Why $25?

Each year at the end of the year, I promote #Givetwentyfive which is my small attempt to get people who were touched by any college ministry (not just Baptist) to give $25 to it prior to the year's end.  I do year's end because there are lots of people who look at their charitable giving toward the end of the year for tax purposes and there are those who receive bonuses, year end profit sharing, etc.  I know that is foreign in the college ministry world, but there are other worlds out there.

Ok, so why $25....why not $50 or $100?  Most everyone can give $25!  Many people think of charitable giving as something that rich people do...not everyday people.  Through the years as the director at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Arkansas State, many alums would say, "I would give you some money, but I can't give you enough to help you."  Or, "I wish I could give you some money."  They felt like it had to be "big money".  They are embarrassed to give a small amount, so they give none.

No one knows the number of college ministry alums there are out there.  It would likely be in the millions.  If each gave $25 ONCE a year, it is incalculable how much that would be!   Obviously, $25 times one million is $25 million.  Wow!

But, here is the deal:  we must really mean it when we say, "Give $25"....people must not feel we are winking and nodding and really want them to give more.  A few will give more, but that is just extra blessing.  Through the years at ASU, I would say that I would rather ten churches gave $10 a month to our ministry rather than one church give $100 a month.  More were interested....more were aware...more would pray AND it would take ten church budget changes to wipe it all out!  Also, charitable giving experts say that the person most likely to give you money is.....someone who has already given you money.

Also, being on the receiving end of countless $25 checks is encouraging.  Most write a small note with it, but even if they do not, it warms my heart when I see who sent it and that they remember and care.

So, encourage folks to give $25 and you will be blessed!  Don't forget to give $25 to the ministry that blessed you.

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

Merry Christmas to All!

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas to all of you from Sue and me.  Rest, recoup, spend time with family and focus on the ways God has blessed you this fall semester and this year.  Tune out the negative voices...the Christian Message is Good News!

Arliss

Reaching More College Students

In my previous writings about LARGE college ministries and their characteristics, one thing that was an obvious factor was multiple staff.  In CRU ministries it was 6-12 and in BCM ministries there was not a number, but multiple staff.  It seems that large BCM ministries offset staff size with facilities which CRU does not have.  Yet most, if not all, large college ministries have multiple staff.  The simplest answer to having a large college ministry is having more staff.  It is not the only answer, but it is the simplest and most likely.

STAFF OPTIONS
Many in our tribe would say, "Multiple staff....I'm just barely keeping our ministry afloat financially as it is!".  Here are three options to consider:

 1.  Volunteer Staff
Some years ago, a friend working on a large campus told me of a lady in one of the local churches who had been active in a sorority at that university.  She had each year organized some Greek events for him.  She was not paid anything.  It was a calling for her and an expression of her faith.  Is there someone who was on the football or volleyball team, etc who might do some ministry in that area for your ministry?  Are there just a couple of women who would say they would lead a couple of Bible studies in a women's dorm?  Think wide....ask God to help you see who is out there.

2.  Part Time Staff
A number of years ago I hired a young mom to work very part time.  Her husband was an attorney and she did part time consulting.  She told me she usually used her check to buy shoes.  She liked expensive shoes.  She was of immense value to our ministry.  Often college ministries with one staffer are led by men.  Is there a young mom who doesn't want to work at all in the summer and during school breaks and wants to be home when school is out that could be a plus to your ministry?  Is there a recent graduate of your ministry who has gone to work in your city that could step back in for a few hours each week that would make a difference?  Ask the Lord to help you see who that might be.

3.  Full Time Staff
Many people called to ministry right out of college or seminary need and want experience from someone who has been down the road.  Invite someone to come work with you for one year or two.  You pay them something and they raise part of their salary. Or, invite your BEST SENIOR to stay an extra nine months before career.  The values are two:  it increases your ministry and you mentor them which impacts their life and or ministry for years to come.

STRATEGY
Here is the warning:  An additional person showing up and hanging out will NOT reach more students! There must be some intentionality in strategy.  Simply put, this person must connect to some different people.  I have long believed the most obvious way to grow a ministry is through an intentional, organized Freshmen Ministry.  Freshmen are looking for friends and help in navigating college.  They are more open than any other group.  And, it is a burden of my heart that many freshmen shipwreck their lives.  But, it might be a ministry to athletes.  Or, an additional person might identify two dorms that they will focus on.  The point is when a second or third person is added, there must be a plan that aims them toward additional students.

God does not just love large ministries.  And large is a relative term.  In some places fifty (50) is large.  The point of this whole thing is to think and be intentional about, "How can we reach more students?"

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

Characteristics of LARGE College Ministries

Some years ago Tim Casteel, the CRU Director at the University of Arkansas, researched the larger CRU ministries around the country and wrote about each of them and some of the common characteristics.  I thought it was excellent and beneficial to our whole college ministry community.  Here is my summary of his work.

SIX COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LARGE CRU MINISTRIES:

1.  Large staff 6-12
2.  Long term leader/Director
3.  Strong student leaders who are given much responsibility
4.  Strong/Intentional small group ministry
5.  They are THE  ministry on campus (no other ministry as large).

As I thought through these, I began to try to articulate what I had seen and knew in the Southern Baptist world of campus based college ministries.

SEVEN COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LARGE BCM/BSU/BSM MINISTRIES:

1. Long term Director/Campus Minister
2. Strong tradition/Long term presence on campus
3. Excellent or large facilities
4. Specific Freshmen Ministry
5. A Flag ship type campus
6.  Usually THE ministry on campus
7.  Strong financial support by alumni or other interested individuals

As you can see, there is great commonality in the lists.  No matter our size campus, budget or tenure, I believe there are things every ministry can learn from these characteristics.

SEVEN THOUGHTS FOR DEVELOPING MORE LARGE COLLEGE MINISTRIES:

1.  We must work at encouraging and making it possible for College Ministers to serve long term (salaries, benefits, encouragement, etc.).  We need long term leaders.  College Ministry is not just for the young starting in ministry.
2.  Most Southern Baptist situations have one or two Campus Ministers paid and employed by their State Convention (some raise part or all of their salaries).  Should Southern Baptists consider allowing those permanent staffers to bring on one or two year intern types who raise their own salaries to increase staff size and outreach?  One Methodist ministry on a large nationally known campus has 1500 students at their weekly meeting.....AND about one hundred (100) one year interns each year.
3.  ANY MINISTRY can develop a very specific and intentional outreach and on-going freshmen ministry through the fall semester.  It can be one freshmen Bible study or multiple ones, etc with Bible study and topics geared to their needs.
4.  Campus Ministers must do a good job of communicating the need and how alumni and other individuals can and should consider giving to support the ministry.  This also means expressing thanks and keeping them updated!
5.  Developing student leaders multiplies our ministries.  Investment in student leaders is an investment that returns with interest!  Developing student leaders benefits the church for years to come.  The more strong student leaders a ministry has the more students it will reach.
6.  Great, impacting ministries are not built overnight.  Invest and believe in the long term.
7.  If you have a facility, make it as attractive, practical, and wisely used as possible.  It is a tool.....are you making the best use of that tool?


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). 

God Calls More Workhorses to College Ministry than Show Horses!

Everyone in college ministry is looking for a Rainmaker when making a new hire.  When churches call me looking for suggestions for their College Minister position, they usually want a speaker who is better than Louie Giglio, who many consider the premier college and young adult speaker of our day.  Everybody wants a "Rainmaker".

Wikipedia, that source of all knowledge, defines the term this way, "In business a rainmaker is a person who brings in new business and wins new accounts almost by magic."  In ministry a Rainmaker is one who instantly draws a big crowd and brings immediate credibility to the ministry with his or her charisma. That's my definition.

Rainmakers are overrated in ministry!  First, I do not believe there are many Rainmakers...there are maybe a handful of people who are so obviously gifted and/or God's hand is on them in such a way that out of the ordinary happens over night.

 HERE IS THE PROBLEM WITH OVERNIGHT SUCCESS......
Overnight growth is sometimes even unhealthy. It can disappear as quickly as it comes!  This sort of overnight success is usually tied to the personality of that one person.  The day that one person is gone....the response is gone.  College ministries that continue to have an impact over time are built one day, one semester, one year at a time.  In most instances, it takes three years to establish a college ministry or for it to begin to take the overall direction needed, if it has been struggling and is starting with new leadership.

Why three years?  Obviously, that is not a magic number and it does not mean to sit and wait for three years to pass.  The main ingredient is that three classes will have come in under that leadership and philosophy.  There is time to develop a culture of excellence, strong student leadership, and financial support.  Three years can pass without ANY OF THAT happening. It must be an intentional process.

