1. Declining Funds
Less money is being given to many churches and they are looking for places to cut. More ministries are raising money and all of us are getting more requests for special giving apart from what we give to our church. Some worthy projects suffer.
2. Over Assignment
Denominational College Ministers are being asked to do more and more things outside of their college ministry assignment such as serving as youth consultants to area churches. One such College Minister on a large nationally known campus told me he is now away from campus two days each week. This is placing greater stress on work and family life. Some formally fully funded College Ministers are now being asked to raise a part of their salary from alumni which puts an additional strain on time.
3. Teens Dropping Church Before High School Graduation
Many church youth groups now report few to no high school seniors active in their youth ministry. Many college ministries, particularly those in the deep south, in the past could count on a strong group of committed active freshmen coming to campus looking to be involved. Now, College Ministers are being asked to re-enlist those who have walked away from faith prior to high school graduation, in addition to sharing Christ with non-believers.
4. Too Many Experts!
Every plus has a back side minus. Social Media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc serve a wonderful plus in allowing the sharing of information, ideas and articles. The back side of that is that not all information shared through these outlets is good and helpful. Just because someone is super active on social media, it does not mean that their writings about college ministry are all gospel. Beware of experts....including this one! Just because an article is trending does not mean it is a good idea for your ministry.
5. Decentralization of Support Groups and Agencies
In Baptist life there were formally offices with large staffs that either worked with or benefited college ministry. There were speakers available at no cost. There were consultants who came on their expense. Due to different shifts and changes this is no longer the case or has significantly declined.
6. A False Argument
There is a false argument today that is greatly harming college ministry. It is the "Which is the best way to do college ministry...is it campus based or campus church plant?" question. It is false in that some situations are best served by campus based and some are best served by campus church plants. This argument is hurting both causes.
7. Fewer People Going Toward College Ministry
Seminary classes related to college ministry that formally had 25 to 30 students in them now have 5 to 10. Those who recruit and hire College Ministers report there are fewer people available. Why is this? The word on the street is that there are few jobs in college ministry. We are doing such a good job in signaling the need for church planters that other callings are being drowned out. Are you challenging your students to consider God's call to the college campus?
8. Some Campus Attitudes and Policies Toward Religious Groups
Within the last couple of years some college campuses have adopted rules and regulations that have negatively affected campus based or Recognized Student Organizations which are religious ministries. These are policies about who can serve as officers, etc. Some argue that there has been a move particularly against Christian groups.
9. Increasing Working Hours by Students
As college costs more, students tend to work more hours. As a result, they just are not as available as they once were.
10. Growth of Community Colleges
Many states now are advocating students attend community college their first two years at reduced or even near zero cost. Then, they transfer to a four year college. This causes two problems. First, many of these students will continue to live at home and will only be on campus for classes and then gone. They are hard to find and to connect. Second, it increases the number of campuses that need a campus ministry presence.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Thursday, May 25, 2017
College Ministry Tip of the Week
What do you give away on campus during Welcome Week or Dorm Move-In? I heard a great idea done by the Alabama BCM. They handed out bacon! Yep, they bought the pre-cooked bacon at Sam's, heated it at the BCM Center and handed it out. People came asking for it...of course guys!
The next year they gave out bacon and watermelon. The bacon idea is one I have never heard. Looking for a "guy giveaway". Bacon! Love it!!
Monday, May 22, 2017
Helping Students Become Leaders and Difference Makers
Student leaders are the multipliers of college ministry. They reach people we cannot reach and they do things we might not be gifted to do. And, their service frees us to do other things. Some students come to college as established difference makers. They have the polish and confidence that goes with having been leaders in high school and home churches. I am convinced there are those that come to college that have not been in that category, but they have the potential to be.
Here are three steps in helping students become difference makers:
1. AFFIRMATION
In college ministry we have to be talent scouts. When we see students that we think have the potential to be a difference maker, it is our job and opportunity to affirm that in them. Affirmation is the first and probably largest step in students rising to their potential. These are ones who due to their previous circumstances for some reason or other just did not get the opportunity to do the things that bring polish and confidence. God can use us to tell students what we see in them and what that could mean for their life and the lives of others.
