No matter what age you are in college ministry, there are strengths to that age and level of experience. But to maximize that, we must do certain tasks...not just float along. Here are some tasks for each of the four seasons of college ministry.
THE NEAR PEER/THE STARTER
This is when the College Minister is young in both age and experience.
1. Look at different ministries and learn from them to help you develop your own philosophy of college ministry.
2. Discover by trial and error what your college ministry strengths and gifts are.
3. Listen to and learn from experienced colleagues. It is sometimes at this point to be less likely to listen to older peers.
4. Find a mentor to teach, develop, nurture you in college ministry.
THE COOL ADULT/THE ROLE MODEL
The College Minister has young family or is a real world functioning single that models the "next step" for students.
1. Develop a network of colleagues for learning and support.
2. Draw on your experience and developing philosophy to take your ministry to the next level. Become more and more intentional in what you do.
3. Find a ministry you can settle into. Often The Starter must take whatever job is available. Experience shows us that the most solid ministries are ones led by a long term leader.
4. Learn to minister to students from outside their reference. The Peer says, "this is the way I do it."
5. Develop a healthy balance of family and ministry that will allow you to stay for the long haul.
THE RESPECTED VETERAN
This person has built a strong ministry and is reaping the benefits of time and experience.
1. Work at staying tuned to students' viewpoints.
2. Build and develop the ministry support base that will strengthen your ministry. This comes from tenure and respect.
3. Begin to mentor and invest in other younger Campus Ministers. Share your wisdom and this will in term benefit you and keep you fresh.
4. Develop a ministry that is larger than your personal ministry by drawing on resources and relationships built over the long term.
THE BUILDER/THE STATESMAN
This is a time of ministry from accumulated wisdom and the support of a wide network that is ministering in the present but preparing the ministry for what is next.
1. Strengthen the structure of the ministry with your experience and insight.
2. Be intentional about benefiting college ministry as a whole by being a spokesperson, etc. Continue to mentor younger College Ministers.
3. Build the ministry support base by developing the finances, building the relationships, developing the facilities, etc.
4. Stay connected to students. They want to learn from older adults.
5. Lay the groundwork and benefit successors that will come. Leave it much better and stronger than you found it!
Arliss Dickerson 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 in paperback currently priced at $3.99.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Monday, March 25, 2019
What is the PERFECT Age to do College Ministry?
Sometimes I hear discussions of the perfect age to do college ministry. The answer to that question is really pretty simple.....It is the age you are NOW. That is the only age you have. It is a strong belief of mine that every age offers strengths and weaknesses for doing college ministry. The key is recognizing both the strengths and weaknesses of the age you are and operating accordingly. A friend recently told me that the most helpful thing I had ever written was "The Seasons of a College Minister". It is the thing I have been asked to do the most in College Minister workshops over the years. So, here is an updated but abbreviated version of something I first wrote twenty years ago.
THE SEASONS OF A COLLEGIATE MINISTER'S MINISTRY
"Work the Seasons of Your Life."
THE NEAR PEER OR THE STARTER
This is the beginning when the College Minister is both young in age and experience. This is the time when due to lack of experience, the ministry is focused around relationships developed by hanging out with students. The College Minister tends to still think like a student and fits in as one of them.
STRENGTHS:
1. The starter can often start a ministry from scratch because they have the energy and enthusiasm. They don't know it cannot be done.
2. It is possible to impact a few deeply as this person will often live right in their midst
3. It is easy to operate in a student world when the College Minister looks like one of them.
WEAKNESSES:
1. The ministry will often be limited to one circle of friends.
2. There is no sense of history or past experience to build on.
3. University administrators, faculty, pastors, church staffers tend to not see the Starter as a ministry professional and treat them with the respect that is beneficial to the ministry.
THE COOL ADULT/THE ROLE MODEL
This is the point when the College Minister has a young family or is a real world functioning single. Students see them as a role model to be like after graduation.
STRENGTHS:
1. They can model life and what it is like to live "like a real person".
2. They have developed some expectations in their ministry to build on. They have some specific goals and every semester is not a blank page.
3. Because they are separated from students a bit in experience and age they can help students see things from a different perspective.