The danger of totally building a ministry around a charismatic speaker is that that is all the ministry is.  It can ignore one to one discipleship, training of student leaders, and the sending out of students to the next phase in their life.

I love big crowds.  But, there is more to college ministry than big crowds and the charisma of one person.   One College Minister I know who has had large ministries everywhere he has been is not a very good speaker.  He has a ton of ideas and works night and day.  Maybe, he is a WORKHORSE.

A Workhorse is defined this way by Collins English Dictionary, "they can be relied upon to do a large amount of work, especially work that is dull or routine.".  Bingo!  Don't worry if you are not a Rainmaker...most of us are not.....HOWEVER GOD USES WORKHORSES!

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

Unfair Criticisms in College Ministry

If we serve in any sort of "public ministry", we will receive feedback and criticism.  In this there are some that come as a result of lack of information or knowledge of the situation.

Here are what I believe are some UNFAIR CRITICISMS:

"That campus based church plant reaches way more students than the traditional campus model." This criticism was comparing a campus church with twenty five (25) staffers against a campus based ministry with two staffers.  Of course, a larger staff reaches more.  If we must compare numbers, divide the number involved by the number of staffers.

"The Ministry at this campus is not reaching nearly as many as the ministry at that campus." One of the things that can be very unfair in that criticism is that all campuses are not the same.  Comparing a residential campus against a primarily commuter campus is apples to oranges.  They are not the same.  Students' attitudes and availability time wise are very different.  A ministry with a $100,000 budget is different than one that is just fighting to keep the lights on.

"There must be something wrong with that ministry because that student is not involved and they were very involved at their home church."   (We have ALL gotten that one!)  Here is one problem with that criticism.  Being drug to church every Sunday by parents and sleeping on the back row during the service is NOT INVOLVED.  Secondly, the Campus Minister may have done everything within his or her power to connect a student. Part time jobs, friendships and school schedules are all factors in what students do.

"The College Minister was not in their office when I called at 9:00 a.m." First, a good College Minister should NOT always be in their office.  There are places on campus to be and there are meetings to be had off campus.  AND, College Ministers are often on campus until late in the evening.  Should they be at the office by 8:00 every morning?

"College Ministers beg for money too much."  An alum of our ministry once told me we were begging for money all the time because in our summer newsletter we asked alums to consider giving $25 a year to the ministry.  To me that is a long way from begging for money all the time.  Folks raising this CONCERN should be aware that many college ministries today are receiving less funding from churches due to the cutback in giving in local churches.  As funding goes down, ministry costs do not go down.  To do the same as ten years ago costs more.  Making people aware of a need is not the same as begging all the time.

"That college ministry does not send any students to our church."  That is true.  We do not get to determine where students go to church.  They make that decision.  We can inform and promote, but they choose where they go.

Hang in there when criticism comes.  At least they know you are there!  Learn who and what to listen to and then go on from there.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

5 College Ministry Resources

Several years ago I began to write some college ministry materials not because I thought I was smarter or knew more than other College Ministers.  I did it because no one in our tribe was writing and I thought someone should.  I encourage YOU to write something....I might even use it on my Blog.

Remember Cliffs Notes....they were a simple summary of a book or course.  Here is a quick word on each of the five materials I have written in recent years.

THE BIG 50
This is simply 50 brief paragraphs on a principle or idea for a college ministry.  You can buy it if you want to, however you can get it free by going to collegeministry.com and registering.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF COLLEGE MINISTRY
This originally started out as NINE SHAPING PRINCIPLES OF A COLLEGE MINISTRY and became the Ten Commandments when I added Freshmen Ministry to make number 10.  It is simply what I see as some basics of college ministry....not profound....just every day things that make it work.

DOING COLLEGE MINISTRY BETTER
Many years ago a group of us began to meet in the summer and talk about how we did things.  It was the most influential and beneficial event for my ministry.  One summer at this "sharefest" I ask each of these super College Ministers to write down what they thought the best thing or most effective actions in college ministry were.  Basically, each of these became a chapter.  Surprisingly to me, this is the BEST selling of the five.

25 TIPS FOR DEVELOPING COLLEGE MINISTRY LEADERS
Someone once told me we should write about what we do best.  Developing student leaders is a passion of mine.  I believe good and many student leaders grow and multiply our ministry as well as their benefiting the kingdom after their college days.  This is just 25 ways that we have done it at ASU.  They aint rocket science.  It is super simple!

FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY
This one is in paperback as well as eBook.  The paperback is often given out as a resource at College Minister Workshops.  I think it is my best in terms of specifically helpful.  But, a friend has told me that the negative title has hurt it and I think he is correct.  Most do not feel their ministry is broken.  It comes out of my own painful time starting at ASU and growing the ministry.  Basically, I think it can help any ministry go to the next level. It probably should have been titled "Your College Ministry Can be Even Better!"

Go to amazon.com and type in Arliss Dickerson and all of these will pop up.  It takes about an hour or so to read each.

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

Making the MOST of Your Thank You's

AS the semester begins to wind down and as some students are gone for the Thanksgiving Break, it is time to think about those tasks that do not get done often during the rush of the semester. If you follow my writing on college ministry much at all, you know I am a huge proponent of written thank you notes.  First, I think we should not take for granted what our financial contributors (individuals or churches) do for us and we need to let them know their gifts matter and make a difference.  But, there are others who need to be thanked for what they have done that made a difference in the ministry or encouraged you personally.  So, here are some of my thoughts on thank you's.

HANDWRITTEN THANKS YOU'S SAY THE MOST.
It may seem old fashioned, but a hand written thank you note demonstrates more time and care was taken in doing it.  It does not have to be long.  On a half sheet or a card, it can be as simple as three or four sentences.

GIVE A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE.
One way your note can be more is by giving a specific example of something that happened this semester that was a victory.  It can be the story of "Joe" who came to Christ or "we were able to do our first Freshmen Retreat because of your gift."  People remember and relate to stories.

PICTURES TELL STORIES.
Inserting a picture in your thank you note adds an extra dimension to it  It could be a picture of the Freshmen Leadership Team or a group picture made at one of your events, etc.  One year, one of my Associates sent a note to every Freshmen who was in a Freshmen Family Group and enclosed a picture of their group.

SOME OTHER IDEAS:
Go on line and make a card with a picture on it from this semester or a collage of pictures to use in writing your thank you notes.  A picture with a crowd of students in it says way more than you can ever write down.

Take a book to someone who has been especially a blessing to you and or your ministry.  It can be one you have just read and think they might enjoy it.

Take someone to lunch or for coffee (I do iced tea or diet coke).  Tell them when you call to set it up, that you just want to say thanks for what they have done.  This helps them know the purpose of the visit is NOT to ask for something else.  AND, don't ask for something else.

Does your boss or supervisor deserve a thank you from you?  Have they taken some heat for you or encouraged you when you needed it?  Supervisors get a lot more blame than thank you's.  Stun your supervisor with a thank you!

Saying thank you to your student leaders in some way helps them know they are not just taken for granted and what they do matters.

Remember to say thank you to your spouse who has put up with a whole lot this semester!  Putting it into words matters.....a note left somewhere they will find it can be meaningful.

I am GRATEFUL TO YOU  for reading my Blogs and for some I run into at meetings or wherever who tell me they read it.  Writing a Blog is like writing into a black hole....it is not like speaking or preaching to a room full of people who are responding back to you.  AND, SPECIAL THANKS to whoever it is that reads my Blog at 2:00 a.m.  I hope it is helping your insomnia!

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

A Winning Recipe in College Ministry

My wife, Sue, is great at doing, organizing and managing food for large group college student events.  In recent days I was being her assistant at such an event where the food had been provided by different ladies in a Bible Study group in which she is active.  It was lots of wonderful, homemade, real food.  The event was attended by one of the larger groups to attend any of their events this semester.  It included Christian and non-Christian students from a variety of countries. Some students were there for the first or second time.  It was a terrific worship, witness, and Thanksgiving event.

I was reminded of some basics that we should never forget.  Some years ago one of the committees of the Baptist Collegiate Net (BCNet) did a survey asking approximately 500 students why they attended a Christian event the first time.  These were the top seven answers in order of number of times it was listed:
7. Website
6.  Mail
5.  Social Media
4.  Advertising
3.  Food
2.  Appealing Event
1.  Someone invited me.

Some have interpreted the results of this survey to indicate that the only thing we should do to reach new students is to invite students and teach, urge our core students to invite others.  I think the actual truth is that it is more of a stew with several ingredients.

Often, a student may have seen advertising or gotten mail, etc and are interested, but this is not an action or a risk they are willing to take....to go somewhere new....where they do not know anyone already.  So, an invitation takes part of the fear and reluctance out of going.

