Easily, the thing I am asked to be speak about most at College Minister Workshops is, "The Seasons of a College Minister". Often, when colleagues call to chat...especially in the summer....one of the topics is, "Am I the right age to do this?".
Let me share 5 strong convictions I have about College Ministers, the right age to do it, etc.
1. College Ministry is NOT just for the young. We need all ages of folks doing college ministry. Some of the best I know are in their fifties and sixties...really.
2. Some people quit about the time they know enough to do it well.
3. There are pluses to every age....we must acknowledge those and utilize them to the max.
4. There are weaknesses or minuses to every age....we must acknowledge them and enlist, train, and allow others to fill those spots.
5. The perfect age for a College Minister is......the one you are NOW, if you are utilizing to the max the strengths of that stage or season.
Here is a quick Clif Notes version of my thoughts on The Seasons of a College Minister:
THE STARTER OR NEAR PEER (Some call them, "The Hang Out Ministers".)
A Strength: Their ministry focuses around relationships, hanging out with students, etc. They can move in a student world and are good at starting something from scratch.
A Weakness: There is generally a lack of respect of faculty, administrators, pastors and church staff which limits their resources and effectiveness.
A Task: Listen to experienced colleagues and be willing to learn.
THE ROLE MODEL OR COOL ADULT
The Campus Minister has a young family or is a real world functioning single that students see as a role model for life after college.
A Strength: They have some life and ministry experience to operate out of....every day is not a new day or first time experience.
A Weakness: It can be difficult to balance growing family and ministry. It is easy to neglect or be unfair to one or the other. Or, as a single, they have no life apart from work and ministry. There often is a struggle of identity: Who am I; I am neither church staff, faculty, etc.
A Task: Develop a clear philosophy of ministry based on your particular gifts/abilities and your unique campus setting. Develop a life balance.
THE MENTOR OR THE RESPECTED VETERAN
This Campus Minister has built a strong ministry and is reaping the benefits of experience and trust.
A Strength: Easier to find and draw on resources from alumni, peers, churches, etc due to the respect and proven track record.
A Weakness: It is easy to lose your passion for the ministry and be a little beaten down. Consequently, it is easy to just use your old notes and do exactly what you did on this date last year...the year before.....and the year before.
A Task: Work at staying tuned to students. Also, this is a time of intentionally encouraging and mentoring younger College Ministers.
THE STATESMAN/STATESWOMAN OR THE BUILDER
This is the time of sharing accumulated wisdom and experience and building for successors....leaving a legacy that will benefit those who come behind you.
A Strength: This College Minister can fill a parental void in students lives and has a vast network on which to draw. Long term relationships and respect pay off.
A Weakness: It is easy to "preach" to students and experience possible bitterness in regard to denominational politics or lack of career alternatives and advancement.
A Task: Be an ambassador for College Ministry....write, speak out, share your knowledge. Strengthen the structure and finances of the ministry you lead to bless the ones who succeed you...whether soon or ten years from now.
A REMINDER; Your students quit thinking you were cool LONG before you thought it happened!
A Personal Note: FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY, my Amazon eBook, was delayed but will be available very soon. There will be an announcement coming.
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