1. Assuming everyone who will give to your ministry will do it electronically.
More and more I see college ministries listing a way to give to their ministry electronically and not doing a mailing to their alums or previous donors. I know it is simpler and easier for them AND it is likely the way they do their giving now...even at their church. Here is the problem, the people with the most money to give and who give generously to Christian causes are older people who either do not know how to give electronically or do not trust electronic giving. A pastor friend who is getting ready to go into a building campaign said a consultant told him that there is a window right now that will soon close when the older generation is going to give away a significant amount of money prior to their passing. But, it is not going to happen electronically (those are my words). A friend whose ministry receives large gifts often gets a call from an older donor, "Do you want me to mail this check or do you want to come by and get it?". He does not say, "Oh, just give it electronically."
2. Not writing personal and timely thank you notes to donors.
I know I have harped on this way too much! Here is the problem: People complain to me about giving gifts to college ministries and never hearing anything back. I personally experience it. A College Ministry Supervisor last week told me of having to respond to questions from a donor wondering if a specific campus ministry had received their check. I recently read of parents who would not let their children play with a toy or cash a birthday check until they had done a thank you message. That is a pretty good rule. One college ministry donor told me last week of giving a gift at the end of the year before Christmas and the ministry did not cash it in time to be part of their year end tax report. The donor said they counted it in the new year....so the donor let that be their contribution for that year....instead of giving again as they had planned.
3. Titling a book, FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY.
I have learned the hard way (low book sales) that no one thinks their ministry is broken. Others may think and say it is broken, but the leader does not see it that way. A college ministry leader said, "Why didn't you give it a more positive title?". I should have sought his advice. The working title was, REVITALIZING A COLLEGE MINISTRY and I thought that was super dull and didn't really get to the point. But, next time I will title it, TAKING YOUR SEMI-SENSATIONAL COLLEGE MINISTRY TO A SUPER SENSATIONAL LEVEL. And, since my purpose in doing my college ministry books is not to make money, but to help the college ministry world, maybe that will get it used a bit more. Watch for that new book!
4. Not getting out on campus.
In the deep south, we still have students come to us because of what we are offering. But, that is less true every day. If we are going to reach students that do not know Christ or who have walked away from faith, we must be out and about on campus. Recently, we had a whole fraternity attend one of our worship events. They came strictly as a result of a personal contact we made while being out and about on campus. Let's get out more.
5. Preaching instead of teaching.
What's the difference? When I was a kid I asked my dad what the difference was in preaching and speaking. My dad scratched his head and said, "I think when you speak you have to have something to say." Here is the difference in college ministry. Teaching involves having a plan of some things that students need to know, basic faith and life actions they need to be taking. Some of those need to be talked about EVERY year. Preaching involves talking about a scripture or theological topic you are excited about or that sounds new and challenging. Teaching has a plan for others. Preaching often is coming out of our own heart and life. Students need some good preaching. But, they also need some solid teaching in every college ministry. Do you see yourself as a Preacher or Teacher? Does it matter?
Monday, January 29, 2018
Friday, January 26, 2018
Being a Better College Ministry Speaker
I was a Speech Major in college. I love hearing people speak who do a good job.....I not only enjoy their information when well presented....I enjoy seeing "The Art of Speaking" well done. As an Interim Church College Minister, I attend the weekly Baptist Collegiate Ministry Lunch program to be supportive and to connect with students. I saw someone do an excellent job of speaking this week and it reminded me again of the basics that work in speaking to college students. AND, they are basics we ALL can do.
1. Be Relatable - Coming across as likable is huge. How do you "act likable"? Tone is huge. Sound and act like you are glad to be where you are and you aren't mad at anybody. Smiling goes a long way. Using a normal tone of voice is important. Some years ago I told a guest Lunch speaker prior to his speaking that if he would just speak to them and not "preach at them" they would listen and respond. He said, "If I wanted a speaker, I should have gone to Radio Shack." He proudly "preached at them" and they did not listen. He was not relatable.
2. Tell a Story - We all love stories. We listen to stories. The Lunch speaker this week started with a funny story about his first skiing experience. He told it well and it was easy to connect to. A good story does not have to be our own personal experience. But, I am of the belief that it is much better to TELL a story than it is to read it. Some speakers read a story in order to make sure they have all the details exactly correct. I think that diminishes from the story. Stories are meant to be told...not read. Practice telling your story before you speak. But, tell a good story, if at all possible.
3. Be Practical - The Lunch speaker's point was super practical. Everyone in the room could relate to it. When it was over, it was super clear what we were to do. It was just every day good sense and it was biblical. Good sense and the Bible...now there is a combination.