WEAKNESSES:
1. It is sometimes difficult to learn to balance the demands of growing family responsibilities and a growing ministry.
2. Hanging out all night with students is no longer an easy choice.
3. It is possible to continue to try to operate as a peer, but students do not see the College Minister in that light.
THE RESPECTED VETERAN
This is the Campus Minister that has built a strong ministry and is reaping the benefits of time, experience and respect. This person often has multiple years invested on one particular campus. Students may begin to see the Vet in a loving parent role.
STRENGTHS:
1. There is a strong background of experience and knowledge to build on. He or she knows WHY they do what they do and WHY it is effective.
2. It is much easier to relate to pastors, faculty/administration as a peer which often opens wider doors of opportunity and support.
3. Former students who have experienced the ministry and appreciate the role the College Minister or ministry played in their life are likely to help with financial support, recruiting students, etc.
WEAKNESSES:
1. It is easy to fall into the rut of simply doing the same thing every year....same talks, etc
2. It is possible to begin to develop a rigidity to change and new ideas. This is the backside to stability.
3. It is much easier to lose track of students' needs, wants and viewpoints.
THE BUILDER
This is the time of ministry from accumulated wisdom, the support of a wide network and building for successors. This time can be an intentional time of leaving things stronger and better for the ones to come.
STRENGTHS:
1. This person can fill a loving parent or grandparent void in students' lives.
2. Due to tenure and respect, this College Minister can wield greater influence on campus and for the benefit of college ministry as a whole.
3. There is often a large network of friends, peers, and colleagues to draw on for ideas, support and opportunities.
WEAKNESSES:
1. It is easy to "preach AT students".
2. It is tempting to withdraw to a merely administrative role and lose relationships with students and regular interaction with them.
3. It is possible to develop bitterness toward denominational politics and/or the lack of career opportunities/advancement and allow that to color negatively all your actions.
SUMMARY
Every age has a strength and weakness. Play to your strengths and look for ways and others to mitigate your weaknesses. Many people get out of college ministry just when they have enough experience and understanding to begin to make the most difference. Students have lots of buddies and do not need another buddy, but they can certainly use a mentor. There are lots of pastors and college teachers/administrators, but God has only called a few College Ministers. Be open to the different ways God can use the age you are today!
Arliss Dickerson's books are available at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
5 Things That Shape the Personality of a College Ministry
Every ministry has a personality. It is a vibe...a feel. It is the culture. It is part of what draws people to the ministry, runs them away and affects the overall effectiveness of the ministry. Some things that help make up the personality of the ministry are beyond our control. Some we are able to have some affect on. But, it is important and helpful to try to understand what the personality of the ministry is.
5 MINISTRY PERSONALITY SHAPERS:
1. THE PERSONALITY OF THE LEADER
Whether we like it or not, our personality is a huge factor in the personality of the ministry. The longer we serve as the leader of the ministry, the more it will take on our own personality. The ministry will usually reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the leader. When a new leader takes over a ministry, there will be lasting effects of the personality of the previous leader. One benefit of a multi-staff situation is the blend of personalities that shape the ministry. Our personality being the huge factor it is makes it even more important that we recognize our own strengths and weaknesses and bring others into key roles...be they student leaders, staff, or volunteers. Others can mitigate the issues caused by our own weaknesses.
2. THE PERSONALITY OF THE CAMPUS
Each campus has a personality and that personality helps determine what students come there which in turn continues to shape the personality of the campus. Our ministry will somewhat be the product of the campus where we serve. It is why we must be a "student of our campus". As missionaries in foreign countries must study, understand, and relate to the country where they serve, College Ministers must study, understand, and relate to the campus where they serve.
3. THE PERSONALITIES OF OUR KEY LEADERS
One of the most basic truisms of ministry is that groups attract and keep people who are most like themselves. Blue collar churches attract blue collar believers....white collar churches, etc, etc. The impact of the personality of our leaders is such that we must work at having a variety of leader types and work at their functioning as a team. A wide variety of leader types offset our weaknesses as well as broadening the culture and personality of the ministry. A wide variety of student leaders helps develop a ministry with a wide variety of students.
