My favorite people are College Ministers. I love being in College Minister conferences and workshops. That is where I feel the most at home. One thing I have begun to learn over the years is there are some different viewpoints from those who serve on church staffs and those who do campus based ministry.
For several years I have had the privilege of working on a conference which is attended by both church based and campus based College Ministers. In planning the program and in reading evaluations after the conferences, I learned that church based College Ministers want more preaching and campus based College Ministers want more hands on how to workshops. I have thought about that quite a bit and I still don't know why those preferences are different.
A couple of years ago I was trying to arrive at a reasonably accurate figure of how many "full time" church College Ministers there were in Southern Baptist life. As I consulted college ministry leaders in different states, many would say, "The turnover is so quick that it is hard for us to have an accurate number.". Yet, campus Based College Ministers tend to stay for many years on a campus. It is not unusual for a campus based one to serve 20 to 30 years. I am not aware of any church based that have served that long. Likely there is, but it would be very unusual.
None of this is meant to be a criticism or praise of either position or calling. We need both. But, I do believe long term ministries tend to be more fruitful overall. Continual change of leadership is one of the "Killers of a college ministry". Is there a reason church based folks move more often? If there is, how can we address that issue and help church college ministries have more long term leaders?
Another take away for me from this has been to think perhaps we need two different kinds of people with different strengths and gifts in these roles. Possibly they are not interchangeable.
I look forward to hearing a variety of thoughts on these perceived differences. Is it coincidental or are there other factors at work here?
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Friday, April 20, 2018
7 Habits of Highly Effective College Ministers
Stephen Covey's book, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is an enduring classic. I have recently begun to wrestle with what are "EFFECTIVE" habits. In my current role, I supervise student assistant/interns. They care; they work hard. They give more time than we pay them for. This has helped me to again focus and think about what it is that is EFFECTIVE for those of us who are career College Ministers. Here is my first swing at it.
1. They realize and believe that God is up to way more than they realize and know about.
This is something to remember on those days when you feel a failure. Years later a student will say "you made the difference when"....or...."that retreat changed my life and walk with the Lord."....etc, etc.
2. They work at being "The Mayor of the Campus".
The mayor of a town or city is someone who is known by many and is always trying to know and relate to more people...especially anytime close to election time. The more a College Minister is known on campus the more effective their ministry will be. This is part of my "rule" that College Ministers should "Walk across the campus and through the Student Center every day!". The more administrators know a College Minister and realize what they are doing and how it benefits students, the more they will be cooperative. The more campus student leaders know a College Minister the more leader types that ministry attracts, etc.
3. They recognize and utilize the different seasons of college ministry.
This is being written in mid-April and we are full force into getting ready for Freshmen Orientations that begin next week. Enlistment time is a season. August/September is a season. Thanksgiving/Christmas is a season. There are different college ministry tasks to be done in those seasons. And, there are seasons for more renewal and family time.
4. They demonstrate what they expect.
If we want leaders to show up on time and do what they are supposed to do, we must show up on time and do what we say we will do. We get what we model! A ministry tends to attract or do best with students who appreciate what they see in the student and professional leadership.
5. They are willing to challenge students about mis-behavior.
The least pleasant part of college ministry is looking a student in the eye and telling them they cannot continue in a leadership role because of their behavior. Or, it may be saying there is a problem here that will destroy your life. Some say with volunteers you must take what you get. When we ignore mis-behavior (particularly moral) we not only do a disservice to the ministry....we do a huge disservice to the student.
6. A highly effective College Minister has friends their own age.
If you plan to stay in college ministry for the long term, you cannot continue to just be friends with college students. You need people who are going through the same part of life where you currently reside. Balance is huge in surviving for the long term (Luke 2:52). Many do not make it past the 3-5 year mark due to a lack of balance and having a life apart from students.
7. They are ALWAYS looking for, enlisting, training, and building up student leaders.
Student leaders multiply the ministry. Student leaders reach students the College Minister cannot reach. Trained and equipped student leaders benefit churches after they graduate from college. Student leaders multiply the time of the College Minister.
1. They realize and believe that God is up to way more than they realize and know about.
This is something to remember on those days when you feel a failure. Years later a student will say "you made the difference when"....or...."that retreat changed my life and walk with the Lord."....etc, etc.
2. They work at being "The Mayor of the Campus".
The mayor of a town or city is someone who is known by many and is always trying to know and relate to more people...especially anytime close to election time. The more a College Minister is known on campus the more effective their ministry will be. This is part of my "rule" that College Ministers should "Walk across the campus and through the Student Center every day!". The more administrators know a College Minister and realize what they are doing and how it benefits students, the more they will be cooperative. The more campus student leaders know a College Minister the more leader types that ministry attracts, etc.