THE WINNING RECIPE
I often hear College Ministers lament that their core students do not invite others as they should.  The winning recipe for the event just attended and was numbers 1, 2, and 3.  All of the homemade food made it an APPEALING EVENT.  It is easy to invite friends and acquaintances to an event like that.  It is easier for students to respond positively when they see something as an appealing event.  All of the advertised HOMEMADE FOOD made it an appealing event.  NO, I am not saying there must or should be food at every event.

As the leaders of a college ministry, one of our tasks....especially with special outreach events...is to do all we can to make it an APPEALING EVENT and to communicate that to our core students.  Advertising may communicate that it is an appealing event.  Social media may communicate that, etc.

Some years ago a local church College Minister who related to our campus asked me what the ONE THING was in getting students to attend something out of all the different things we did.  I thought it was interesting that he knew our ministry did lots of different things, but that I really knew it was only one thing.  IT IS A RECIPE FOR STEW!  Every ingredient in a stew counts.  But, some recipes call for more of one ingredient than some of the others.

Every event is not special...or....it is not special.  But, everything we do must be appealing in some way.  Would YOU ATTEND your events, if you were a non-committed or non-Christian student?  Sometimes, our own students do not invite as we wish they would because......some of what we are offering is NOT TOO APPEALING.  It is a reminder to do what we do with EXCELLENCE. 

Check the recipe for the events you are cooking!

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

End of the Semester Evaluation: 5 Questions to Ask

I am a huge proponent of evaluation and the end of the Fall Semester is one key point for evaluation.  It helps you know what to tweak, adjust, or continue full bore on for the Spring Semester.....AND, it will begin to shape your thoughts for NEXT FALL.

HERE ARE 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1.  WHAT DO THE STUDENTS THINK?
Handing out evaluations sheets at your large group events will get some response and varies in its helpfulness.  More in depth evaluation can and should happen with key leaders.  But, I also think it can be very helpful to sit down with some "Non-Key Leaders" who are reasonably actively involved to get their views on what matters, what doesn't, and what they see most impacting their lives.  Freshmen should be a specific focus for their thoughts and evaluation as well.  REMEMBER, some  freshmen who used to be connected regularly at the start of the fall and who do not come now might just be a key resource for valuable information.

2.  IS IT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS?
Everything we do costs something in terms of time, effort, student man power, etc besides money.  A key question to ask about some of your events or regular programs is, IS THE RESULT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?  It is not always a question of what is good or bad.  Sometimes, it is a question of is it too expensive in some way and those resources would be better spent in another way?

3.  ARE WE DOING IT OUT OF HABIT?
I am all about the value of long term, dug in things that we do where each year builds on top of another.  Yet, we need to ask the question, HAS IT WORN OUT AND WE REFUSE TO ADMIT IT?  This particularly may apply to some of our special, one time events, or fund raisers.

4.  IS MY TIME BEING SPENT THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY?
As the College Minister or leader of the ministry, YOU are the MOST VALUABLE TOOL AND ASSET of the ministry!  I know....pretty scary to realize and admit some times.  But, it is true.  Is your time being invested most in what is priority and what makes the greatest difference in your ministry and in the lives of your students?  This is a good question to ask your students in their evaluation.  We all have pulls on our time....ARE WE LETTING OTHERS SET OUR TIME AGENDA?  This is not all within our control, but much of it is.  Your time is just as valuable or more valuable than the money your ministry has....is it being spent to the best use?  Are you doing what God called you to do?

5.  WHO DO I NEED TO THANK?
The end of the calendar year is always a time that contributors need to be thanked in the most personal way possible and to know their giving matters!  This is where your personal notes may make the greatest difference.  But, are there others who stepped in and did something that helped you?  Is there someone who does some little thing all the time that is a plus to your ministry?  Don't forget to express genuine gratitude to your student leaders....don't take their time and commitment for granted.  Have you thanked the Lord for allowing you to be where you are, doing what you are doing?

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

5 Easy Mistakes for College Ministers

These are those mistakes we make without being intentional in some of our actions.  Or, it can be those that just happen as we are always busy and just trying to make it from one event to another.

1.  NOT KEEPING ATTENDANCE RECORDS
Several years ago I began marking the attendance for our Lunch Program and Worship Event on a chart by the week number....Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, etc.  I kept it on large chart where I could record it year after year.  Here is how it benefited me.  I could see the patterns of the ebb and flow of the semester.  Attendance often went down on Week 5, etc.  That was a big week on campus.  But, remember count...don't estimate.

2.  THINKING YOU ARE LOUIE GIGLIO
Louie is likely the premier college/young adult communicator of this generation.  He has a special gift in that area.  As many College Ministers attend Passion or other events where Louie speaks, they began to try to make all their events re-create Passion, etc with themselves as the featured speaker.  We have lots of great speakers, we have lots of good speakers.  We have lots of adequate speakers.  Use YOUR gifts...don't try to imitate Louie.

3.  IGNORING CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORS
Campus Administrators literally hold the keys to the campus.  They can help you.  They can hurt you.  They can ignore you.  If they know you AND come to TRUST you, they are likely to help you....or at least not hinder you.

4.  HANDLE MONEY CLUMSILY
I have never been aware of a College Minister stealing money from his or her ministry.  But, I do see ministries where people wonder about the money.  Is it used wisely?  Is it recorded well and are there adequate records?  And, yes I have heard people say, "I don't think he is dishonest...but...".

5.  HAVE OBVIOUS STUDENT FAVORITES
Of course, we are closer to some students than others.  We will spend more time with our key leaders.  But, we must work at spreading our conversations and interest around....particularly at our large group, yall come events. One student who loved his college ministry and staff said he wished they had relationships with a wider variety of students.  Don't waste precious visiting time before and after an event talking to those you know the best.


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources. He is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

Doing College Ministry LONG Term...7 Suggestions

Due to being 112 years old, I get asked often about doing college ministry long term.  I was in a meeting last week where a "middle aged" College Minister expressed his desire to to it well for the long term.  I do NOT believe college ministry is just for the young.  College students need the wisdom of all ages.  I am grateful to continue to be asked to write and speak on doing it long term.  You can check out my article, "What is the PERFECT Age to do College Ministry?" at the bottom of my Blog site.

Here are 7 Thoughts on Doing College Ministry Long Term:

1.  DO IT DIFFERENTLY!
There was a time when I realized my basketball jump shot had become a "tip toe shot".  It was time to quit playing basketball with my students.  That is all that meant.  College Ministry is not based on your ability to play basketball or do all night card games.  If it is, it is time to change no matter your age.
-As you age and grow in experience, invest more in your student leaders.  Teach and demonstrate to them how to do some of the up front things.  Invest in leadership development!
-Look for those who feel called to college ministry and would like to learn from an "old pro".  They may serve as a volunteer, part time staffer, or even raise their own salary for the opportunity.

2.  KEEP CONTACT WITH STUDENTS.
I like college students and think they are way more interesting than people my age (Don't tell my friends!).
- Eat with college students and listen to them.
-Walk across the campus and through the Student Center every day.  Don't hide in your office.
-Periodically, get a group together for pizza, coffee, or cokes and ask them questions about the ministry and what they think.  Listen to what they say.

3.  WORK THE SEASONS.
Go hard when school is going on.  Go slower when school is out for a break.  Use the different change of pace times well.  There is a difference in loafing and pace.  Don't loaf, but do pace yourself.
-Do prep work for all your talks for the next semester.  That makes the semester easier and less stressful.
-Spend some extra family time.
-During slower times do some things that invest in YOU.  Go to a meeting that blesses you.

4.  HAVE FRIENDS!!
Seriously, have some friends that are NOT college students.
-Have college ministry friends you can talk with regularly that understand.
-Have friends that are "real people" and do other things, so you know something about other things and life and don't think college ministry 24/7.

5.  NURTURE FAMILY.
Many wind up leaving college ministry because of family strains or guilt over neglect of family.
-Have a night or nights that are "family only".
-Go to your kids' program at school instead of meeting with one more student.
-It will benefit students to see you have a healthy family life.  They may not have seen that at home.
-Go to lunch once a week with your spouse.

6.  DO PROJECTS THAT GIVE YOU A SENSE OF SATISFACTION.
One of the things that kills College Ministers is the feeling of working all the time and not getting much accomplished....because it is a never ending task.
-During a slower time, write a Bible study you have always wanted to write.
-If you are a "handy person", plan a project where you will build the shelves your Center needs or you will paint that room that looks like students have had their feet all over it.

7.  USE YOUR CONTACTS TO ENHANCE THE MINISTRY.
The school administration may trust you more and open some doors due to that trust.  See what your options might be.
-Instead of speaking every time, bring in some of your alums or that great pastor friend from across the state to speak.
-Ask for money.  I know...we all hate it.  But, having some extra money can open up some opportunities and benefit the ministry...or the staff.