4. THE MEETING SPACE
I will confess to being almost overly concerned about the appearance and set up of a meeting space. Yet, I believe that when a student arrives....particularly for the first time....the appearance and "vibe" of the meeting space goes a long way toward determining their response. This would be only second to the welcome they receive from other students....and sometimes it will come even before they can be welcomed. A meeting space may not be first class, but it can be neat, arranged appropriately and not disheveled. Lighting is another factor...be a poor, good, or inappropriate. Fix and control what you can fix and control. And, dream, work, and budget for the future!
5. THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE MINISTRY
If the ministry has a philosophy of outreach and witness to non-believers, it will affect all areas of the ministry. If the ministry is one aimed at impacting the entire campus, that will affect the "feel" of the ministry. If discipleship and growth are central to the philosophy, that will impact the personality. HOWEVER, a philosophy cannot just be that of the leader, but must be continually and well promoted continually throughout the ministry.
So, What do we do about our "Ministry Personality"?
1. Be a student of your campus....continually work at understanding it.
2. Be honest in understanding your own strengths and weaknesses.
3. Work at understanding the personality of your ministry and what has shaped it.
4. Develop a wide variety of leaders...not all just like you....and give them latitude within their gifts and responsibilities.
5. Realize that if God has led you to that ministry, He wants to use YOU there. How can you be the best instrument there? What are your strengths that need to be prioritized and what are your weak areas that need development and the help of other leaders?
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).
5 MINISTRY PERSONALITY SHAPERS:
1. THE PERSONALITY OF THE LEADER
Whether we like it or not, our personality is a huge factor in the personality of the ministry. The longer we serve as the leader of the ministry, the more it will take on our own personality. The ministry will usually reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the leader. When a new leader takes over a ministry, there will be lasting effects of the personality of the previous leader. One benefit of a multi-staff situation is the blend of personalities that shape the ministry. Our personality being the huge factor it is makes it even more important that we recognize our own strengths and weaknesses and bring others into key roles...be they student leaders, staff, or volunteers. Others can mitigate the issues caused by our own weaknesses.
2. THE PERSONALITY OF THE CAMPUS
Each campus has a personality and that personality helps determine what students come there which in turn continues to shape the personality of the campus. Our ministry will somewhat be the product of the campus where we serve. It is why we must be a "student of our campus". As missionaries in foreign countries must study, understand, and relate to the country where they serve, College Ministers must study, understand, and relate to the campus where they serve.
3. THE PERSONALITIES OF OUR KEY LEADERS
One of the most basic truisms of ministry is that groups attract and keep people who are most like themselves. Blue collar churches attract blue collar believers....white collar churches, etc, etc. The impact of the personality of our leaders is such that we must work at having a variety of leader types and work at their functioning as a team. A wide variety of leader types offset our weaknesses as well as broadening the culture and personality of the ministry. A wide variety of student leaders helps develop a ministry with a wide variety of students.
4. THE MEETING SPACE
I will confess to being almost overly concerned about the appearance and set up of a meeting space. Yet, I believe that when a student arrives....particularly for the first time....the appearance and "vibe" of the meeting space goes a long way toward determining their response. This would be only second to the welcome they receive from other students....and sometimes it will come even before they can be welcomed. A meeting space may not be first class, but it can be neat, arranged appropriately and not disheveled. Lighting is another factor...be a poor, good, or inappropriate. Fix and control what you can fix and control. And, dream, work, and budget for the future!
5. THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE MINISTRY
If the ministry has a philosophy of outreach and witness to non-believers, it will affect all areas of the ministry. If the ministry is one aimed at impacting the entire campus, that will affect the "feel" of the ministry. If discipleship and growth are central to the philosophy, that will impact the personality. HOWEVER, a philosophy cannot just be that of the leader, but must be continually and well promoted continually throughout the ministry.
So, What do we do about our "Ministry Personality"?
1. Be a student of your campus....continually work at understanding it.
2. Be honest in understanding your own strengths and weaknesses.
3. Work at understanding the personality of your ministry and what has shaped it.
4. Develop a wide variety of leaders...not all just like you....and give them latitude within their gifts and responsibilities.