3. They recognize and utilize the different seasons of college ministry.
This is being written in mid-April and we are full force into getting ready for Freshmen Orientations that begin next week. Enlistment time is a season. August/September is a season. Thanksgiving/Christmas is a season. There are different college ministry tasks to be done in those seasons. And, there are seasons for more renewal and family time.
4. They demonstrate what they expect.
If we want leaders to show up on time and do what they are supposed to do, we must show up on time and do what we say we will do. We get what we model! A ministry tends to attract or do best with students who appreciate what they see in the student and professional leadership.
5. They are willing to challenge students about mis-behavior.
The least pleasant part of college ministry is looking a student in the eye and telling them they cannot continue in a leadership role because of their behavior. Or, it may be saying there is a problem here that will destroy your life. Some say with volunteers you must take what you get. When we ignore mis-behavior (particularly moral) we not only do a disservice to the ministry....we do a huge disservice to the student.
6. A highly effective College Minister has friends their own age.
If you plan to stay in college ministry for the long term, you cannot continue to just be friends with college students. You need people who are going through the same part of life where you currently reside. Balance is huge in surviving for the long term (Luke 2:52). Many do not make it past the 3-5 year mark due to a lack of balance and having a life apart from students.
7. They are ALWAYS looking for, enlisting, training, and building up student leaders.
Student leaders multiply the ministry. Student leaders reach students the College Minister cannot reach. Trained and equipped student leaders benefit churches after they graduate from college. Student leaders multiply the time of the College Minister.
Friday, April 13, 2018
I Make this Suggestion Every Year at this Time!
Here is a suggestion I make to College Ministers EVERY year at this time. Depending on your university or college schedule, you are anywhere from 3 weeks to a month from the end of the semester (unless you are on the quarter system).
SO, basically your year is made. This is the time to try something you have always wanted to do, but never could quite muster the courage to do it. This is the time to try it.
I always give the example of our Lunch Program which had outgrown the area where we were having it. The growth of it had stopped to fit the room. We were having it in the Rec area next to the kitchen...a natural place to have a lunch event...next to the kitchen. Our chapel area was much larger....BUT....it was up two different sets of steps from the kitchen where food most naturally would be served. Someone had the crazy suggestion that we continue to serve in the Rec area, but set up for tables and chairs for the program in the Chapel area and students carry their plates up there.
I knew it would not work. So, for the last Lunch Program of the year, we tried it....so I could PROVE it would not work. It worked GREAT! The next fall we were permanently upstairs and the Lunch Program grew and doubled in size. One experiment did it.
What should you try?
-Is there a different meeting time you should try?
-Should you try a different day for one of your events?
-Is there a different meeting place you should try?
(On-campus, Off-campus, rented space, etc)
-Is there a different format for your large group event that should be tried?
What is that CRAZY idea that someone has mentioned and you want to PROVE it will NOT work!! Or, what is it that YOU have always wanted to try? Remember, the definition of insanity is "continuing to do the same thing and expect a different result".
It is the last month of school, so I have to write my annual end of school Blog. Let me know how your experiment works out...failure, disaster (you ALMOST got fired), Big Hit, or OK, there are some possibilities there to work on and tweak.
SO, basically your year is made. This is the time to try something you have always wanted to do, but never could quite muster the courage to do it. This is the time to try it.
I always give the example of our Lunch Program which had outgrown the area where we were having it. The growth of it had stopped to fit the room. We were having it in the Rec area next to the kitchen...a natural place to have a lunch event...next to the kitchen. Our chapel area was much larger....BUT....it was up two different sets of steps from the kitchen where food most naturally would be served. Someone had the crazy suggestion that we continue to serve in the Rec area, but set up for tables and chairs for the program in the Chapel area and students carry their plates up there.
I knew it would not work. So, for the last Lunch Program of the year, we tried it....so I could PROVE it would not work. It worked GREAT! The next fall we were permanently upstairs and the Lunch Program grew and doubled in size. One experiment did it.
What should you try?
-Is there a different meeting time you should try?
-Should you try a different day for one of your events?
-Is there a different meeting place you should try?
(On-campus, Off-campus, rented space, etc)
-Is there a different format for your large group event that should be tried?
What is that CRAZY idea that someone has mentioned and you want to PROVE it will NOT work!! Or, what is it that YOU have always wanted to try? Remember, the definition of insanity is "continuing to do the same thing and expect a different result".
It is the last month of school, so I have to write my annual end of school Blog. Let me know how your experiment works out...failure, disaster (you ALMOST got fired), Big Hit, or OK, there are some possibilities there to work on and tweak.
Monday, April 9, 2018
7 Questions College Ministers Should Ask at the End of the Semester
1. What is it that we did in our ministry that made the most difference?
-What did students respond to the best?
-What most moved students toward life change?