2. CHALLENGE
That is where we look them in the eye and challenge them to be all they can be. I told a girl in our ministry that had come out of a very small church and small high school that she could get by in college and even the rest of her life just by being pretty. She was pretty and have you noticed that people cut pretty girls more slack? I think that happens with handsome guys too. Personally, I would not know. But, I told her she had the potential to be a difference maker and I hoped she would not just settle for being pretty. She became a leader in our ministry. Today she is a Christian author and speaker....besides being pretty.
3. TRAINING
I am not of the "sink or swim" method of developing leaders. That is the school that says give them a job and let them sink or swim by learning on the job from their own mistakes or whatever. Failure leads often to giving up. When we see potential in students, then we must challenge them, but then we begin to train them how to do what we say they have the ability to do and be. Mentoring potential leaders is a huge opportunity to shape the campus, the church and the world.
Here are three steps in helping students become difference makers:
1. AFFIRMATION
In college ministry we have to be talent scouts. When we see students that we think have the potential to be a difference maker, it is our job and opportunity to affirm that in them. Affirmation is the first and probably largest step in students rising to their potential. These are ones who due to their previous circumstances for some reason or other just did not get the opportunity to do the things that bring polish and confidence. God can use us to tell students what we see in them and what that could mean for their life and the lives of others.
2. CHALLENGE
That is where we look them in the eye and challenge them to be all they can be. I told a girl in our ministry that had come out of a very small church and small high school that she could get by in college and even the rest of her life just by being pretty. She was pretty and have you noticed that people cut pretty girls more slack? I think that happens with handsome guys too. Personally, I would not know. But, I told her she had the potential to be a difference maker and I hoped she would not just settle for being pretty. She became a leader in our ministry. Today she is a Christian author and speaker....besides being pretty.
3. TRAINING
I am not of the "sink or swim" method of developing leaders. That is the school that says give them a job and let them sink or swim by learning on the job from their own mistakes or whatever. Failure leads often to giving up. When we see potential in students, then we must challenge them, but then we begin to train them how to do what we say they have the ability to do and be. Mentoring potential leaders is a huge opportunity to shape the campus, the church and the world.
Monday, May 15, 2017
College Ministry Truths from Andy Stanley's Book
In recent years one of the most influential books in my life has been Andy Stanley's, 7 PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY. For me the overwhelming message that really helped me make some decisions about time and focus in my ministry at Arkansas State was to "Play to your strength.". It was not a major theme of the book, but it resonated with me. It really helped me to prioritize some things both personally ministry wise and in our ministry as a whole. I recently went back and did an "underlined reading" of the book. I read things I had underlined.
Here are 6 That Relate Strongly to College Ministry:
1. Narrow your focus. Do a few things well.
2. Define what is important. What is the MOST important?
3. Volunteers need to know their investment of time will make a difference.
4. Discipleship happens most naturally in the context of meaningful relationships.
5. Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing.
6. You need to figure out who you are good at reaching and go for it.
I could give lots of my thoughts on each of these, but will let them stand on their own. I lean heavily on number 1 and 6 as super truths for college ministry.
Coming soon: FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY
Here are 6 That Relate Strongly to College Ministry:
1. Narrow your focus. Do a few things well.
2. Define what is important. What is the MOST important?
3. Volunteers need to know their investment of time will make a difference.
4. Discipleship happens most naturally in the context of meaningful relationships.
5. Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing.
6. You need to figure out who you are good at reaching and go for it.
I could give lots of my thoughts on each of these, but will let them stand on their own. I lean heavily on number 1 and 6 as super truths for college ministry.
Coming soon: FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY
Thursday, May 11, 2017
5 Ways to Enlarge Your College Ministry.....Only #5 is Guranteed
Throughout this last school year I talked with different college ministry supporters, supervisors, and area pastors who thought their particular college ministry should be larger. Two different ones said to me, "I think they are just happy when they get their 50.". In some instances 50 would be a miracle, but in others there is a feeling that it just the easy number and that more is way within the realm of possibility. Numbers are never the ultimate test of success but every number represents someone the Lord loves and wants to redeem and use.