I am currently studying II Corinthians in my personal Bible study. I have been struck by Paul's statements in Chapter 10 and 11. In Chapter 10 verse 10 he quotes his critics as saying, "in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.". In 11:6 Paul says, "I may not be a trained speaker....". This is the guy that God has possibly used more than any other to affect and impact the world for faith.
Two truths for me: First, we all are going to be criticized. Realize it and accept it. Second, we all can do an even better job speaking. I want to....how about you?
1. Be Relatable - Coming across as likable is huge. How do you "act likable"? Tone is huge. Sound and act like you are glad to be where you are and you aren't mad at anybody. Smiling goes a long way. Using a normal tone of voice is important. Some years ago I told a guest Lunch speaker prior to his speaking that if he would just speak to them and not "preach at them" they would listen and respond. He said, "If I wanted a speaker, I should have gone to Radio Shack." He proudly "preached at them" and they did not listen. He was not relatable.
2. Tell a Story - We all love stories. We listen to stories. The Lunch speaker this week started with a funny story about his first skiing experience. He told it well and it was easy to connect to. A good story does not have to be our own personal experience. But, I am of the belief that it is much better to TELL a story than it is to read it. Some speakers read a story in order to make sure they have all the details exactly correct. I think that diminishes from the story. Stories are meant to be told...not read. Practice telling your story before you speak. But, tell a good story, if at all possible.
3. Be Practical - The Lunch speaker's point was super practical. Everyone in the room could relate to it. When it was over, it was super clear what we were to do. It was just every day good sense and it was biblical. Good sense and the Bible...now there is a combination.
I am currently studying II Corinthians in my personal Bible study. I have been struck by Paul's statements in Chapter 10 and 11. In Chapter 10 verse 10 he quotes his critics as saying, "in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.". In 11:6 Paul says, "I may not be a trained speaker....". This is the guy that God has possibly used more than any other to affect and impact the world for faith.
Two truths for me: First, we all are going to be criticized. Realize it and accept it. Second, we all can do an even better job speaking. I want to....how about you?
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
First Baptist Church, Denton Continues to Seek a College Minister
First Baptist, Denton, Texas is continuing to seek the person that God would have to lead their large University Ministry. While the church has received many excellent resumes and talked with different highly qualified people, they have not filled this position and are renewing their search.
Some of the characteristics they are seeking in this person are:
-Someone who has a "Word Gift". This person will be the primary speaker for their weekly Tuesday night event which has a regular attendance of 400 to 500 students.
-Someone who feels called to College Ministry with some experience who sees this as God's on-going call i their life.
-A self-motivated team player who will work well in a multi-staff situation.
-An Evangelist/Discipler.
-A seminary degree is preferred or that the person be in the process of working on a seminary degree.
This is a fully salaried position with health and retirement benefits.
For more information or to submit a resume, you can contact:
Doyle Lowry, Executive Pastor
dlowry@firstdenton.or
Cell: 940.395.5761
1100 Malone Street
Denton, TX 76201
Some of the characteristics they are seeking in this person are:
-Someone who has a "Word Gift". This person will be the primary speaker for their weekly Tuesday night event which has a regular attendance of 400 to 500 students.
-Someone who feels called to College Ministry with some experience who sees this as God's on-going call i their life.
-A self-motivated team player who will work well in a multi-staff situation.
-An Evangelist/Discipler.
-A seminary degree is preferred or that the person be in the process of working on a seminary degree.
This is a fully salaried position with health and retirement benefits.
For more information or to submit a resume, you can contact:
Doyle Lowry, Executive Pastor
dlowry@firstdenton.or
Cell: 940.395.5761
1100 Malone Street
Denton, TX 76201
Monday, January 22, 2018
Student Leaders Come in All Styles and Types!
In our working at developing student leaders it is easy to fall into a trap of thinking all leaders are out-going up front personalities. Or, we may be looking for or just developing leaders that have the same personality that we do (That's a scary thought!).
It is my experience that there really are three different types of student leaders. And, there is a place and need for all of them. We must recognize and affirm that so that our students can realize that leaders do not all look just alike. We also have to work differently with the different types.
The Three Leadership Types Are:
1. The Personality Leader
This is the obvious and the one most think of when they picture a leader. He or she draws people to themselves by who they are. People want to be with them and follow them. This person is at ease in front of a group and just seems to know what to do. The danger in this personality type is that they sometimes do not develop to their full potential or do the preparation necessary to be the best leader. It sometimes has come too easily to them. Your task with them may be to challenge them to stretch and strain to the next level.