Most large college ministries are led by "old pros".  We need more "old pros".  The greater satisfaction you experience in your ministry, the better it will go and the more God can use your unique gifts!

Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print available at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).  He serves as a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.

College Students TOP 3 ISSUES?

We are always working at understanding the current generation and those to whom we minister.  The issue of porn is a growing one...and particularly in relationship to young women.  It used to be considered a guy's issue.  An argument can be made for this being the top issue.  However, I don't think it is.

The TOP THREE ISSUES are:

1.  Loneliness

2.  Anxiety

3.  Lack of Community

This was said in a planning meeting this week with a group of college ministry pros and and I agree.  Quite simply, these are the result of our tech generation.  Young adults look at social media and  see that others are "living a perfect life".  Something must be wrong with them is the feeling.  Because our phones occupy us, our society is losing the ability to communicate and connect.

Do you agree that these are the top ISSUES?  How is your ministry working to deal with these issues?  Understanding the issues is always part of the solution.  Loving college students is always part of the solution.  So, get off your phone or computer and go love on some college students....please.  And, thanks for doing it!

Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson) and is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.

"When College Students Pray" by Kim Carson

Kim Carson serves as Baptist Campus Minister at California University of Pennsylvania.

One of my favorite experiences as a campus minister is praying with students.  I enjoy teaching them how to pray out loud and encouraging them to pray specifically for the things on their heart.  See You at the Pole (SYATP), a global day of student prayer at the end of September, is one of my favorite days of the year because we pray together for our campus, community, and world.  It has been an encouraging time to collaborate with the other Cal U campus ministries.  When students pray, they connect with God.  When students pray, they have more peace.  When students pray, our campus is changed for the better.  We may never know the total impact of our prayers, but God assures us that he hears us when we pray.

Prayerwalking has been an important part of my life at Cal U for a few years and it is incredible to share it with students.  When students come for the first time, they are curious and nervous.  By the end of their first walk around campus, they have more confidence and more peace.  We connect together in prayer, and we ask for God to open our eyes to see Cal U as He sees it and our minds to pray in alignment with His will.  Where most students struggle to stay focused on any one thing for more than 5 minutes, they find they can stay focused on prayer for over half an hour when we are prayerwalking.  If you would like to pray along side us, I encourage you to say a prayer for us and for Cal U when we are prayerwalking on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

From Arliss:  Often we encourage students to pray but we do not teach them how to pray or pray aloud with them and help them learn to pray aloud.  A key part of teaching discipleship with our students is praying with them and encouraging them in growing in prayer.  Kim Carson is one of those fabulous College Ministers that raises her own salary in order to serve where she does.


Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (Type in Arliss Dickerson) and is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.

NEW Ideas in College Ministry????

We all have our tribes and circles in which we travel and communicate.  That is natural and usually helpful.  This week in visiting with a ministry colleague, he told me he was being given a sabbatical to study what others were doing in his area which is youth ministry.  He said he was wrestling with where to go and who to talk to in trying to learn and see some new ideas.  He said, "I have visited some really large ministries in the past and they are just a bigger version of what I am already doing."

One well worn definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result".  Thinking inside the same boxes results in recycling the same thoughts.  Here is an outside the box thought:

LEARN FROM THOSE WITH WHOM YOU DISAGREE.

We may disagree with someone's theology or methodology, but does that mean they have no good ideas?  Does that mean they do not do anything right or well?  As we continue to try to learn and grow in understanding this generation and reaching this generation, who are others doing it?  Where is some ministry doing it well?  Even if you disagree with their methods, seeing what they do might give you an idea that would benefit your ministry.

Is there another very different ministry whose large group worship event you could visit?

Do other college ministries have written materials you could read?

Is there an affordable regional or national seminar put on by this group that you could attend?

Could you go to a nearby campus and take the leader of a totally different ministry to lunch and get their thoughts on how and why they do what they do?  (They might even learn something from you.)

I am all about learning from people in situations similar to ours and with those who share similar philosophies.  But, if you are looking for new and different thoughts or ideas, look in new and different places.  A ministry's theology may be totally different than yours but their methodology is genius....or maybe at least offers a few good ideas.

An easy way to mine ideas from different ministries is to go to a large university campus with lots of college ministry centers and simply walk through each one and see how their facilities are arranged, what their posters say, announce, what handouts are available, etc.

I am crazy enough to believe no one ministry or group has all the good ideas!  Really!!

Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com and is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.

Dealing with Criticism in College Ministry

When I am totally honest with myself, I have to admit that deep down I have quite a bit of "people pleaser" in me.  Most of us have some degree of it.  So, when criticism comes, it can be painful and difficult to know how to properly deal with it.  So, here are my thoughts on causes and possible ways to face and deal with it.

1.  Listen to see if there is any validity to it.  

I once heard a nationally known Christian leader say when criticism came his way he just ignored it because he knew he was doing God's work.  The problem with that is the assumption that we are ALWAYS right.  None of us make the right call every time.

2.  Consider the source.

Some people are just critical and will always be critical or they have an axe to grind.  We usually know who those folks are.  Sometimes, we should even rejoice in their criticism.  We cannot let the criticism of the "Always Critical" be a factor in who we are or what we do.

3.  Remember, imperfect choices lead to criticism.

Sometimes the choices we have in a decision are not best for everybody and we must make the one that is the best of poor choices.  We will get some criticism and just remind ourselves we did the best we could with a less than perfect situation.  That is one of the prices of being in a leadership role.

4.  Communication is a key.

In this day of multiple ministries on many campuses by churches and campus based ministries, there will be bumping into each other which leads to criticism.  While there is never a perfect answer to this, communication with all entities goes a long way.  When people know what we are doing, why we are doing it and what our heart is about it, much of the criticism will disappear.

5.  Be Kingdom minded!

As egotistical as I am, it is easy for me to think that God works best through me and what I am trying to do.  However, in my heart...and my SOUL....I know that God is using lots of other people as well.....and maybe SOMETIMES better.  Teach yourself to, if not rejoice in good things happening with others, at least RESPECT it.  RESPECT erases lots of criticism.  When we treat others with respect, they are more likely to treat us with respect.

6.  Pour out your frustration.

I am a huge believer in having someone you can speak to with total honesty....besides your spouse.  It may be a College Minister in another location who is only a call away.  Have someone that loves you, will listen to you and SPEAK BACK to you when necessary.  This helps you not be critical AND to know what criticism needs to be ignored or heard.  Don't wait till you are ready to explode to have these conversations. But, don't do all of this with your spouse, which puts a huge burden on them and they sometimes then suffer more than you do.

7.  Jealousy can run both ways.

Sometimes we are criticized because someone is jealous of what our ministry is accomplishing.  AND, sometimes we criticize because we are jealous.  Realizing both sides of that helps us deal with it.  

8.  Consider speaking to your critic about it when it has to come to you by another source.

If there is something you need to learn, this will allow that to happen.  If the critic is being unfair, this may silence the criticism.  UNJUST CRITICS prefer to function in the dark.  Even if the criticism cannot be resolved, often when a critic feels their concern has been heard, this will soften or eliminate the criticism.

9.  Don't focus on criticism!!

It is easy for us to hear the negative voices and focus on them.  Teach yourself to not let that be your focus and remember, WE WILL BE CRITICIZED WHEN WE DO GOD'S WORK......SOME WILL BE JUST AND SOME WILL BE FALSE AND UNFAIR.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

Holy Huddle Appeal in College Ministry?

Some years ago a person issued a blistering criticism of me and the ministry that I led saying that many of those who came were "lukewarm Christians".  I celebrated that criticism!

Since all of my years of on campus ministry have been in the deep south/Bible Belt, a concern and calling of mine has always been connecting to and challenging those students who made a profession of faith at camp or in their home church when they were younger and then over time either drifted away from it or never quite knew what to do about it.  They had never either been helped or willing to take the next step to discipleship.  We were fortunate to see many of these type students begin to respond to God's Spirit in their lives and take that next step and begin to serve and lead.

As our society more and more divides into two camps that yell at each other, we sometimes see that happening with Christian students.  There are the super committed and the "not quite there" group.  Rather than drawing them closer to a deeper walk with the Lord, I fear we often push them away.  That's why I am all about our Christian gatherings for college students being both fun and serious.  There is a little bit of something that everyone can relate to in our gatherings.  But, it seems that sometimes we make our worship gatherings endurance contests to prove how serious we are about the Lord.

