Behind the Ministry: Sunday Transportation

Every month, Claire Sharp pulls up to Temple University on a Sunday morning, rolling down her window to wave college students into her car. The Sunday worship setlist plays in the background of her conversation with the undergraduates as she drives to Metro Church’s 11:30 AM service. Just two years ago, she was a student waiting on Jefferson’s campus to be driven to church every week. Before driving her car up from Texas for graduate school, she was already anticipating joining the Sunday Transportation team to give what she had received for so long.

“I feel so blessed to be able to serve the students in the same way I was served, and get to welcome and connect with them consistently before service on Sunday mornings,” reflected Claire.

Across the river, Caleb Chae consistently serves Drexel’s college students, many of whom live in on-campus housing in West Philly and do not have cars. He naturally enjoys meeting new people, but college students have a special place in his heart.

“College is a big phase in anyone’s life, and I was in their same shoes not too long ago. The brief moments in the car when I’m getting to know new faces or catching up with a regular congregant are always a blast. In the big picture, it is a way I’ve been growing a greater love for our church. The students are the next generation of our body, and I’m happy for any chance I get to know them. And, if we get to record a vlog out of it, that’s a fun bonus!” said Caleb.

Countless stories across Philadelphia campuses read similarly. Upon learning that Metro provides free rides to church, many took the brave leap to show up at the meeting spot on their respective campuses, whether it was during welcome week of their freshman year, the last Sunday of their senior year, or sometime in between. For many, it was the practical way they stepped into church for the first time in years, or even at all. Sunday transportation is a representation of John 1:39, a beloved verse in Crosswalk College Fellowship: to come and see what the Lord is revealing.

“Crosswalk exists to equip Christians to continue in their faith and help bridge the gap between two important stages of life. For many students entering college, the faith they profess may still largely be their parents’ faith. Their parents brought them to church, taught them that reading the Bible is important, and established weekly rhythms for attending church. However, once these students enter college life, things rapidly change. Why? It’s because, for the first time, they have the choice to decide for themselves what they want to believe. Do I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior? What do I believe God's Word to be? Am I a Christian? How should I live?” explained Pastor Andrew Pae.

For these reasons, college is a unique and important season. The disciplines and rhythms established today have the capacity to shape students’ spiritual journeys for the rest of their lives.

“Crosswalk wants to help students during this transition by providing Sunday transportation. We want to remove one of the practical barriers to joining us so that students can begin building the habit of prioritizing Sunday worship and being part of the local church,” said Pastor Andrew.

Over 175 different students attended at least one Sunday in the 2025-2026 school year from Temple, Jefferson, Drexel, UPenn, and St. Joe’s. In this year’s summer months alone, over 270 rides to church were given with just under 30 drivers. With Crosswalk Fellowship’s explosive growth, the drivers and rides are carefully coordinated to ensure students’ needs are met each week.

We asked Temple alumnus and Sunday Transportation coordinator Eubene Shin a few questions to gain more perspective on the purpose and characteristics of the ministry.

Q: What drew you to the Sunday Transportation team?

A: “When you are living in a big city and on your own for the first time, figuring out how to get to church can be difficult. I was fortunate to have people who consistently brought me to church, so transportation was never a barrier for me. Looking back, I’m really grateful for the people who made it easier for me to stay connected to the church, and I want to help provide that same opportunity for college students today.”

Q: Why do Sunday rides matter?

A: “Sunday rides matter because they help connect college students to the life of the local church. Transportation can be a real barrier for students living in the city, so providing rides is a practical way to remove it and allow them to worship, hear God’s Word, and build meaningful relationships. In Acts 2:42–47, we see a picture of believers devoted to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and sharing life. That is at the heart of this ministry. Our hope is not simply to get students to church on Sundays, but to help them become part of the broader church community, where they can build relationships with young adults and others at Metro and grow in their faith together.”

Q: What about college makes it such a unique time for young adults to grow in their faith?

A: “College is such a unique time for young adults to grow in their faith because, for many students, it is one of the first times they are living on their own, making important decisions, and figuring out who they are and what they want their lives to be centered on. At the same time, it can be easy to find our identity in our grades, resumes, accomplishments, relationships, or future careers. Romans 8:14–17 reminds us that our identity is not found in any of those things, but in Christ. We have been adopted into God’s family and can know him as our Father. Our identity is not something we have to earn or build for ourselves, but something we receive through Christ as children of God. At Crosswalk, we want to come alongside students during these formative years and point them to Christ, so that their identity and faith are rooted in him not only during college, but for the rest of their lives.”

Q: How can someone get involved in helping out with Sunday Transportation, and what does commitment to the team look like?

A: “Getting involved with Sunday Transportation is simple. If you have a car and are willing to serve, you can email andrew@metrophilly.org to join our team and help bring college students to and from church on Sundays. The commitment is flexible, and you do not have to drive every week. Even serving once or twice a quarter can make a meaningful difference. I think it is a practical way to use something God has already given us, whether that is our car, our time, or simply our availability, to serve students and help connect them to the life of the church.”