2. The Manager Leader
This person does not lead through the attraction of their personality. Rather, they lead through organization and some times meticulous preparation. They usually love their "to-do list". They are task type people. Tell them what needs doing and let them organize it. The weakness in this style is that sometimes others find them too demanding or "not fun". They are all about being serious. Their public speaking will tend to be more informative than inspiring. Your task with them will likely be to help them loosen up just a bit and even cut others just a bit of slack.
3. The Servant Leader
They usually certainly do not see themselves as a leader and often have to be encouraged to accept a true leadership role. Often, being up front is the last thing they want to do. However, the respect for them is usually out the roof. They work hard and even do the jobs no one else wants to do. People see who they are and it challenges them to do more. Your job with them is to help them see their role as a leader and put them in places that allow them to shine and influence others.
It is important you discern and acknowledge your own leadership style (as to strengths and weaknesses) and understand that will affect the type of leaders drawn to you and the type you need to recruit. You you are the Personality Leader, you desperately need some Manager Leaders and Servant Leaders. If there are only Personality Leaders, a crowd can get all whipped up about doing something, but how no clue or plan how to do it. And, that fired up feeling will soon pass. If you are the Servant Leader, you will need those who will draw students to your group or else you will find your ministry being small and limited to only what you can do by yourself.
As you read the Gospels, it is very clear that the twelve disciples were all different. If there were only one style of leadership that is effective and needed, surely Jesus would have chosen that style on which to base the future of the Christian church.
AN EXCERPT FROM "26 Tips from Developing College Ministry Leaders"....an Amazon eBook by Arliss Dickerson
It is my experience that there really are three different types of student leaders. And, there is a place and need for all of them. We must recognize and affirm that so that our students can realize that leaders do not all look just alike. We also have to work differently with the different types.
The Three Leadership Types Are:
1. The Personality Leader
This is the obvious and the one most think of when they picture a leader. He or she draws people to themselves by who they are. People want to be with them and follow them. This person is at ease in front of a group and just seems to know what to do. The danger in this personality type is that they sometimes do not develop to their full potential or do the preparation necessary to be the best leader. It sometimes has come too easily to them. Your task with them may be to challenge them to stretch and strain to the next level.
2. The Manager Leader
This person does not lead through the attraction of their personality. Rather, they lead through organization and some times meticulous preparation. They usually love their "to-do list". They are task type people. Tell them what needs doing and let them organize it. The weakness in this style is that sometimes others find them too demanding or "not fun". They are all about being serious. Their public speaking will tend to be more informative than inspiring. Your task with them will likely be to help them loosen up just a bit and even cut others just a bit of slack.
3. The Servant Leader
They usually certainly do not see themselves as a leader and often have to be encouraged to accept a true leadership role. Often, being up front is the last thing they want to do. However, the respect for them is usually out the roof. They work hard and even do the jobs no one else wants to do. People see who they are and it challenges them to do more. Your job with them is to help them see their role as a leader and put them in places that allow them to shine and influence others.
It is important you discern and acknowledge your own leadership style (as to strengths and weaknesses) and understand that will affect the type of leaders drawn to you and the type you need to recruit. You you are the Personality Leader, you desperately need some Manager Leaders and Servant Leaders. If there are only Personality Leaders, a crowd can get all whipped up about doing something, but how no clue or plan how to do it. And, that fired up feeling will soon pass. If you are the Servant Leader, you will need those who will draw students to your group or else you will find your ministry being small and limited to only what you can do by yourself.
As you read the Gospels, it is very clear that the twelve disciples were all different. If there were only one style of leadership that is effective and needed, surely Jesus would have chosen that style on which to base the future of the Christian church.
AN EXCERPT FROM "26 Tips from Developing College Ministry Leaders"....an Amazon eBook by Arliss Dickerson
Friday, January 12, 2018
Tools of a College Minister
1. Be intentionally Relational.
Relationships to students, churches, administration affect everything we do. We must work at being intentionally relational and work on our relationship skills...dumb things like remembering names, etc.
2. Demonstrate Integrity.
The Apostle Paul said, "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 I have only met or been aware of a couple of College Ministers I thought were "crooked", but I have met several who through sloppiness did not always appear to operate with integrity (particularly in the area of finances). Take Paul's advice...."take pains to do what is right...in the eyes of men".
3. Work at the craft of Being a Good Communicator
Whether you speak at a weekly event or talk about your ministry to others, are you continually trying to grow as a speaker, communicator? Before speaking, do you do speak it out loud as you would do it? Have you ever studied a really good communicator to see why they are? Do you remember that every one connects to a story and do you practice telling the story ahead of time?
4. Work at Your Multi-tasking.
We must live in the moment....but Summer Orientations, etc are coming. Are you keeping a good calendar? I have increasingly put deadlines, meetings in my phone calendar that sends me a reminder. I sometimes just list something I have to get done on Friday....and it pops up on Friday reminding me. But, I have to confess I still use a lot of sticky notes!