5. Realize that if God has led you to that ministry, He wants to use YOU there. How can you be the best instrument there? What are your strengths that need to be prioritized and what are your weak areas that need development and the help of other leaders?
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).
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Unnecessary Competitiveness....Or Bumping?
In polling some Campus Based College Ministers with regard to what their number one frustration was, the term "Unnecessary Competitiveness" in their working with churches was used. I thought that was particularly well stated. In situations where there are multiple ministries...especially of the same denomination....there will be bumping up against each other. But, there is a difference in "bumping" and unnecessarily "competing".
One Campus Based BCM Campus Minister told of going to a campus where the relationship between the campus ministry and the local Baptist Churches had not been good. At the first big freshmen event sponsored by the BCM, the new Campus Minister told of inviting the local Baptist church College Ministers to be there and say something about their ministry. The new BCM Director was stunned when one of the church College Ministers announced a weekly event at the same time as the BCM weekly large group event. My friend said, "He just did that with my microphone.".Was that fair or unfair? Was that "bumping" or "Unnecessary Competitiveness"?
I was standing near a group of students when a Church College Minister said to a student who was active in another church, "Just come hear me preach once." Did he not know the student was already active somewhere else? I thought that he did...maybe he did not.
Here for me is a bottom line. "Bumping" will happen. We need to accept and understand that. So, how do we deal with "Bumping" and avoid "Unnecessary Competitiveness"? When students sense competitiveness, it hurts everybody and is harmful to God's Kingdom.
1. COMMUNICATION IS A KEY IN MOST DIFFICULT SITUATIONS.
Work at communicating with those whose ministries are likely to bump into yours and vice versa. Is it possible to have a monthly lunch with those who are trying to do the same things? Simply knowing each other personally goes a long way. If a joint lunch is not possible, do an occasional one to one lunch with those whom you are most likely to bump.
2. INVITE THE OTHER TO SPEAK AT ONE OF YOUR EVENTS.
I share the frustration of the BCM Campus Minister who said, "He just did that with my microphone.". Yet, I think inviting that person was the right thing to do. But, churches can also invite the campus person to speak at one of their events as well. Now, if I am totally honest, I might put that person last in the order to speak next time...but I would still invite them again.
3. VISIT THE OTHER MINISTRIES OCCASIONALLY.
I don't mean hang out and be creepy a lot. But, simply go to one of their events a semester, if possible. Be encouraging of what they are doing.
4. LET THOSE YOU BUMP WITH KNOW THEY ARE INVITED AND WANTED AT YOUR EVENTS.
When I was BCM Director at Arkansas State, I sent a letter to each Church Campus Minister telling them I hoped they would come to our Wednesday Lunch Program as often as possible and enclosed a ticket good for the year. I told them that their presence was a plus. I figured they could afford a dollar, but the "Lunch Pass" made my invitation stronger.
5. TALK TO EACH OTHER ABOUT POTENTIAL STUDENT LEADERS.
When it is leader selection time, talk to each other about who each wants to use and why. In my experience the most painful "bumping" is often in regard to where a student commits their leadership time. Sometimes it may be possible to agree who will use who.
6. GENUINELY BELIEVE AND ACCEPT THAT SOME STUDENTS FIT ONE MINISTRY BETTER THAN ANOTHER.
Obviously, all of us think our ministry is the best to every touch a college campus. But, the personalities of students, Campus Ministers, and ministries make some people fit better one place rather than another.
7. WORK AT KEEPING A WARM RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENTS WHO GO ELSEWHERE.
If that student is being benefited and growing in the Lord, that is what you want to see. Even if they were "stolen" by another ministry, that is not their fault. Keep the doors open and want what is best for that student.
When we bump into someone we say, "Excuse me". When you and your ministry bumps into a fellow College Minister or ministry, say "Excuse me".....and mean it. Genuinely try to see the difference in "Bumping" and "Unnecessary Competitiveness". Ask the Lord to help you continually work at seeing the difference.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available for 99 cents each in eBook format at Amazon.com. His paperback book, FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY, is specially priced at $3.99.