-What gave us the "biggest bang for the buck" in using our finances wisely?
2. What did we do that needs to be let go, retired, or go by the wayside?
-It is not worth what it cost.
-It used to work or be of value, but it does not now and we are doing it out of habit.
3. Are we making decisions based on what is or what was?
-Campuses and situations change.
-The strengths of our student leaders change.
4. Are we utilizing the unique strengths of the ministry and making the most of them?
-Every ministry of value has its particular strengths....have you identified it or them?
-Are those unique strengths being communicated to those we are trying to reach?
-Are we short-changing on our strengths because they are strengths and not getting the most from them?
5. Are we prepared for summer recruitment?
-Do you have a plan or plans in place to connect with incoming students?
6. Who should we write thank you's to for what they have done for us this semester?
7. What students have disappeared the last month or so we should attempt to re-connect to?
-What did students respond to the best?
-What most moved students toward life change?
-What gave us the "biggest bang for the buck" in using our finances wisely?
2. What did we do that needs to be let go, retired, or go by the wayside?
-It is not worth what it cost.
-It used to work or be of value, but it does not now and we are doing it out of habit.
3. Are we making decisions based on what is or what was?
-Campuses and situations change.
-The strengths of our student leaders change.
4. Are we utilizing the unique strengths of the ministry and making the most of them?
-Every ministry of value has its particular strengths....have you identified it or them?
-Are those unique strengths being communicated to those we are trying to reach?
-Are we short-changing on our strengths because they are strengths and not getting the most from them?
5. Are we prepared for summer recruitment?
-Do you have a plan or plans in place to connect with incoming students?
6. Who should we write thank you's to for what they have done for us this semester?
7. What students have disappeared the last month or so we should attempt to re-connect to?
Friday, April 6, 2018
College Ministers Teach Life Skills
I had a recent connection to one of our college ministry alums of several years ago. In the midst of exchanging some messages with him, I remembered one of our connections. I was rooming with him and a couple of our other guys on a weekend trip for a conference. As we were getting ready one morning, he said he really didn't know how to shave well. He said his mom who was a single mother and had shown him the best she knew. She had not told him how to put soap lather on his face prior to the shaving cream. He was amazed at the difference it made. No big deal.
But, it was a big deal. He is a high level professional now and functions in a very white collar type world. Another example that came to my mind was the number of students I have helped do a resume. I even started keeping a folder of good....and some bad examples. Students often told me that we were better help than the university people who were supposedly helping them learn such life skills.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I have jumped someone's battery, helped them change a tire or taken them to the garage I know that will fix their car and charge them a fair price. That garage even would sometimes fix a student's car issue that another garage had fouled up....and then charge them nothing.
If we are not teaching life skills, we are not doing college ministry. Part of that comes from everyday involvement and connections with them. It means being available and it means being approachable.
There is a move these days toward some seeing the College Minister role as primarily a preacher. What I don't like about that as the basic understanding of college ministry is that it seems to take away from the one on one teaching of life skills. And, that is something we must never lose. College Ministers teach life skills.
But, it was a big deal. He is a high level professional now and functions in a very white collar type world. Another example that came to my mind was the number of students I have helped do a resume. I even started keeping a folder of good....and some bad examples. Students often told me that we were better help than the university people who were supposedly helping them learn such life skills.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I have jumped someone's battery, helped them change a tire or taken them to the garage I know that will fix their car and charge them a fair price. That garage even would sometimes fix a student's car issue that another garage had fouled up....and then charge them nothing.
If we are not teaching life skills, we are not doing college ministry. Part of that comes from everyday involvement and connections with them. It means being available and it means being approachable.
There is a move these days toward some seeing the College Minister role as primarily a preacher. What I don't like about that as the basic understanding of college ministry is that it seems to take away from the one on one teaching of life skills. And, that is something we must never lose. College Ministers teach life skills.
Monday, April 2, 2018
Looking Forward to the Collegiate Summit....Some Fun Stuff!
I have begun to get messages from people saying, "See you at the Summit." or "Looking forward to the Summit." This is the once every three years gathering of most everybody who functions in the Baptist college ministry world and a bunch of folks who do college ministry in other worlds. It is in Nashville, May 2-4.
It has always featured some "big names" in terms of authors, speakers, preachers, etc. And I look forward to their speaking into our lives. But, I guess if I am totally honest, besides the hallway conversations and hugs, my favorite thing is the Idea Labs and Mega Seminars done by the "Every day practitioners"....those who live and function in our world. They usually are not famous (although some should be), but they do it well and they get it.
