Why College Students Need Churches That Show Up (w/ Grant and Cassi Rohlfer)
Grant and Cassie Rolfer’s story is a powerful testimony of how God works through relationships, shared lives, and intentional ministry on the college campus. Serving as full-time missionaries with H2O Cincinnati at the University of Cincinnati, the Rolfers have dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel and walking alongside students in some of the most formative years of their lives.
In this episode of the Collegiate Church Network Podcast, host Jay Bennet sits down with Grant and Cassie to explore their journey into ministry, the challenges and joys of church planting, and their experiences navigating marriage, family, and ministry together.
A Call to Campus Ministry
Both Grant and Cassie encountered H2O Church during their college years—Grant at Bowling Green State University and Cassie at the University of Cincinnati. For Grant, seeing a church passionately living out its mission reignited his desire to pursue ministry. Cassie, meanwhile, was drawn to Christ through relationships with H2O members and quickly developed a heart for helping others find fulfillment in Jesus.
By the time Cassie was a sophomore, she knew God was calling her into campus ministry. Grant, already on staff, helped her see the value of staying engaged with her peers in college before stepping fully into vocational ministry. Their combined journeys have now led them to over a decade of ministry in Cincinnati.
The Power of a Planted Church
The Rolfers shared one particularly impactful story of a student who reached out after a rough start to his college career. Following two arrests in his first weeks on campus, he found H2O, met with Grant, and gave his life to Christ. His transformation was radical—he became an evangelist, discipled others, joined H2O’s staff, and was recently ordained as one of the church’s pastors.
This story underscores why church planting is so vital. “College students are searching for meaning and purpose,” Cassie said. “The campus is one of the most strategic mission fields because it’s where people make life-altering decisions.”
Lessons from 15 Years of Ministry
Grant and Cassie offered several takeaways from their years of ministry and church planting:
Prayer as the Foundation: “Prayer is the most critical yet often overlooked part of church planting,” Grant emphasized. The early days of H2O Cincinnati were marked by prayer walks and evangelism, and God responded by bringing the right leaders at the right time.
Building Healthy Teams: The Rolfers prioritize fostering a culture of love, grace, and community among their staff. Practices like staff community time, monthly team lunches, and birthday affirmations help prevent isolation and strengthen bonds.
Mission, Vision, and Values: During the pandemic, H2O Cincinnati revisited its mission and values, aligning its culture and operations with core principles like being Holy Spirit-embracing and multiplication-minded. This clarity continues to shape their ministry and attract staff who share their vision.
Navigating Marriage and Ministry
Grant and Cassie also reflected on the challenges of balancing marriage, family, and ministry:
Shared Life, Blurred Lines: Grant explained that ministry and life often overlap. “My job is to be a Christian, and I’m privileged to spend my time explicitly on ministry. But we also have boundaries—our family comes first.”
Open Communication: Cassie emphasized the importance of honesty about hard days and sacrifices. “Sometimes I just need to say, ‘Today was tough,’ even if I don’t want to change anything.”
Prayer and Perspective: Praying through seasons of transition, such as becoming parents, helped them navigate change and embrace the joys and challenges of raising children while remaining engaged in ministry.
Key Scriptures That Shape Their Ministry
The Rolfers draw inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 2:8:
"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."
This verse encapsulates their approach to ministry—inviting students into their lives as they model what it looks like to follow Jesus in marriage, family, and community.
Recommended Resources
Grant and Cassie shared several tools and resources that have helped them in their ministry and marriage:
Books on Team Building: Explore resources that emphasize creating healthy cultures within teams. One notable recommendation from the podcast is The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
Parenting Resources: For those navigating parenting in ministry, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp is a helpful guide.
Collegiate Resources: H2O Cincinnati and the Collegiate Church Network offer tools for church planting and campus ministry. Visit collegiate.church for more information.
Final Encouragement
To those considering campus ministry or church planting, Cassie reminded listeners of the hope and openness found on college campuses: “These are places of exploration, where students are asking big questions. There’s so much opportunity to point them to the ultimate answer in Jesus.”
Grant added, “Lean into prayer. It’s not about what we can do but about what God can do when we surrender to Him.”
This episode is an inspiring look at how sharing both the gospel and life together can transform individuals, teams, and entire campuses. If you’re considering church planting or campus ministry, Grant and Cassie’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact faithful, intentional ministry can have.
