The Challenges and Rewards of Planting a Church on a College Campus (w/ Brooke Davis)
What happens when a routine hike turns into a life-or-death encounter with a rattlesnake? For Brooke Davis, it became a story of survival, trust, and ultimately, a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Brooke’s journey isn’t just about surviving a rattlesnake bite—it’s about answering God’s call to plant a church, embracing the challenges of ministry, and learning to trust Him every step of the way.
In this episode of the Collegiate Church Network Podcast, host Jay Bennet chats with Brooke about her wild adventure on the way to leadership training, her passion for church planting, and how God has used her experiences to shape her ministry. Brooke’s story is full of humor, wisdom, and the kind of faith that inspires you to take your next bold step.
A Wild Encounter in the Badlands
Most people’s road trips involve snacks, podcasts, and maybe a detour or two. But Brooke’s drive to leadership training took an unexpected turn when she was bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking in Badlands National Park.
“I felt what seemed like a bee sting on my ankle, and then I heard the rattle,” Brooke recounts. “When I looked down, my ankle was bleeding, and I knew what had happened.”
From there, chaos unfolded: a rush to the visitor center, EMTs, and two nights in the hospital requiring 34 vials of antivenom. Yet, through the fear and uncertainty, Brooke felt a deep peace. “I just knew I was going to be okay,” she says. “One way or another, I’m with Jesus. It’s going to be okay.”
That peace carried her through a moment that could have easily derailed her. Instead, it became a vivid reminder that God is always present—even in the middle of the Badlands.
The Heartbeat of Church Planting
Brooke’s passion for church planting began during her sophomore year of college. A mentor’s vision for starting churches in unreached areas lit a spark in her heart. “It broke my heart to think about the students like me—coming to college without knowing Jesus,” she shares. “I wanted to do something about it.”
Fast forward to 2021, when Brooke and her team began preparing to plant H2O Church at Youngstown State University. The process involved months of prayer, fasting, and collaboration. “We had to lay everything at the foot of the cross,” Brooke explains. “Ultimately, we just trusted Jesus to show us where to go.”
The result? A thriving church on a campus that previously had no local church presence.
A Story That Makes It All Worth It
Brooke recalls a student named Mike, who walked past their campus volleyball game during their first semester at YSU. Despite being new to the U.S., Mike joined the game, attended a life group, and eventually came to a retreat.
“I’ll never forget when he said, ‘Everyone keeps talking about this Jesus, but I don’t know who that is,’” Brooke says.
Through discipleship and relationships, Mike surrendered his life to Jesus, went on an international mission trip, and became a life group leader. “Seeing Mike’s transformation is why we do this,” Brooke says. “It’s what makes all the sacrifice worth it.”
Surprises and Challenges
Church planting is an adventure full of surprises, both good and challenging. For Brooke, one of the hardest parts was learning to adapt to a new campus culture. “Youngstown State isn’t Kent State,” she says. “We had to become students of the culture and figure out how to bring the gospel in a way that made sense here.”
On the flip side, Brooke was surprised by the deep friendships that formed within her team. “These are some of my best friends,” she says. “The unity we’ve experienced has been such a sweet blessing.”
What’s Grounding Brooke Right Now
Brooke has leaned on some incredible resources and disciplines to stay grounded in ministry:
Rest and Sabbath: Learning to say no has been transformative. “Saying no now helps me give a better yes later,” Brooke says.
Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller: This book reshaped how Brooke views work, emphasizing that work can be worship when done for God’s glory.
The Collegiate Mentoring Program (CMP): A space for personal assessment and growth, CMP helped Brooke confront a false belief that she had to prove her worth to God.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Church Planters
Brooke’s advice for those considering church planting? “Start praying. Dive into scripture. Let your heart break for lost people.” She emphasizes the importance of staying centered on God’s mission. “Church planting isn’t about you—it’s about being part of God’s bigger plan to redeem the world.”
And for anyone in ministry: “It’s okay to mess up. The gospel is true for you, too. Repent, rest, and keep going.”
A Final Word
“Jesus is worth it,” Brooke says. “Church planting is hard, but you’ll learn things about God and yourself that you couldn’t discover any other way.”
Whether she’s sharing about her rattlesnake adventure, the joys of seeing lives transformed, or the challenges of adapting to a new campus, Brooke’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. He doesn’t just call us—He equips us and goes with us every step of the way.