We call our breakouts "Idea Labs" because we want them to be super practical and people leave with at least 2 or 3 ideas they can try on their own campus or church. One has been recently added due to lots of requests is "Girls and Porn" led by Sarah Farley (LSU/BCM) and Beth Masters (NOLA Seminary/Mississippi College). There is much discussion these days of campus church plants vs traditional campus ministries. Keith Weiser and Allen Tate are doing a session called, "Ten Things We Can Learn from Each Other". Paul and David Worcester in California have popularized the concept of "Gospel Conversations" and David is leading a session about it.
Finances have always been an issue, but is increasingly so and Ben Maddox at Tennessee Tech is leading a session around a concept of using a banquet to involve churches, alumni and parents in giving to a college ministry. Clayton Bullion Tarleton BSM in Texas will be sharing some of what they do in reaching Freshmen..."Grade 13". Linda Halfacre Weir is doing one called "Making College Ministry Fun (Again!)....and she knows fun!
Being an old guy in college ministry, I always think we got wisdom to share and I am looking forward to "The Veterans Panel" mega seminar with Darrell Cook at Virginia Tech, Mark Whitt at Middle Tennessee, Theresa Royall of Georgia, Beth Masters (NOLA) and some more talking about trends, etc. Scott Belmore in Alaska is talking about raising personal financial support. Blake Ligon at Central Baptist in Jonesboro, Arkansas has had a great response in reaching Greeks and will talk about it.
From the very beginning some years ago, we said we wanted the Summit to be "Spouse Friendly" and that's why spouses come for a reduced price. So, we have some sessions on marriage led by Dr. Jeff Nave (NOLA Seminary) and Shannon Inman, a college ministry spouse, is leading an Affinity Group for spouses.
An all time favorite of we college ministry folks is Dr. Bob Stewart (NOLA Seminary) who will be doing some of his great Apologetics sessions.
I am espeically excited about Erica Reitz from Penn State being with us. You know Erica from her fairly new book, "After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships and Faith. Erica has become widely known for her ministry called, "Senior Exit".
Ok...I got carried away and I still have not mentioned a bunch. I know lots of you wanted to know more and then maybe some of you are still trying to decide if you can be there. If you need details, go to lifeway.com/events.
PS: I am looking forward to seeing lots of you in the hall....and hugging lots of you!
It has always featured some "big names" in terms of authors, speakers, preachers, etc. And I look forward to their speaking into our lives. But, I guess if I am totally honest, besides the hallway conversations and hugs, my favorite thing is the Idea Labs and Mega Seminars done by the "Every day practitioners"....those who live and function in our world. They usually are not famous (although some should be), but they do it well and they get it.
We call our breakouts "Idea Labs" because we want them to be super practical and people leave with at least 2 or 3 ideas they can try on their own campus or church. One has been recently added due to lots of requests is "Girls and Porn" led by Sarah Farley (LSU/BCM) and Beth Masters (NOLA Seminary/Mississippi College). There is much discussion these days of campus church plants vs traditional campus ministries. Keith Weiser and Allen Tate are doing a session called, "Ten Things We Can Learn from Each Other". Paul and David Worcester in California have popularized the concept of "Gospel Conversations" and David is leading a session about it.
Finances have always been an issue, but is increasingly so and Ben Maddox at Tennessee Tech is leading a session around a concept of using a banquet to involve churches, alumni and parents in giving to a college ministry. Clayton Bullion Tarleton BSM in Texas will be sharing some of what they do in reaching Freshmen..."Grade 13". Linda Halfacre Weir is doing one called "Making College Ministry Fun (Again!)....and she knows fun!
Being an old guy in college ministry, I always think we got wisdom to share and I am looking forward to "The Veterans Panel" mega seminar with Darrell Cook at Virginia Tech, Mark Whitt at Middle Tennessee, Theresa Royall of Georgia, Beth Masters (NOLA) and some more talking about trends, etc. Scott Belmore in Alaska is talking about raising personal financial support. Blake Ligon at Central Baptist in Jonesboro, Arkansas has had a great response in reaching Greeks and will talk about it.
From the very beginning some years ago, we said we wanted the Summit to be "Spouse Friendly" and that's why spouses come for a reduced price. So, we have some sessions on marriage led by Dr. Jeff Nave (NOLA Seminary) and Shannon Inman, a college ministry spouse, is leading an Affinity Group for spouses.
An all time favorite of we college ministry folks is Dr. Bob Stewart (NOLA Seminary) who will be doing some of his great Apologetics sessions.
I am espeically excited about Erica Reitz from Penn State being with us. You know Erica from her fairly new book, "After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships and Faith. Erica has become widely known for her ministry called, "Senior Exit".
Ok...I got carried away and I still have not mentioned a bunch. I know lots of you wanted to know more and then maybe some of you are still trying to decide if you can be there. If you need details, go to lifeway.com/events.
PS: I am looking forward to seeing lots of you in the hall....and hugging lots of you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)