One Campus Based BCM Campus Minister told of going to a campus where the relationship between the campus ministry and the local Baptist Churches had not been good. At the first big freshmen event sponsored by the BCM, the new Campus Minister told of inviting the local Baptist church College Ministers to be there and say something about their ministry. The new BCM Director was stunned when one of the church College Ministers announced a weekly event at the same time as the BCM weekly large group event. My friend said, "He just did that with my microphone.".Was that fair or unfair? Was that "bumping" or "Unnecessary Competitiveness"?
I was standing near a group of students when a Church College Minister said to a student who was active in another church, "Just come hear me preach once." Did he not know the student was already active somewhere else? I thought that he did...maybe he did not.
Here for me is a bottom line. "Bumping" will happen. We need to accept and understand that. So, how do we deal with "Bumping" and avoid "Unnecessary Competitiveness"? When students sense competitiveness, it hurts everybody and is harmful to God's Kingdom.
1. COMMUNICATION IS A KEY IN MOST DIFFICULT SITUATIONS.
Work at communicating with those whose ministries are likely to bump into yours and vice versa. Is it possible to have a monthly lunch with those who are trying to do the same things? Simply knowing each other personally goes a long way. If a joint lunch is not possible, do an occasional one to one lunch with those whom you are most likely to bump.
2. INVITE THE OTHER TO SPEAK AT ONE OF YOUR EVENTS.
I share the frustration of the BCM Campus Minister who said, "He just did that with my microphone.". Yet, I think inviting that person was the right thing to do. But, churches can also invite the campus person to speak at one of their events as well. Now, if I am totally honest, I might put that person last in the order to speak next time...but I would still invite them again.
3. VISIT THE OTHER MINISTRIES OCCASIONALLY.
I don't mean hang out and be creepy a lot. But, simply go to one of their events a semester, if possible. Be encouraging of what they are doing.
4. LET THOSE YOU BUMP WITH KNOW THEY ARE INVITED AND WANTED AT YOUR EVENTS.
When I was BCM Director at Arkansas State, I sent a letter to each Church Campus Minister telling them I hoped they would come to our Wednesday Lunch Program as often as possible and enclosed a ticket good for the year. I told them that their presence was a plus. I figured they could afford a dollar, but the "Lunch Pass" made my invitation stronger.
5. TALK TO EACH OTHER ABOUT POTENTIAL STUDENT LEADERS.
When it is leader selection time, talk to each other about who each wants to use and why. In my experience the most painful "bumping" is often in regard to where a student commits their leadership time. Sometimes it may be possible to agree who will use who.
6. GENUINELY BELIEVE AND ACCEPT THAT SOME STUDENTS FIT ONE MINISTRY BETTER THAN ANOTHER.
Obviously, all of us think our ministry is the best to every touch a college campus. But, the personalities of students, Campus Ministers, and ministries make some people fit better one place rather than another.
7. WORK AT KEEPING A WARM RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENTS WHO GO ELSEWHERE.
If that student is being benefited and growing in the Lord, that is what you want to see. Even if they were "stolen" by another ministry, that is not their fault. Keep the doors open and want what is best for that student.
When we bump into someone we say, "Excuse me". When you and your ministry bumps into a fellow College Minister or ministry, say "Excuse me".....and mean it. Genuinely try to see the difference in "Bumping" and "Unnecessary Competitiveness". Ask the Lord to help you continually work at seeing the difference.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available for 99 cents each in eBook format at Amazon.com. His paperback book, FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY, is specially priced at $3.99.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Trends in College Ministry
1. College Ministry is being done more different ways now than ever before.
-Accept that fact.....like it.....hate it.....does not change it....Accept it.
-See where you fit in the process. The campus or church situation and your individual gifts are still the main factor in determining the best way for your ministry to be done.
-Learn from the new, but beware of chasing fads.
2. Social Media is huge.....everybody with a "Twitter Finger" is an expert.
-Be on social media....learn from social media.
-But remember, just because someone tweets 50 times a day and has a million followers does not mean that they are an expert on how to do it on your campus or in your church.
3. Money is going to continue to be a struggle.
-Be creative in your use of it.