 I might argue that we now have three different groups of students that have different concerns, questions and issues related to faith.  There are the non-Christians, the committed Christians and the "lukewarn Christians".  In our justified concern for reaching out to the lost students on our campus, are we forgetting the students that are not in the "Holy huddle"?  Perhaps they are not lukewarm, they just do not fit in a "Holy Huddle"?

I have shared in the past about the student who asked me if our church collegiate gathering was two or three hours long.  I thought she might be joking but indicated she had been to another Christian campus event where that had happened on the night before she had a serious test that needed more study time.  As the trend grows for speakers to go longer, are we giving more content and encouragement for growth or are we developing a "Holy Huddle Appeal"?  You show how committed you are, if you can attend one of our events and last all the way through it.  A college student not having three hours for a worship event does not indicate they are not serious about their faith.  It may just indicate they are a Christian AND an engineering student or an architectural student, etc.

A friend who is on a well known Ivy League campus says many of his students will not go on a two night retreat.  They simply cannot or won't be away from their studies that long.  Are they less committed?

As you think about your ministry, what group does your ministry best connect to....the huddle, the non-Believer, or the lukewarm?  Is there a reason for that?  And, remember the lukewarm may not even be lukewarm, they just may have less time to give.

Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com.  He also serves as a part time consultant in college ministry for Lifeway Christian Resources.

Defining Success in College Ministry

How do you measure your own success?  Some in college ministry carry a load of guilt for "not being successful" or even quit the ministry entirely.  Many people determine success based on their ability to "fill a room" or lead great numbers of students to Christ.  Other determine their success by being "the biggest ministry in town" or "the largest ministry on campus" and those are all tempting.

What is a realistic formula for success?  I believe that we often let others determine our definition of success and that can lead to great frustration.  Yet, you can feel successful and those to whom you are responsible  do see you as successful.  There are even those who wind up reporting false numbers in order to appear successful.

Here are what I believe are elements of a realistic and honest success formula:

1. EXPECTATIONS:  Simply put, what do you have to do to keep your job?  Do you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you and are honestly trying to do that?

2.  SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND STRENGTHS:  The New Testament clearly teaches that God has made us unique and wants to use us in the areas where He has gifted us.  The danger in comparing our self and our success to someone else is that we may have very distinctly different God given gifts.  Some are organizers, some are preacher/speakers, and some are great one to one witnesses, etc.  A sense of success comes from using to the best of our ability the things God has placed in our life.  Are you exercising your gifts in the ministry or are you trying to be someone else?  Make sure you are maxing your strengths.

3. CAMPUS OR CHURCH SETTING:  Your ministry setting helps determine what you can and cannot do and achieve.  All campuses are different and all churches are different and if you continually compare yourself to different situations, it will likely keep you from finding God's purpose and best use of you in YOUR setting.

4.  RESOURCES:  Whether you run your ministry out of a backpack, a broom closet, or a magnificent new facility, your resources will and must help define your definition of success.  You can always learn something from another ministry.  But, comparing yourself and your ministry against the 13 staff, mega budget ministry is futile and leads to huge frustration. How are you doing with what you have?  But, don't let that be an excuse either.

5.  SATISFACTION:  Satisfaction is in many ways more important than success.  I know successful people (at least in our eyes) who have no sense of satisfaction.  The degree to which you are satisfied with your work is something of a reliable barometer in deciding if you are doing what God has called and equipped you to do.  What is it your ministry you lead has to do to provide you with a personal sense of satisfaction?  I have a friend who is all about taking student teams to China.  Because this outreach is very important to him, these trips are key in helping him define his work as successful.  What are your "hot button" issues that must be a part of your ministry for your own sense of success......apart from what anyone else thinks?

A HINT:  Learn who to ignore!  There will always be critics.  There are always those who think we need to do something else or we are not doing their pet project to their satisfaction....or they just are critical.  It is a compliment to be criticized by some!  Learning who to rightfully ignore will go a long way toward enhancing your personal satisfaction.

FINALLY, your definition of success mus be determined  by what you can control and the responsibility you have accepted from your bosses, supervisor, etc.  Are you doing what you believe God has called you to do?  Are you working HARD AND SMART?  It is possible to work HARD AND STUPID!  Keep being faithful to God's call on your life in the best way possible.

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five college ministry books available in eBook at amazon.com B00FDUVKCO.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is available in paperback at amazon.

The Secret Sauce for Commuter College Ministry?

I know the secret sauce to commuter college ministry.....and I have a bridge in Brooklyn I want to sell you.  A friend recently posted on a college ministry page that he would like to know what others had found to be effective in reaching commuters.  Immediately, he got two responses.  They were just what I would expect.  They said, "When you find out, let us know.".  I have been asked at different times who has it figured out in commuter college ministry.

Here is what I and others do know:

1.  Students on Commuter campuses think differently.
It is not just that some students live on campus and some live at home.  Many commuter campus students do not think like college students.  They think like young working adults who are taking some classes.  They are NOT PRIMARILY COLLEGE STUDENTS.  This often holds true of commuters who attend residential campuses but have never left home.  Many students attend commuter campuses because they are reluctant to leave home.  They are not as assertive and outgoing as many students.  Or, they are only on a commuter campus until they can transfer to a "real college" in their mind.  One commuter campus College Minister when asked what he had learned he said, "They leave.".  Your ministry must THINK DIFFERENTLY!

2.  Commuter students time on campus varies radically from one group to another.
Some go only at night.  Others go only two or three days a week.  Many fit their classes around work schedules.  And, that is another complicating factor.  Their free time is often non-existent or is at unusual times.  One commuter campus College Minister has found some success by having his weekly large group event at two times on the same day.  One is at 4:00 p.m. and the other is at 9:00 p.m.  The 4:00 o'clock time is for those students who can come after class and prior to going to work.  The 9:00 o'clock time works for those who have gotten off work by that time.  Who has a large group worship event at 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon?  That is the difference in commuter ministry.

3.  Commuter campus students tend to have little or no pride in their school.
Some years ago I led a Bible study at a large youth camp for college students who were there as counselors/sponsors.  Each time on the first day for a get acquainted time, I would have each tell their name, where they went to school, and one thing they liked about their college.  Students from a large commuter campus in our state would say, "I can't think of anything I like about it."  There is not a sense of loyalty or built in sense of wanting to connect or be a part of anything.

 HOWEVER THERE IS GOOD NEWS.

1.  A ministry that projects a pride in what it is doing and obviously is something done with excellence has an appeal to students that find that lacking overall and are looking for it. A friend who works on a primarily commuter campus promotes a theme, "We love our campus." and has found traction with it both with students AND the administration.

2.  Commuter campus Administrators are often anxious to work with anyone who is providing campus events and promoting a sense of pride in being there and giving students a sense of belonging instead of, "I am just here till I can transfer."  College Ministers working in these situations must make all the administrative connections possible.

3.  Students do not leave town on weekends or for holidays.  Weekends and even holidays may provide more opportunities for connecting with and having students attend events as their time schedule has opened up more.  They may still be working, but they do not have class.  Friday night or Saturday night events with a meal or a ballgame gathering may be a good option.  One church had success with ballgame watch parties with a Bible study at half time.

4.  Many campuses administrations are open to partnering with campus groups who are doing disaster relief trips.  If you are Southern Baptist, no one does a better job of providing disaster relief options and projects.  This also fits with today's students' desire to be socially active and can be weekend or holiday.

Commuter students need a relationship to Jesus Christ just like dorm students do.  And, as college costs grow, this will become more and more the norm for students to at least attend a commuter campus for their first year or two.  Too often we have tried to do the same thing on commuter campuses that we do on residential campuses.  The first step to the "Secret Sauce" is acknowledging that they are two different birds!

Arliss Dickerson's book, "A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula" is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and "Reaching MORE College Students" is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

What's The Crossroads for Your College Campus?

In ancient times Crossroads where two or more major trade routes intersected became gathering places.  They were places where goods were traded, news was shared and information was passed.  Paul in his missionary journeys went to "Crossroads Cities".  The Gospel spread from there as people went on to other places.

I am convinced there are "Crossroads" on college campuses that we must identify and use.  Long ago when I first came to Arkansas State University, students still got mail and received Care packages from home in the mail.  We discovered that most students would go to the campus Post Office on their way to their 9:00 o'clock class or their 10:00 o'clock class.  So, I would often stand out in front of the Post Office from 8:30 to 9:00 and 9:30 to 10:00....especially at the first of the fall semester or Lunch Program days.  I would see students involved in our ministry and they would introduce me to others as they came by.

 When we began to be serious about trying to grow our Lunch Program on campus, we would put out signs advertising the Lunch Program at "Sidewalk Crossroads" where as many as four or five walks would converge from different parts of the campus.  As the morning progressed, we would move them to different "Crossroads" that more fit that time of the day.