Is your ministry reaching its potential or are you "just happy with your 50"? Here are five ways to attempt to enlarge your ministry. Have you considered something that might enlarge your ministry? Only number 5 is guaranteed.
Five Ways to Enlarge Your College Ministry:
1. Add another staffer (full or part-time) with the responsibility and job description of reaching out to a totally different group on your campus.
They might focus on greeks, athletes, a particular dorm, the band, or an apartment complex totally populated by students. If another staffer is not in the realm of possibility, could there be a new student team formed for that one purpose?
2. Add a different night or time to your weekly big event.
One ministry that had a Thursday night worship event added a Tuesday night worship event with the same theme, etc, but utilizing a different speaker, etc. The ministry staff did not attend both nights in order to not double their work expectations. Some campus based ministries have experimented with having a worship event at 7:00 and then repeating the same event at 9:00.
3. Reduce your events to focus on one or two.
Sometimes we have so many different events and times that students not only cannot attend them all, but they cannot keep it straight. But, perhaps even more importantly, the main event does not get the focus and attention it needs in order to have a quality event and work at bringing and connecting with new people.
4. Combine multiple events into one night.
Many BCM/BSM/BSU ministries have a Freshmen Night one night and a large everyone event on a different night. Others have small groups that meet at different times. Would it be possible to have all of your small groups meet on the same night following the large group worship event? There are two reasons to be there and small group leaders are encouraging and reminding students to be there. Plus, it reduces the time/nights commitment of your leaders.
5. Lie about your numbers.
It works. Everyone loves stories of huge crowds. A friend tells of a large week night college worship event that featured a well known speaker who often spoke of their having one thousand each week. My friend was there one night when the speaker indicated there were a thousand there. My friend counted and there were just over 600 there. My friend lost respect for someone he admired. It was a great crowd, but it was not one thousand (1,000). And, there are some who don't lie....they just "estimate" attendance. Be a person of integrity.....if there are 50 there, it is not "about 100".
Have you considered doing something different to reach more.....not work harder.....not be on campus 24/7....do something different? Remember the definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.".
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry/leadership consultant and the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
Is your ministry reaching its potential or are you "just happy with your 50"? Here are five ways to attempt to enlarge your ministry. Have you considered something that might enlarge your ministry? Only number 5 is guaranteed.
Five Ways to Enlarge Your College Ministry:
1. Add another staffer (full or part-time) with the responsibility and job description of reaching out to a totally different group on your campus.
They might focus on greeks, athletes, a particular dorm, the band, or an apartment complex totally populated by students. If another staffer is not in the realm of possibility, could there be a new student team formed for that one purpose?
2. Add a different night or time to your weekly big event.
One ministry that had a Thursday night worship event added a Tuesday night worship event with the same theme, etc, but utilizing a different speaker, etc. The ministry staff did not attend both nights in order to not double their work expectations. Some campus based ministries have experimented with having a worship event at 7:00 and then repeating the same event at 9:00.
3. Reduce your events to focus on one or two.
Sometimes we have so many different events and times that students not only cannot attend them all, but they cannot keep it straight. But, perhaps even more importantly, the main event does not get the focus and attention it needs in order to have a quality event and work at bringing and connecting with new people.
4. Combine multiple events into one night.
Many BCM/BSM/BSU ministries have a Freshmen Night one night and a large everyone event on a different night. Others have small groups that meet at different times. Would it be possible to have all of your small groups meet on the same night following the large group worship event? There are two reasons to be there and small group leaders are encouraging and reminding students to be there. Plus, it reduces the time/nights commitment of your leaders.
5. Lie about your numbers.
It works. Everyone loves stories of huge crowds. A friend tells of a large week night college worship event that featured a well known speaker who often spoke of their having one thousand each week. My friend was there one night when the speaker indicated there were a thousand there. My friend counted and there were just over 600 there. My friend lost respect for someone he admired. It was a great crowd, but it was not one thousand (1,000). And, there are some who don't lie....they just "estimate" attendance. Be a person of integrity.....if there are 50 there, it is not "about 100".
