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"
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