When I went back to ASU as the Acting BCM College Minister, I would eat in the main cafeteria twice a week.  I would see core students and meet new students.  Campus eating places are Crossroads.

Where are the Crossroads on your campus?  Where do students pass by?  What is the prime "Crossroads time"?  One of my "Rules for College Ministers"  is WALK THROUGH THE STUDENT CENTER EVERY DAY.  The Student Center is a Crossroad.  Utilize it and KNOW the TIMES to be there.

Some are finding Crossroads in different Social Media and the way they utilize it with certain hashtags, belonging to certain groups, etc. "Campus Crossroads" come in all different ways.

Are YOU finding and utilizing the different Crossroads on your campus?  Every campus has Crossroads....they just vary campus to campus and year to year.


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format at amazon.com.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is available in paperback.

The 2 Biggest Killers of College Ministers

Some would say low pay which forces some out of college ministry is the number one killer of College Ministers.  Others would say it is the long sometimes crazy hours.  Or, an argument can be made for growing older and no longer being able to relate to college students effectively.  A good case can be made for for all of these and most of us know someone that left for one of these reasons,  But, I don't believe any of these is "the main killer".

The TWO TOP KILLERS are COMPARISON and FEELING ALONE.

COMPARISON - Most of us who do or have done college ministry know the feeling of working yourself silly and not seeing the response we hoped to see and seeing another ministry with bigger crowds, etc.  Or, we are wrestling with tough issues and other ministries just seem to glide along each year.  Comparison is evil!  Comparison is wrong!  Comparison is UN-CHRISTIAN!  I do it all the time!!  Maybe, I'm the only out of control sinner in college ministry.....maybe.

  HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU COMPARE:

1.  You never know all that is going on in another ministry.

2.  Numbers represent people, but a big crowd is not all there is to it.  One of my students suggested we name our worship band, "Free Beer".  He said then we could advertise, "Free Beer at the BCM Thursday Night".  I think we would have had a great crowd that one night.  A crowd is not the only measure of success.

3.  Long haul faithfulness beats short term flashes.  Sometimes, we compare ourselves to the "latest hot thing".  Your ministry was there doing well long before the flash and will likely be there going strong after the flash has faded or moved on.  There is always some ministry you can compare yours to and feel a miserable failure.

4.  Comparison tempts you to do things that don't fit with your skills or even cause you to be continually changing your ministry instead of building on proven methods.

FEELING ALONE  or NO ONE CARES BUT ME - As much of a killer as comparison is, I believe feeling alone and no one else cares is ten times worse! I think it is the number one killer of College Ministers.  People leaving college ministry because of low salaries and needing to provide for growing families, etc is just a symptom of feeling no one cares.  "If people cared, they would provide us with decent salaries and insurance."  "If people cared, I would have a decent budget for this campus."

THINGS TO DO AND REMEMBER WHEN YOU FEEL NO ONE CARES:

1.  Have one or two friends in college ministry you can talk to every week and fuss to....be totally honest.

2.  Don't isolate yourself just with college students and your ministry.  Our crazy hours and schedule tend to take us out of "the normal adult world".  Several years ago my wife said to me, "You don't know how to to talk to anyone but college students".  I was working on campus all week and teaching college student Sunday School.  I started teaching an adult class and suddenly had more friends.  I found out others cared and they learned some things to care about.

3.  Go to regional and national conferences that rejuvenate you, remind you of your calling, and connect with with old and new friends....who GET what you do.

4.  Take a day or two off occasionally.  The Bible seems to say it is a sin to work 7 days a week....except if you are in the ministry? I have a friend who works like crazy....then, he takes a couple days off and goes hunting.  For a period of years, I took Tuesday afternoon off and scheduled no campus events on Tuesday nigh (We had Monday and Thursday night events and I went to church on Wednesday nights.) I would pick my girls up at at school AND we even ate supper at a NORMAL time. My girls are grown now and I am really glad I did that!   I worked hard and lots....just not on Tuesday afternoons and night.

My observations and that of others, that know far more than I do, indicates that the strongest, largest or most successful and impacting college ministries are those led by College Ministers who have been doing it long term.  To have lots of strong college ministries, we need to have more College Ministers who are not killed out of college ministry by COMPARISON and FEELING NO ONE CARES!


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format at amazon.com.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is available in paperback.

College Ministry Positions in Utah and Idaho

Ben Neiser serves as Campus Minister at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and is also the Collegiate Network Coordinator for the Utah/Idaho Southern Baptist Convention.  He has provided the following information.

Our ministry, Intersect, is in great need of laborers.  We have had several short term missions partnerships and two Semester Missionaries.  What we need is more long term ministry partnerships to form.  I would be happy to speak with anyone about the following opportunities.

CAMPUS MISSIONARY INTERN WITH INTERSECT - BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, PROVO
-35,000 enrollment with less than 50 known born again believers.
-The CMI will assist in the areas of prayer, evangelism and outreach events.

CAMPUS MISSIONARY WITH INTERSECT - UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY, OREM, UT
-40,000 entrollment

PRODUCER - INTERSECT PODCAST & YOU TUBE SHOW
-This is the online format to our evangelistic ministry of Intersect.

CAMPUS MISSIONARY - UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, LOGAN, UT
-23,000 enrollment

CAMPUS MISSIONARY - BYU-IDAHO, REXBURG, ID
-21,000 enrollment

CHARACTERISTICS WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
-Highly intentional in evangelism and discipleship
-Not intimidated by a cross cultural mission field.

GENERAL DETAILS OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS:
-At least a one year commitment.
-Positions can be used as ministry intern experience.
-Can be filled by an individual seeking a permanent position.
-These positions are self-funded or bi-vocational.
-These positions can be held by current seminary students.  A seminary degree or pursuit of a seminary degree is not a prerequisite for these positions.

I will be happy to talk with anyone wanting more information.  You can contact me, BenNeiser@gmail.com or 870.926.5461.


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format for 99 cents at amazon.com.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is available in paperback.

7 Deadly Sins of a College Minister

1.  Not getting the contact info of a new student who attends your church or event.

2.  Poor relationships with supporting churches for a campus based College Minister.

3.  Not writing personal thank you notes to contributors or others who are helping you do what you do.

4.  Not being clearly appropriate or above reproach in opposite sex relationships, meetings, etc.

5.  Loose handling or accounting of finances and cash payments handed to you.

6.  Not balancing family, ministry, and personal/spiritual self care.

7.  Not understanding spoken and unspoken expectations of stakeholders, employers, and/or supervisors.


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

Two IMPORTANT College Ministry Dates

SEPTEMBER 30 - Monday, September 30th is the deadline to submit proposals to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to be considered for one of their $500 grants to be given to five different college ministries.  The proposal is to state what your ministry would do with the money and the possible impact or continuing value it would be to the on-going nature of your ministry or to the witness to the campus.  For information or to submit your proposal, email Dr. Beth Masters at bmasters@nobts.edu.  Beth serves as College Ministry Professor at NOBTS and is a friend to all of us that do college ministry. 

OCTOBER 10 - Engage24 is a 24 hour period focused on engaging the world with the good news of Christ.  While Engage24 is intensely focused on a single day of evangelism, the mission is to promote a 24/7 lifestyle of evangelism and engagement with the gospel.  Some campus ministries will do special projects on that day and others will focus on the one to one sharing of their students in their daily activities.  While this date has been set as the designated Engage24 date in the past, a specific day was not selected for this year.  However, many campus ministries have indicated that this will be the date for their emphasis as it has worked well within their school and ministry calendar.  Each campus can determine what will work best for them.


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry (Doing College Ministry Better; 25 Tips for Developing College Ministry Leaders; The Big 50: 50 Ideas and Principles for Growing Your College Ministry; The 10 Commandments of College Ministry).  They are available for 99 cents each in eBook format at amazon.com.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is available in paperback: Amazon.com/dp/B0741DM1CD 

The UNFORGIVABLE SIN in College Ministry??

Some years ago speaking to a group of College Ministers, I said off the top of my head that the unforgivable sin in college ministry is not getting a students name and contact information.  Others would say it is not sharing the Gospel, etc.  And, I certainly would not disagree with any of those assertions.

Here is my point with not getting a student's name and contact info being unforgivable.  If we do not know their name and how to connect with them, we may never see them again and there is nothing we can do about it....unless they choose to show up or connect with us again.  Students are more reluctant these days to share contact info and I am keenly aware of that.  However, we must give them the opportunity to give us that information AND we must be conscious of our knowing their name and or teaching our student leaders to connect with new students and get their name...their FULL name.

