I have stated frequently that I have been on enough different campuses and seen enough different ministries to see that there is more than one way to do it well and right. I have also seen there is more than one type or style of successful or impactful College Minister. In recent days as I have talked with and consulted with people who are looking for a new College Minister to fill vacant positions, I am reminded how everyone wants to hire the perfect one. Attendance will suddenly double and the campus will be changed.
It has taken me back again to think about what the different types and styles of College Ministers there are. I have written about those types in the past and given them different names and descriptions. Here is a new swing at some of the different types I see.
THE PERSONALITY - I list this one first because that is really what everyone thinks they need. This is the person who is the gifted speaker who brings instant credibility and growth to the ministry. Yet, there are few who fit this description and more and more those who do are moving toward planting a church rather than doing college ministry. One thing we have to realize is that some are naturally gifted in this area while others can grow into being a strong speaker given time and opportunity.
THE CEO - This is the Type A personality who is not a speaker but is a strong leader who is an organizer and promoter. He/she tends to recruit others to be up front or to be the prime speaker, but they are clearly in charge and the overall face of the ministry. When they do speak their effectiveness is related to their leadership or drive. One of the strengths the CEO type often bring is the ability to draw in a variety of people with different gifts. The CEO is a recruiter.
THE MANAGER - The Manager is different than the CEO in that a manager's personality tends to be quieter and more behind the scenes. They may even work at NOT being seen. Their impact is seen over the long term with an on-going stability and predictability to the ministry. They tend to have a smaller circle of student leaders. The Manager is usually a long term person who tends to find the spot where they feel God has led them and to take root there. The ministry will not vary significantly one year to the next.
THE PASTOR - The Pastor often is a former pastor of a church who brings a very "ministerial style" to what they say and do. This is the one that students often refer to as "Brother Bob". This type usually takes a very kindly and pastoral approach to the needs and concerns of students. Frequently, this College Minister is one who tends to be a bit older and ministers from a parent or grandparent perspective.
THE PEER - Another title sometimes not given kindly to this style is, "the Hang Out Minister". Obviously, most of these are younger, but not all. They tend to focus on one to one relationships and spend a major amount of time simply being with students and connecting to them where ever they are found. The strength of this style is usually found in start-up situations and ones not given to strong spiritual leaning. Some young College Ministers begin in this style simply due to age and experience and grow into what will be their overall long term style.
One of my core beliefs is that our weakness is usually the back side of our strength. The Personality often does not organize well or The Manager may not speak up and lead out when that is needed, etc. Different campus settings may call for a different type or style of College Minister. Also, there is not a magic age. I have seen the sixty year old who is knocking it out of the park with students and I have seen the young guy or gal who students responded to or thought was just immature. The best age to do college ministry well is the age you are right now!
There are two basics to developing as a College Minister that are often ignored:
1. PURPOSEFUL - Most of us start doing college ministry like we have seen someone else do it. If we were active in a college ministry as a student and it was a positive experience, we tend to try to emulate the leadership style that we saw. Yet, that style may not fit our spiritual gifts and personality. A College Minister, particularly a newbie, must look at different types and styles and see the strengths and weaknesses of each and what fits in who God has created them to be. Realize it will take some time and experience to work out your style. BUT, don't let it be an accident!
2. COACHING - Too many College Ministers are simply put into situations to sink or swim. We need more intentional coaching. Those who supervise College Ministers need to see that coaching is provided and College Ministers need to see the need for coaching and actively seek it in their own life. That involves inviting and learning from constructive feedback and intentionally.
Are you being intentional about your style and are you seeking coaching? Are you recognizing the weaknesses of your style and recruiting others in those areas? Every College Minister needs to be receiving or giving coaching.......or both!
Coming in May: FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY.....an Amazon eBook.
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