We need more long term College Ministers. Larger ministries are led by long term College Ministers because of their experience, the trust they have established with others, and their reputation for investing well in college students. Too many get out of college ministry when they are at the point of taking it to the next level. Try on these tips for staying long term.
1. Act your age.
Some have bought into the myth college ministry is only for the young, so they try to act younger than they are. Students see through that and it does not work. Plus, every age has its plus....so exercise the strength of that age. I don't wear gym shorts on campus!
2. Rest and prepare when students are gone.
One of the great things about college ministry is the breaks, pauses, and seasons. When students are not around (that often includes Fridays). It is time to read, do long term speaking prep, and rest. Also, it is a great time for evaluation.
3. Tweak don't Burn and Obliterate!
Unless your ministry is a total failure, it does not need to start from scratch each year. Build on what is working and adjust to student and campus changes.
4. Don't compare!!
Don't compare yourself to the "Golden College Minister". Don't compare your ministry to another ministry. It is destructive to you and it is usually not accurate.
5. Go to meetings and don't sit in the hall all the time.
There is the temptation once you have done college ministry for awhile to think you will hear nothing new. Obviously, you will hear lots of things you have heard before. But, when you sit in the hall visiting all the time, you will not hear the new things being said.
6. Communicate your love for college students.
Never get too busy or too professional to just sit and enjoy listening to and talking to college students. That's actually why God called you.
7. Mentor younger College Ministers.
YES, that will help you survive longer and do it better. It causes you to continue to think about what and why you do things. AND, it will help you to continue to stay current with how younger generations think. AND, answering their questions will stretch you....even the dumb questions.
8. Listen and maybe even learn from those with whom you disagree.
There are lots of different ways to do college ministry well. While we may disagree theologically or even style wise, there are ideas others are practicing from which we can benefit. But, we have to be willing to talk to them and listen to them. It helps keep your ministry fresh.
9. Invite your spouse to some events.
While your spouse may work in another area and have a more than full life apart from your ministry, let them see and be part of your world. They will understand you better and students will benefit from seeing a healthy marriage relationship. Plus, your spouse will see why you often get home an hour later than you said you would.
10. Read more of my 99 cent books on Amazon....sorry could not resist that one!!
Check out the Facebook group, "College Ministry Resources by Arliss Dickerson" for postings and information.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available on Amazon.com for 99 cents each. His book, "FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY", is also available in paperback.
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