How many times have you asked one of your core students, "Who was that new student you were visiting with?"  And, they say, "His name was Sam.....Great, what was his last name?"  And, they do not know.  To me that is almost more frustrating than knowing nothing.  I have spent lots of time trying to figure out who Sam was and trying to find him...to no avail.

One way some ministries get names is through their Welcome Tables.  As students come into the event, core students at the Welcome Tables do a name tag for everyone (mailing labels work as well and are CHEAPER.) and if they do not know them, ask them if they would be willing to fill out an Info Card.  Most will.  Picking the right personalities for a Welcome Table is key too.

Yet, another part of this name business is knowing who has been and has not been in awhile.  About the third  or fourth week of school is the time to be aware of who has not been since the first week or so.  Weekly large group worship events usually have lots of visitors during those first couple of weeks.  Some freshmen are at everything.  THEN, they have that first series of tests and it scares them and they disappear.  If no one misses them and let's them know that, why should they come back?

Some use Sign-In Sheets at the entrance or at the Welcome Tables.  Obviously, there are some more tech savvy approaches.  Some are utilizing IPads where a student simply can go in and check their attendance when they arrive.  Others use different aps that allow a student to text a certain number and that records their presence and they ask everyone to do it at some point during the event.

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK:
1.  Are you working at in some way or other getting students' names and contact info when they come for the first time?  Are you teaching your core students to do it?

2.  Are you able to some way or other track if a student has been or not been to any of your events in two or three weeks?  You can look at Sign-In lists.  You can check your Tech sheet, etc.

 There is a fine line between badgering someone about their involvement and demonstrating that you care and that they matter.  The problem is that fine line is different with different students.  HOWEVER,  I decided a long time ago I would rather a student feel I was badgering them than for them to think I did not care.

The SWEETEST SOUND ON EARTH is someone calling your name when you feel alone or that it has been a long, hard, bad six test week.  A text during big test weeks, flu season when folks are missing can be an encouragement. It can be as simple as, "Missed your face lately, hope tests or the flu hasn't gotten you down.  Yell, if I can help."

Arliss Dickerson is a part time consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format for 99 cents each at amazon.com.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is also in paperback.

Pros and Cons of College Ministry Spirit Groups

This weekend the University of Georgia Baptist Collegiate Ministry Spirit Group, "The Paint Crew" gained national attention on both television and other media by honoring the memory of Wendy Anderson at the UGA, Arkansas State football game.  Mrs. Anderson, the wife of the ASU Head Coach Blake Anderson, recently passed away from breast cancer.  It raises again the discussion about the pluses and minuses of Christian ministries doing spirit groups.

Some see these groups as a distraction from the ministry of being a witness and discipleship group which is their purpose.  Others argue that they bring positive recognition to these ministries.  Having been the leader of a campus ministry that has done such a group, I am aware of many of the arguments on both sides.  But, a simple answer is, not every ministry should do these spirit groups.  They take time, energy, and resources......AND they occasionally can come back to bite you.

PLUSES OF MINISTRY SPIRIT GROUPS

-Such groups that paint up at ball games can be a plus in connecting to guys.  Reaching guys is another whole issue in college ministry these days.  These type groups can be a plus there.
-They help combat the idea that some have that Christian groups are just some poor withdrawn from the real world group huddled somewhere in a corner.
-It brings campus wide awareness to the ministry.  One of the pluses of any college ministry is to be known campus wide in a positive way.
-Such groups done well and in good taste develop positive relationships with the administration and open other doors with the school.  One campus ministry had a woman they sponsored elected to the Homecoming court and immediately was invited to participate in upcoming new student events.

MINUSES OF MINISTRY SPIRIT GROUPS

-They take time and energy.  Someone has to organize and make sure it is happening AND done in a quality way.
-Greek Groups (Fraternities and Sororities) sometimes view these groups as "competing" in their territory. Therefore, they  feel they cannot or should not participate in these ministries because it is like quitting your sorority or fraternity to join a competing one.
-Quite simply, the ministry can lose sight of its purpose and just become another social group on campus.  Often, when groups attain some recognition and awareness like this, then they are invited to participate in other "club activities" on campus.  A ministry has to be diligent to not lose sight of its purpose and focus.
-Bad Behavior by these groups.  Students can get caught up in the heat of the game and misbehave which reflects on the ministry.  One ministry suspended their football spirit group mid-season due to some of their students throwing things at the opposing team, etc.  Those actions are on the ministry!

A frustration expressed by some who do such groups is that often the groups are not attributed to the ministry by the school or the media.  Seemingly, this is done in order to not be seen as "promoting a particular religion".

Again, these groups are not for every ministry.  Each individual situation calls for a different and unique answer....like much in college ministry.  Every campus is different!

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry.  They are available for 99 cents each in eBook format at amazon.com.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is in paperback.

Can a College Ministry Weekly Event be "Too Churchy"?

I love the wide variety of Christian events for college students I see and attend on campuses and in churches.  I love the informality, the energy, and creativity.  Some College Ministers say they "speak" weekly and others say they "preach". I think the differences sometimes refer to style or just a difference in terminology.  But, to me it raises the question, "Is it possible for college ministry events to be too churchy?"

One of the ideas I have been committed to my whole ministry on campuses as a ministry of local churches is that we not replace the church where there are lots of great local church options.  For church College Ministers, I would say there is always the line of tension that the college ministry does not in reality become a separate church from those who are not college students.

A great concerns of our time is the large number of college students who have come to faith in Christ and been active in a church walking away from faith and church while in college.  Some studies indicate they are not coming back.....at least immediately following college. To me part of connecting with and helping those who have "Prodigaled" (a new term I've heard lately for those who have walked away.) is that we do things that specifically relate to where they are, but not replace church itself.

As a College Minister that has spoken for a weekly event and spoken in Sunday Worship services at churches, I would have to tell you that my Sunday preaching is very different from my Thursday talks.  As you would guess, these talks were a lot about "Love, Sex, and Marriage"; "Relationships"; "Setting Priorities" and even "Time Management".  College student events give us the opportunity to speak about things we would not do in Sunday Sermons at church.  There is a preacher saying called, "Preach your sugar stick".  If you don't speak that language, it means to preach your best, most liked sermon to impress people.  My all time most requested talk is, "7 Red Flags in a Dating Relationship".  It has lots of scripture in it, but it is not a Sunday church sermon.  I have never done it in a Sunday service and will never do so.  But, it has fit in lots of college ministry events.....by me and others.

Some would say because of the lack of awareness of scripture and God's basic message of salvation in today's college students, we just need to always speak a very basic gospel message.  While I agree and lament the lack of "Gospel knowledge", I think there is a temptation that we not speak regularly to specific college issues and questions.  I believe the Bible is the most incredible and practical book  in how to live life in an every day way.  Lots of students don't know the Bible is practical.

And, long ago I decided that fun and faith were not opposites.  Laughter is a gift from the Lord. When people are laughing, they are least guarded and most at ease.  I like collegiate events that have fun ice breakers in them and people are sharing funny things that have happened to them on campus, etc.  The "fun" doesn't have to happen after the last amen is said.  I did cringe a bit when a college worship band leader who had just participated in a fun game in the middle of a weekly event had to throw up in a waste basket before she could come back to lead the set before I spoke.  But, college ministry is messy sometimes!

College students come to college looking for fun and friends.  I happen to believe all of that can happen in a weekly spiritual collegiate event where they hear about the Lord and His love for them.  Some even come to Christ in those "fun settings". Whether you preach or talk, I hope you are speaking to college student issues.....and having lots of fun with students and the most practical book ever written.  "A merry heart doeth good..."  Proverbs 17:22

Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

Tee Shirts and College Ministry

Some years ago at a meeting I heard an older College Minister say, "I am not running a tee shirt shop.".  Someone in the back muttered, "Then, you aren't working with college students.".  Tee shirts and shorts tend to be the college student uniform.

Where do tee shirts fit in a college ministry?  Some years ago I proposed to our leadership team that we not do tee shirts for our Back-2-School Retreat and that we do caps or vizors.  My students looked at me like I had just said, "I've decided to get rid of the Bible."  One spoke  up and said, "Tee shirts are the reason we come to college."  Well, that settled that new idea!

I first really began to realize the VALUE OF TEE SHIRTS several years ago when the Baptist Student Ministry at Texas A&M was told that to continue to be a recognized student organization they had to run their money through the school.  That was a non-starter and so not being a recognized student organization meant they could no longer post flyers, advertise on campus, do information tables, etc, etc.  Their solution was to do tee shirts that advertised their weekly large group worship event with time and place.  And, they asked their students to wear them each week on that day.  It worked great.

Instead of seeing tee shirts as a necessary evil, I would propose that you THINK STRATEGICALLY ABOUT YOUR TEE SHIRTS!  I know that sounds a little too grandiose.....but seriously.