-Prioritize what expenditures get the most bang for your buck.
-Do not just keep doing some things because you have always done them. Are they as effective as they used to be?
-Excellence is not always about money....do not sub money for excellence.
4. Church and Campus based ministries are going to bump into each other more and more.
-Work at communicating and cooperating. Don't give up just because it is harder!
-Some of the biggest harm being doing to college ministry today are ministries competing or at least not communicating.
5. College Ministers are becoming more entrepreneurial.
-It may vary from fund raising for staff, budget, or their own salaries.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five college ministry books available in eBook format for 99 cents each at Amazon.com. FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is in paperback.
-Accept that fact.....like it.....hate it.....does not change it....Accept it.
-See where you fit in the process. The campus or church situation and your individual gifts are still the main factor in determining the best way for your ministry to be done.
-Learn from the new, but beware of chasing fads.
2. Social Media is huge.....everybody with a "Twitter Finger" is an expert.
-Be on social media....learn from social media.
-But remember, just because someone tweets 50 times a day and has a million followers does not mean that they are an expert on how to do it on your campus or in your church.
3. Money is going to continue to be a struggle.
-Be creative in your use of it.
-Prioritize what expenditures get the most bang for your buck.
-Do not just keep doing some things because you have always done them. Are they as effective as they used to be?
-Excellence is not always about money....do not sub money for excellence.
4. Church and Campus based ministries are going to bump into each other more and more.
-Work at communicating and cooperating. Don't give up just because it is harder!
-Some of the biggest harm being doing to college ministry today are ministries competing or at least not communicating.
5. College Ministers are becoming more entrepreneurial.
-It may vary from fund raising for staff, budget, or their own salaries.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five college ministry books available in eBook format for 99 cents each at Amazon.com. FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is in paperback.
Monday, March 4, 2019
What's the #1 Complaint of Campus Based College Ministers?
A while back I was in a national meeting of church based College Ministers and their overwhelming number one complaint was the inability to get to campus many days due to meetings at the church. I have begun to wonder what the number one complaint of campus based College Ministers is. I sent a message to some veterans of college ministry (all Baptist Collegiate Ministers) to ask not just what their main complaint was, but what did they hear from others.
Their responses were somewhat varied, but fell into these five categories.
1. LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF COLLEGE MINISTRY, HOW HARD IT IS AND HOW EFFECTIVE IT IS.
This leads to a concern for the future of college ministry as resources decline. Many outside of college ministry do not see or understand it as a valid lifetime calling. One shared of his mother asking, "When will you get your own church?". I think most of us have experienced that at different times. When I would speak in a church, it was not unusual for someone to come up after the service and say, "I think you could have your own church."......or....."You could be the pastor of a big church.".
This lack of understanding and in some areas and declining resources leads to an uncertainty about the future of college ministry or the security of jobs. One even said he has heard it said, "Will BCM even exist in 15 years?"
2. LACK OF RESOURCES.
The specifics of this varies from state to state in Baptist life. In some states, Baptist College Ministers are raising all of their salaries and in at least one state, they are raising a portion of their salaries. For those with campus centers, there is difficulty or concern about maintaining them at a high level. This is complicated in some situations about policies in regard to who College Ministers can ask for money or how they can ask. Some raise money from alumni and others are not allowed to do so. Many are not allowed to ask a church for money and must depend on communicating the value of what they do and communicating how they are funded.
3. PRESSURE TO PRODUCE NUMBERS TO JUSTIFY EXISTENCE.
This is a part of numbers one (1) and two (2). If the value of the ministry is being questioned, the issue of numbers is always there in one way or the other. Many outside of college ministry do not understand that a "college ministry congregation" turns over at least 25% every year. Students graduate and transfer or drop out. Those who are part of a constant church congregation often do not realize that in many ways a College Minister starts all over every fall. Some Universities also require their students to do off campus internships in other locations which may take key leaders away for different periods of time. A college ministry of fifty will touch more different people in a four year span than a larger church will, yet that is hard to see and communicate for those outside of college ministry. "How many did you have last night?" can be the dreaded question for a College Minister!
