do.'

Freshman Christian Pazdersky also applauds Capps' ability to enable people to be themselves before God. In Bible study for example, he said, 'she allows us to safely express diverse opinions. We can have real conversation.'

Through a variety of creative means, and out of necessity, the campus ministry at the University of Maryland focuses intently on developing leaders. Every four years, there is a turnover, Capps said. To survive, the ministry must constantly create leaders.

'The students are good at calling out each other's gifts,' she said.

After she receives the award, Capps plans to take a group of students on a mission trip to South Africa with other students from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She also has plans for a Sabbath leave to visit family and friends.

'Campus ministry means charging hard for nine months, that's the nature of it,' she said. 'It's a fast-paced ministry and when you hit it, you hit hard.'

But it's something that never tires her soul. 'Campus ministry is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of young adults' lives while they are claiming their faith and deciding who they will be as people of faith. I learn from them everyday,' she said. 'They bring new perspectives and through them I see the world in new ways.'