TEE SHIRTS CAN SERVE 4 DIFFERENT PURPOSES:

1.  WITNESS
Lots of tee shirts are done with a scripture passage that is done in good taste and can be quickly read.  This sort of tee shirt has often gotten a bad name as a result of what might be called, "In your face scripture shirts."

2.  PROMOTIONAL
These are ones that promote your ministry.  They can have the name of the ministry and even a time and place.  Obviously, quality, attractive art work is key in any shirt.  Someone has said that half of the reason students pledge a Greek organization is to be able to wear a shirt that says, "I belong.".  All of us want to belong.  Many ministries budget to give away shirts or sell them cheaply at the beginning of the year in order to promote their ministry on campus.

3.  RECOGNITION/APPRECIATION
Many ministries have a banquet of some sort in the spring where they recognize outgoing and incoming leaders and give out awards.  One way to recognize leaders and express appreciation at these events is to give them a special tee shirt that is different than any of your other ministry shirts.

4.  SIGNING UP
Many years ago we began to make a tee shirt part of the cost of our Back-2-School Retreat (although we budgeted in order to reduce the cost).  Students got their tee shirt as soon as they registered and paid.  In order to get their shirt and have first pick at sizes, students would quickly begin to register.
By the way, I am not a fan of "free Retreats".  If students do not have to pay to sign up, then they have made NO COMMITMENT and are very likely not to show up.

FINALLY, on this deeply theological topic of tee shirts, I have always said, "I don't care if I like the shirt....I want the students to like it well enough to wear it."  So, it is important to involve some students in the design and selection.

Students wearing attractive shirts around campus with a Christian message and/or the name of your ministry on it is a plus.  Remember, the whole reason students come to college is tee shirts!

AN ADDITION:
Kevin Cox, College Minister at Clarke College Worcester, Mass, sent this message in regard to tee shirts in a ministry.  T-Shirt's are our best advertisement.  I would add a 5th value.  They help build cohesion in a group or momentum for an event.  All year long the students who didn't attend Fusion conference see other students wearing them and say, "I want to go next year."  And when your ministry doesn't have a building/location, T-shirts make them feel like they are part of something real.  Other students at fairs and such recognize this too and it gives a tangible, visible expression to the community you are developing on campus.

Arliss Dickerson is a part time collegiate consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

How to Minister to a Campus that Doesn't Want You There.....a Guest Blog by Ben Neiser

There are pockets in our country and definitely in Canada that have campuses that are not just indifferent but hostile to our presence among their students.  This doesn't change the call to fulfill the Great Commission to these places.  So, how should we proceed in carrying out the call?

1.  See Prayer as the weapon that it really is.
The early believers were born-again into a community that was immediately hostile to their presence.  How did they react to this?  They prayed.  They prayed often (Acts 1:14, 2:42).  They prayed first (4:23-24).  They prayed because they didn't know what to do.  We we pray when we don't know what ELSE to do.  The early church's prayers had power (Acts 4:25-31) because they were praying for God to do GOD-sized things.  The book of Acts records significant movements of God turning many hearts to Him that were preceded by the faithful prayers of the saints.

How devoted to prayer are you for your campus?
When you face opposition, do you pray first?
What are you asking God to do on your campus that only He can do in His power?

2.  Wait
What!?  Yes, wait.  "But you don't know how much there is to do!"  Yes I do.  I have 75,000 college students in my metro area.  Less than 100 are born-again.  The early believers were commanded to wait (Acts 1:4) and nearly the entire known world had not heard the Good News of Jesus.  They were to wait on the Spirit of God to move, then they were to respond in faith.  The value of waiting is something that I have learned over time in a hostile area.  Most of us are familiar with making plans and then asking God to bless them.  It is much more effective to wait on the Lord to move and prompt your heart and spirit to partner with Him in the work that He is doing on campus.  This is where prayer is again vital.  Prayers for a sensitivity to the Spirit and wisdom are common should be common for us.

What am I waiting on exactly?
A.  Clarity of vision and direction given by the Spirit.  If you don't know how to clearly articulate the purpose of the activity, then you are not ready.
B.  Unity among believers filled with the Spirit.  You many not have many believers in your ministry but seek unity among local church leaders and believers outside your context as well.  You can never have to much unity.
C.  Passion and Boldness by the Spirit to move forward regardless of the results.  We all long for the day when we hear, "Well done good and FAITHFUL servant."  It is faithfulness not effectiveness for which we strive.

Waiting builds dependence on God and not you or others.
Waiting increases sensitivity to the Spirit and wisdom/discernment.
Waiting help us achieve what Christ commands His disciples:  "Behold I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."  Matthew 10:16

3.  Move in Faith - Going back to Matthew 10:5-42
 a.  Share the Gospel.  The early church in Acts 4 prayed for boldness in continuing to share the Gospel in the midst of persecution.  It is illegal, YES ILLEGAL, to proselytize on my campus.  What we     found is that about 2/3 of the students live within walking distance off campus..  So we share the   gospel there.  Let the most distinguishing factor of your ministry be the Gospel that we proclaim   and live.
b.  Highly Intentional Discipleship.  Matthew 10 shows us how intentional Jesus was with the disciples.  He commands them to spend the most time with those who hear and believe in the Gospel and to stay with them.  Why was this not foreign to the disciples?  Because this is what Jesus was doing with them.  Jesus prepares them for opposition by reminding them of the opposition that He experienced.  What are the chosen few that you are taking with you?  Who are the ones that are close enough to you to have seen you weep in prayer for your campus?  Who have seen first hand the opposition that you face?

4.  Build an Army not a Crowd.
This is the culmination of the previous three.  Christianity is a movement centered around the message of the Gospel, empowered by the Spirit, fueled by the prayers of the saints.  It is not an event.  An event indicates a starting and stopping.  A movement is continuous.  I love my uncle, who is a Marine.  I made the mistake )albeit once) to call him a former Marine.  He quick to correct me to say, "There is not such thing as a former Marine.  Once a Marine, always a Marine."  The enemy can scatter a crowd buty they can't stop a movement (Acts 8:4)!  In September 2017, campus administrators shut down our weekly Bible study that we held on campus.  It had gained to much traction by unbelieving students.  The crowd gathered gained the attention of the wrong people and they squashed it.  Oh, but to Go's glory, ou believers came to me and immediately began to pray with me for God to give us resolve in continuing to share the Gospel.  We prayed, fasted, waited on the Lord to give clarity, unity, and boldness.  Now we are connecting, sharing, inviting more students than we ever have before.  More seeds of the gospel are being sown than ever and there has been more receptivity than ever.  Stop focusing on drawing a crowd and start building an army.

Ben Neiser is the Collegiate Network Coordinator for the Utah/Idaho Southern Baptist Convention.  Ben has served in collegiate ministry for 10 years.


Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available for 99 cents each in eBook format at amazon.com.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is in paperback.  He is also a part time consultant for the Collegiate Ministry Office at Lifeway Christian Resources.

5 Possible Reasons a College Ministry Does Not Reach More Students

1.  Lack of an INTENTIONAL STRATEGY.
It is easy to become overwhelmed in just dealing with what comes our way that we don't have a plan or we are not working the plan.  Can you articulate your strategy?  Are your actions and time use consistent with that strategy?

2.  FACILITIES or BUDGET
Money does not make a ministry, but it is hard to have an effective ministry without money.  If money is a factor for you,  are you working at finding more resources?  Facilities are not something that can be instantly fixed.  BUT, they can look their best.  Does your meeting place look clean, orderly and set up for its purpose?

3.  CLUB ATMOSPHERE
It is easy for students to be happy with each other, enjoy being together and it does not enter their mind to reach out to others.  We must always be about developing a warm and inviting atmosphere, but we have to work at it not being closed.  Look for those that come that may not "feel" apart and work at connecting them AND HELPING CONNECT others who feel that way as well.  If you are not out on campus meeting and connecting with new students, why should your core students think to?

4.  HAPPY with our 50....or 25....or 70.
Whatever the magic number is.  There is a fine line between being unsettled and unhappy with your ministry and feeling good about what is happening and yet continuing to reach out.  Try something different, do a new thing occasionally.

5.  OTHER MINISTRIES
Sometimes in multiple ministry situations other ministries are doing well and that's all students hear or know about. Or,  your ministry just is not on the radar.  Don't fall into the temptation of copying the "IT MINISTRY".  Rather, work at defining what the strength of your ministry is and making that known to students.  What your ministry uniquely offers is part of how to help it be on the radar.

Finally, remember God does not love us more if we have a hundred than if we have fifty.  The question is simply, are we doing our very best with what God has called us to do in our circumstance with our resources?


Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger, and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.