Have you considered doing something different to reach more.....not work harder.....not be on campus 24/7....do something different? Remember the definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.".
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry/leadership consultant and the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Asking the BIG Question About Your Ministry
Recently, I was visiting with someone who supervises lots of college ministries. He said he had recently asked one of their team, "What would it take to double our ministry?". He said the team member was dumbfounded and seemed to indicate it was a silly question.
Really I think there are likely three questions we need to ask:
1. Am I asking the big question?
2. What is the big question?
3. Who or where can help me answer the big question?
It is tempting for me to say all of us need to ask, "What would it take to double our ministry?". But, it may be there is a different question that you need to ask. Are you asking it? Are you willing to ask it? Asking it may take you somewhere very uncomfortable.
Sometimes others may be key in either helping you answer "Your big question" or even to decide what it should be. In the early days after coming to Arkansas State, I made two visits. First, I went to Texas A&M to visit Ron Wells and the Aggie BSU. Ron was known then as one of the top College Ministers in Baptist life. I followed him around for two days. We talked and I watched him.
A bit later on I went to Mississippi State to visit the BSU and to see their Lunch program which attracted 200-300 students each week. We had just re-started the Lunch program at ASU and I had never led one. Their ministry was led by Ken Watkins and June Scoggins. Their ministry had "invented the Lunch Program" as a result of the University scheduling an activity period at Noon when there would be no classes.
I cannot remember any specifics out of those two visits. Those visits answered questions I was not wise enough to ask. I remember them as shaping in that they helped me ask some "Big Questions" about our ministry. Some of those questions it took years to answer.
Are you asking the BIG questions? Are you looking for someone to help you answer them.....OR first, help you even know what YOUR big question ought to be.
Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are available at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.
Really I think there are likely three questions we need to ask:
1. Am I asking the big question?
2. What is the big question?
3. Who or where can help me answer the big question?
It is tempting for me to say all of us need to ask, "What would it take to double our ministry?". But, it may be there is a different question that you need to ask. Are you asking it? Are you willing to ask it? Asking it may take you somewhere very uncomfortable.
Sometimes others may be key in either helping you answer "Your big question" or even to decide what it should be. In the early days after coming to Arkansas State, I made two visits. First, I went to Texas A&M to visit Ron Wells and the Aggie BSU. Ron was known then as one of the top College Ministers in Baptist life. I followed him around for two days. We talked and I watched him.
A bit later on I went to Mississippi State to visit the BSU and to see their Lunch program which attracted 200-300 students each week. We had just re-started the Lunch program at ASU and I had never led one. Their ministry was led by Ken Watkins and June Scoggins. Their ministry had "invented the Lunch Program" as a result of the University scheduling an activity period at Noon when there would be no classes.
I cannot remember any specifics out of those two visits. Those visits answered questions I was not wise enough to ask. I remember them as shaping in that they helped me ask some "Big Questions" about our ministry. Some of those questions it took years to answer.
Are you asking the BIG questions? Are you looking for someone to help you answer them.....OR first, help you even know what YOUR big question ought to be.
Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are available at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
It's Personal Evaluation Time for College Ministers!
The end of school always brings lots of different things. I have always said that May was my favorite month because school ended, but summer had not started yet. It was the most free of the whole year in many ways. One thing the end of school allows and even calls for us evaluation of the ministry. But, I believe we must take it a step further.....personal evaluation in our role as a College Minister. As you have time to think, ponder, and ruminate, here are some questions to help in consider your role in the ministry.
1. Do you handle ministry money in the most transparent and accountable way?
Several years ago, I had a friend who was a doctor who gave regularly to our ministry. And, I learned that he really looked at the financial reports that we sent out. He pointed out to me that it was not clear where some money was going. I changed the way we were reporting. What we were doing was not wrong, but it was not clear what we were doing. I have written in the past about consulting with a church college ministry and they shared that they had some doubts about the way the local College Minister handled some money they had given. I don't think he was dishonest, but I do I think he was sloppy. They were reluctant to give due to their concerns.
