5 Ways to Be LARGER as a College Minister

1.  Eat Barbecue for lunch every day. 2.  Eat catfish for dinner every night.  No, I am not talking about gaining weight and fighting the battle of the bulge.  I am talking about having a larger presence, being a person of impact, and touching more people.

There is a fine line between self-promotion and being larger.  We generally react negatively toward someone who promotes them self.  I think it is the fear of being seen as self promoting that keeps many from becoming larger in who they are and their personal impact.  It is my strong belief that College Ministers have two ministries....the ministry they lead and their personal ministry.  Becoming larger impacts both of those for the good!

5 Ways to Become LARGER:

1.  Look for colleagues in ministry that you can encourage and go out of your way to be helpful and encouraging to them.
Often there are people who are younger in experience and just someone acknowledging them and caring makes a huge difference in their life.  I have a friend who genuinely makes every friend feel like her best friend.  She is larger because of it.

2.  Write something.
Do an article.  Start a Blog.  Write a Bible study and give it away.  Do an on-line book.  Do a Facebook live talk once a week on college ministry. Many years ago, my students in Seminary told me the texts they were using in their college ministry classes were written by folks not known for their college ministry success.  None of our tribe had anything out there.  I wrote a little book and had it printed at the Copy Shop just off campus.  It looked awful!  I am totally embarrassed when I see one somewhere.  Several classes used it as a required text.  It filled a void and met a need. Write something.

3.  Speak out on issues.
Where there are issues that people are struggling with you can add a positive and reasoned voice.  You KNOW I am not talking about making dumb political comments on Facebook.  What are thoughts on Calvinism?  What are characteristics of today's college student?  What can parents do to help their college student succeed? Use your voice for the good of God's Kingdom.

4.  Volunteer.
Does a camp need a helper one week?  Does Student Affairs need help stuffing packets?  Volunteer to lead a seminar at area churches for parents of college freshmen.  Tell churches you will show up and lead a one time seminar for their students going off to college..."How to Make it in College".

5.  Learn from someone who is LARGER.
Who do you know who is LARGER?  Ask for their advice and feedback.  Attach yourself to someone who is larger....either personally or by just keeping up with them and learning from a distance.  Don't imitate them, but learn from them.

I believe we can all be LARGER, if we choose to be.  But, you must take the risk of appearing self promoting.  Do it.  Be LARGER!