The Navigators at UMD exist to show the love of Christ to others by reaching, discipling & equipping college students at UMD to know Christ and to make Him known through successive generations in all the nations.
The Navigators Distinctives
Navigator staff and students devote much of their ministry to life-on-life mentoring relationships. Whether it's helping a person examine the claims of Jesus for the first time, or helping a mature believer develop ministry skills of her own, we place a heavy emphasis on one-to-one connection. This seemed to be Jesus' ministry strategy. Though He cared for everyone, He devoted His time primarily to twelve men who then took what they had learned and changed the world.
UMD Navigators Small Groups
The Navigator small groups lie at the heart of our ministry, providing an avenue for students to meet together for prayer, worship, and Bible study/discussions throughout the year. They provide an outlet for people to express their frustrations and sadness, joy and victories, in the company of other people who support them, pray for them and encourage them. Small groups are facilitated by student leaders who are equipped and supervised by Navigator staff. The groups are open to any student interested in growing in his/her relationship with Christ.
UMD Navigators Large Group—Nav Nite
Every other Thursday evening at 7:30pm during the school year we meet together for a time of worship and Bible. The meetings are open to anyone who wants to come and check out what the UMD Navigators are all about. We currently meet in Kirby Plaza 309 (above the UMD food court).
In addition to our weekly groups, we offer occasional conferences, workshops, retreats and seminars during the year, to help develop relationships and address skills and relevant concerns. Led by the Navigator staff, they are designed to teach students both what the Bible has to say (content) and how to apply principles to life (skill).
The Navigators Affiliation
The Navigators are an interdenominational Christian ministry, not affiliated with any particular Christian denomination. Both our students and staff are actively involved in the local ministries of various churches. With respect to core doctrinal beliefs, all Navigators are in unity. With respect to other doctrinal beliefs and practices, the Navigators allow for a wide range of expression. Where differences of belief or practice arise within a local ministry, all are encouraged to search the Bible for answers, develop convictions from their study, and tolerate the views of others who have reached different convictions from similar study. See also Navigator history.