2. When parents, pastors, or others call with concerns about a student, do you do all you can to follow up on that concern? And, do you report back?
I know of a situation of a man who was a very significant donor to college ministry who called to ask that someone check on his daughter. To his knowledge, no one ever did. He stopped being a generous donor. Now, let me speak to both sides of this. There could have been multiple attempts to connect with her that failed. I have had that experience. But, someone could have responded to him that they had tried with no success to make contact with her. When possible, report back to those who indicated a concern about a student. I have called a parent back and would not tell them what all happened but that I had made contact and would continue to follow up.
3. Do you deal in a professional manner with school officials?
The key word here is "professional". I recently had a conversation with a College Minister who leads a large ministry on a nationally known campus. The campus officials recently informed him that they would no longer invite religious groups to participate in the Freshmen Orientation Fairs as they have previously, but that they would continue to have Greek letter organizations. He protested to the person who made the decision. That official remained steadfast in the decision. He indicated he would proceed up the chain of authority. But, he said, "I will not do it in an angry way and I will do my best to maintain my good relationship with them." He spoke wise words. Even when we disagree with school officials and fight for what we believe is fair treatment, we must be professional in how we do it. It may not make a difference this time.....but it may make a difference the next time.
4. Do you express thanks to those who help you?
I say this a lot at this time of year. This is a great time to write thank you notes to donors, to pastors, to school officials (Professional behavior). For some years, I maintained a "Friends List". About once a quarter I would send a general letter (not personalized) to the approximately seventy five (75) people on the list telling what had happened in the ministry in recent days. Some on the list were regular donors. Others had given large gifts at one time or another. Some had given at one point, but now were retired and did not give due to decreased finances. I did not include a return envelope and I did not ask for anything. It was to express appreciation and keep them informed.....and some of them were known to be "Prayer Warriors". A "friend of the ministry" does not have to be a donor to be a friend. This is a good time to thank your friends.
5. Do you return calls and messages?
I have dealt with college ministry people who only returned calls or called when it was to help them. A 24 Hour Rule is a good one to practice. If the message involves something you do not have time to provide an adequate response, then give a quick response that indicates you will follow up more thoroughly later. They know they have not been ignored. I also believe it is a good idea to respond to information sent to you that calls for no response. Simply respond, "Thanks". What they does is let them know you received it. Have you sometimes wondered if someone had received some information that you had sent?
6. How are you doing being "the face of the ministry"?
Whether we like it or not, whether it is fair or not, many judge the ministry totally by what they see of us. How are you doing at being the face of the ministry? That can mean lots of different things in different situations. Sometimes, it just means showing up at some events or places you need to show up. Other times it may mean acting in a professional manner. It may mean helping out another ministry or cause that needs help and not just being the one always asking for help. I strongly believe that applies to our being active church people. We show up for church. We serve on a committee when we are asked to do so. We encourage the pastor and staff not related to what they do for us.
7. What do students think about what you do well?
This one is scary. Ask two or three students to give you feed back on what you do. To keep it from going off the rails or to help them feel comfortable doing it. Ask them to tell you what you do that is most helpful and how you could do it better. That does not go down a negative road.....maybe!
Blessings to all of you celebrating....ITS MAY!!!
Coming Soon: "FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY"
1. Do you handle ministry money in the most transparent and accountable way?
Several years ago, I had a friend who was a doctor who gave regularly to our ministry. And, I learned that he really looked at the financial reports that we sent out. He pointed out to me that it was not clear where some money was going. I changed the way we were reporting. What we were doing was not wrong, but it was not clear what we were doing. I have written in the past about consulting with a church college ministry and they shared that they had some doubts about the way the local College Minister handled some money they had given. I don't think he was dishonest, but I do I think he was sloppy. They were reluctant to give due to their concerns.
2. When parents, pastors, or others call with concerns about a student, do you do all you can to follow up on that concern? And, do you report back?