5. Be the leader.
Everything that works needs a leader...someone in charge. A friend who attends a well known church in a major city in the south told me with great horror that his pastor told him, "I am not the leader of the church; the chair of the deacons is.". My friend who leads a large organization felt the pastor was not accepting part of his role. A leader is not a dictator. Accept and work at being the leader...if you are THE one in charge.
6. Balance Ministering and Ad-ministering.
Most of us in College Ministry are people centered. But, there is administration to be done. There are times we must be talking to students. But, if we have no plan or budget to rely on, our ministry will simply become only what we can do personally. Administering a ministry means building, leading, empowering a ministry that is much larger than what you can do personally.
7. Schedule Family time and days.
Are there nights you do NOT go to campus? Does your family eat meals together on a regular basis? First, you and your family need to survive and thrive. Secondly, you are modeling family to your students. Don't cheat your job.....AND don't cheat your family!
Friday, January 5, 2018
5 Uncomfortable Tasks a College Minister Should Do This New Year
There are things all of us hate to do. But, sometimes we must grit our teeth and do them because it is good for us or someone else.....Or....it is just the right thing to do. Here are five to consider.
1. Try again to work with that pastor or college minister who is a real pain.
You have tried before and they just are a huge problem because of their ego or competitive sense, whatever. Give it another try. At the very least, open up some positive conversation.
2. Give that student who has huge potential and has let you down in the past another chance.
3. Don't look at emails or social media until 11:00 a.m. each day.
Try it for a week. You will not get sidetracked to other things and get more done that YOU had planned and scheduled to do that day.
4. Look at and study a ministry that frustrates you in order to see what you might learn from them.
5. Consider and pray about a criticism that has been aimed at you.
What should you learn from it? Do you have a blind spot you are not seeing? Are you being perceived wrongly? AND, the ever so very tiny, slight, unbelievably small possibility that the criticism might be spot on and you need to make some change.
1. Try again to work with that pastor or college minister who is a real pain.
You have tried before and they just are a huge problem because of their ego or competitive sense, whatever. Give it another try. At the very least, open up some positive conversation.
2. Give that student who has huge potential and has let you down in the past another chance.
3. Don't look at emails or social media until 11:00 a.m. each day.
Try it for a week. You will not get sidetracked to other things and get more done that YOU had planned and scheduled to do that day.
4. Look at and study a ministry that frustrates you in order to see what you might learn from them.
5. Consider and pray about a criticism that has been aimed at you.
What should you learn from it? Do you have a blind spot you are not seeing? Are you being perceived wrongly? AND, the ever so very tiny, slight, unbelievably small possibility that the criticism might be spot on and you need to make some change.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
12 Signs of a College Ministry in Need of Repair
1. Very few new students ever attend.
2. When a new student comes, he or she seldom ever come back a second time.
3. Core students do not invite or bring friends with them.
4. Students do not serve in missions or ministry opportunities.
5. When student graduate or leave school, most do not continue a walk with the Lord and/or involvement with a church.
6. The ministry has a bad reputation on campus.
7. There is no pride in events or activities being done with excellence.
8. Students have no desire to serve or lead in the ministry in any way. They are strictly there as a time filler or because they have no other place to belong.
9. There is no awareness of the ministry on campus.
10. A total misperception has developed about the ministry relative to theology, etc.
11. Misbehavior by core students or student leaders has given the ministry a black eye.
12. There is no sense of a movement of God in any way.
This is not an all or nothing list. It is not, "If we only have six of these, we are ok.". One or two of these can can be a major issue for your ministry being all you and the Lord would have it be.
Excerpted from FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY which is available at amazon.com/dp/1521876665.
2. When a new student comes, he or she seldom ever come back a second time.
3. Core students do not invite or bring friends with them.
4. Students do not serve in missions or ministry opportunities.
5. When student graduate or leave school, most do not continue a walk with the Lord and/or involvement with a church.
6. The ministry has a bad reputation on campus.
7. There is no pride in events or activities being done with excellence.
8. Students have no desire to serve or lead in the ministry in any way. They are strictly there as a time filler or because they have no other place to belong.
9. There is no awareness of the ministry on campus.
10. A total misperception has developed about the ministry relative to theology, etc.
11. Misbehavior by core students or student leaders has given the ministry a black eye.
12. There is no sense of a movement of God in any way.
This is not an all or nothing list. It is not, "If we only have six of these, we are ok.". One or two of these can can be a major issue for your ministry being all you and the Lord would have it be.
Excerpted from FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY which is available at amazon.com/dp/1521876665.
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