I know of a situation of a man who was a very significant donor to college ministry who called to ask that someone check on his daughter. To his knowledge, no one ever did. He stopped being a generous donor. Now, let me speak to both sides of this. There could have been multiple attempts to connect with her that failed. I have had that experience. But, someone could have responded to him that they had tried with no success to make contact with her. When possible, report back to those who indicated a concern about a student. I have called a parent back and would not tell them what all happened but that I had made contact and would continue to follow up.
3. Do you deal in a professional manner with school officials?
The key word here is "professional". I recently had a conversation with a College Minister who leads a large ministry on a nationally known campus. The campus officials recently informed him that they would no longer invite religious groups to participate in the Freshmen Orientation Fairs as they have previously, but that they would continue to have Greek letter organizations. He protested to the person who made the decision. That official remained steadfast in the decision. He indicated he would proceed up the chain of authority. But, he said, "I will not do it in an angry way and I will do my best to maintain my good relationship with them." He spoke wise words. Even when we disagree with school officials and fight for what we believe is fair treatment, we must be professional in how we do it. It may not make a difference this time.....but it may make a difference the next time.
4. Do you express thanks to those who help you?
I say this a lot at this time of year. This is a great time to write thank you notes to donors, to pastors, to school officials (Professional behavior). For some years, I maintained a "Friends List". About once a quarter I would send a general letter (not personalized) to the approximately seventy five (75) people on the list telling what had happened in the ministry in recent days. Some on the list were regular donors. Others had given large gifts at one time or another. Some had given at one point, but now were retired and did not give due to decreased finances. I did not include a return envelope and I did not ask for anything. It was to express appreciation and keep them informed.....and some of them were known to be "Prayer Warriors". A "friend of the ministry" does not have to be a donor to be a friend. This is a good time to thank your friends.
5. Do you return calls and messages?
I have dealt with college ministry people who only returned calls or called when it was to help them. A 24 Hour Rule is a good one to practice. If the message involves something you do not have time to provide an adequate response, then give a quick response that indicates you will follow up more thoroughly later. They know they have not been ignored. I also believe it is a good idea to respond to information sent to you that calls for no response. Simply respond, "Thanks". What they does is let them know you received it. Have you sometimes wondered if someone had received some information that you had sent?
6. How are you doing being "the face of the ministry"?
Whether we like it or not, whether it is fair or not, many judge the ministry totally by what they see of us. How are you doing at being the face of the ministry? That can mean lots of different things in different situations. Sometimes, it just means showing up at some events or places you need to show up. Other times it may mean acting in a professional manner. It may mean helping out another ministry or cause that needs help and not just being the one always asking for help. I strongly believe that applies to our being active church people. We show up for church. We serve on a committee when we are asked to do so. We encourage the pastor and staff not related to what they do for us.
7. What do students think about what you do well?
This one is scary. Ask two or three students to give you feed back on what you do. To keep it from going off the rails or to help them feel comfortable doing it. Ask them to tell you what you do that is most helpful and how you could do it better. That does not go down a negative road.....maybe!
Blessings to all of you celebrating....ITS MAY!!!
Coming Soon: "FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY"
Monday, May 1, 2017
Collegiate Ministries Summit - May 2-4, 2018 in Nashville
One of my all time favorite events is just one year away. It is the National Collegiate Ministries Summit in Nashville May 2-4, 2018. It is an event for campus based, church based College Ministers, and any who work with students. The Summit is moving from downtown Nashville to a new location at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville with hotels in the area that are cheaper than downtown Nashville.
Speakers for the plenary sessions are Ben Stuart, Russell Moore and Tom Ricter. Stuart is the pastor at Passion City Church in Washington and former speaker at the weekly Breakaway event at Texas A&M that drew 5,000 students each week. Russell Moore is the President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, whom you see on the national news interview programs commenting on faith and politics, and Tom Ricter is pastor of First Baptist Church, Cullman, Alabama. Some more special speakers are in the process of being confirmed....more on that as it develops.
With 500 to 600 College Ministers together, some of my favorite and most helpful things has been the connections with people and getting to pick their brains on an individual basis. It has a real practical "workshop feel" with Mega seminars with well known College Ministers where they not only speak but do Q and A. At the previous Summit in 2015 one of the most popular sessions were the Affinity Groups that helped connect people to others who work in very similar situations. All of us want to talk to and learn from those who have similar questions......and pains that we do.
A favorite aspect of Summit for me has always been that it is SPOUSE FRIENDLY. The early registration cost is $125 (by January 15, 2018) and a spouse can be registered for just $60. The registration fee includes two meals on Thursday.
Here is the Schedule:
WEDNESDAY
1:00 Registration Opens
2-3 Early Bird Mega Seminars
3:15-4:15 Early Bird Mega Seminars
5:45-7:15 Howdy Party with Food Trucks available for Dinner Purchase
7:30 Plenary Session
THURSDAY
9-10:15 Plenary Session
10:15 Break
10:45-11:45 Mega Seminars
Noon - Lunch at FBC (included in registration fee)
1:30-2:30 Idea Labs
2:45-3:30 Affinity Groups
Free Time
5:30 Dinner at FBC (included in registration fee)
7:00 Plenary Session
FRIDAY
9:00 Plenary Session & Large Group Time
Noon-Dismiss
While Summit is put on by Baptists and lots of Baptists come, it is "Non-Baptist friendly". Last year I met a variety of College Ministers from different backgrounds that added to the wide variety of thoughts and approaches that benefit all of us.
The Summit is a gathering of the College Ministry Family that is encouraging, restful, challenging and affirming to those who do the high calling of ministry to and with college students. I look forward to visiting with you there. I will post some more information as we go along about Mega Seminars, etc. You can register at Lifeway.com/events. See you next year!!
Speakers for the plenary sessions are Ben Stuart, Russell Moore and Tom Ricter. Stuart is the pastor at Passion City Church in Washington and former speaker at the weekly Breakaway event at Texas A&M that drew 5,000 students each week. Russell Moore is the President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, whom you see on the national news interview programs commenting on faith and politics, and Tom Ricter is pastor of First Baptist Church, Cullman, Alabama. Some more special speakers are in the process of being confirmed....more on that as it develops.
With 500 to 600 College Ministers together, some of my favorite and most helpful things has been the connections with people and getting to pick their brains on an individual basis. It has a real practical "workshop feel" with Mega seminars with well known College Ministers where they not only speak but do Q and A. At the previous Summit in 2015 one of the most popular sessions were the Affinity Groups that helped connect people to others who work in very similar situations. All of us want to talk to and learn from those who have similar questions......and pains that we do.
A favorite aspect of Summit for me has always been that it is SPOUSE FRIENDLY. The early registration cost is $125 (by January 15, 2018) and a spouse can be registered for just $60. The registration fee includes two meals on Thursday.
Here is the Schedule:
WEDNESDAY
1:00 Registration Opens
2-3 Early Bird Mega Seminars
3:15-4:15 Early Bird Mega Seminars
5:45-7:15 Howdy Party with Food Trucks available for Dinner Purchase
7:30 Plenary Session
THURSDAY
9-10:15 Plenary Session
10:15 Break
10:45-11:45 Mega Seminars
Noon - Lunch at FBC (included in registration fee)
1:30-2:30 Idea Labs
2:45-3:30 Affinity Groups
Free Time
5:30 Dinner at FBC (included in registration fee)
7:00 Plenary Session
FRIDAY
9:00 Plenary Session & Large Group Time
Noon-Dismiss
While Summit is put on by Baptists and lots of Baptists come, it is "Non-Baptist friendly". Last year I met a variety of College Ministers from different backgrounds that added to the wide variety of thoughts and approaches that benefit all of us.
The Summit is a gathering of the College Ministry Family that is encouraging, restful, challenging and affirming to those who do the high calling of ministry to and with college students. I look forward to visiting with you there. I will post some more information as we go along about Mega Seminars, etc. You can register at Lifeway.com/events. See you next year!!
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