4. UNNECESSARY COMPETITIVENESS FROM CHURCHES.
Within Baptist life there is a greater emphasis on churches reaching college students which is a good thing. Yet, what this often leads to is overlapping ministries or a failure to see the value of cooperation on all sides for the good of reaching students and the strength of all ministries. This also goes back to number three (3). When a person feels the pressure to produce numbers to justify their job, budget, etc, it is sometimes hard to do what is best for the overall good. One BCM Director said, "Churches expect me to provide them with students and then they keep them so busy that they drop out of my ministry. When my ministry gets smaller, its harder for me to do what they are asking me to do."
5. LONELINESS.
It is easy for a College Minister to feel like "neither fish nor fowl". They are not church staff and they are not faculty. In many places, there is no one else doing what they do. All of us need someone who "gets it" when it comes to who we are and what we do. Thankfully, current technology with cell phones, Zoom, Skype, etc this can be alleviated to some degree. College Ministers must find kindred souls and connect to them for their own health and survival.
So, what's the answer to these "5 Complaints"? Obviously, there is not a simple answer. But, here are a few thoughts.
1. Communication is huge! We must continually communicate well what we are doing. Slower times on campus (Breaks, etc) must be utilized well in connecting with our stake holders (Alums, church, staff, etc).
2. Commit to excellence and trust the Lord! I believe God is at work in all of this. Do what we do as well as we can do it. That is what we can control.
3. Be the best steward of resources you can be. If we are wasteful or our building looks shabby and dirty, why should people give their resources to us? Demonstrate you use well what you have.
4. Write personal thank you notes to people who give you money letting them know you are grateful and something that was accomplished with what they gave.
5. Be intentional about connecting with others who share your calling...both in the Baptist tribe and those outside it. Go to regional gatherings where you will meet and know others (Oxford, July 8-10?).
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.).
Their responses were somewhat varied, but fell into these five categories.
1. LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF COLLEGE MINISTRY, HOW HARD IT IS AND HOW EFFECTIVE IT IS.
This leads to a concern for the future of college ministry as resources decline. Many outside of college ministry do not see or understand it as a valid lifetime calling. One shared of his mother asking, "When will you get your own church?". I think most of us have experienced that at different times. When I would speak in a church, it was not unusual for someone to come up after the service and say, "I think you could have your own church."......or....."You could be the pastor of a big church.".
This lack of understanding and in some areas and declining resources leads to an uncertainty about the future of college ministry or the security of jobs. One even said he has heard it said, "Will BCM even exist in 15 years?"
2. LACK OF RESOURCES.
The specifics of this varies from state to state in Baptist life. In some states, Baptist College Ministers are raising all of their salaries and in at least one state, they are raising a portion of their salaries. For those with campus centers, there is difficulty or concern about maintaining them at a high level. This is complicated in some situations about policies in regard to who College Ministers can ask for money or how they can ask. Some raise money from alumni and others are not allowed to do so. Many are not allowed to ask a church for money and must depend on communicating the value of what they do and communicating how they are funded.
3. PRESSURE TO PRODUCE NUMBERS TO JUSTIFY EXISTENCE.
This is a part of numbers one (1) and two (2). If the value of the ministry is being questioned, the issue of numbers is always there in one way or the other. Many outside of college ministry do not understand that a "college ministry congregation" turns over at least 25% every year. Students graduate and transfer or drop out. Those who are part of a constant church congregation often do not realize that in many ways a College Minister starts all over every fall. Some Universities also require their students to do off campus internships in other locations which may take key leaders away for different periods of time. A college ministry of fifty will touch more different people in a four year span than a larger church will, yet that is hard to see and communicate for those outside of college ministry. "How many did you have last night?" can be the dreaded question for a College Minister!
4. UNNECESSARY COMPETITIVENESS FROM CHURCHES.
Within Baptist life there is a greater emphasis on churches reaching college students which is a good thing. Yet, what this often leads to is overlapping ministries or a failure to see the value of cooperation on all sides for the good of reaching students and the strength of all ministries. This also goes back to number three (3). When a person feels the pressure to produce numbers to justify their job, budget, etc, it is sometimes hard to do what is best for the overall good. One BCM Director said, "Churches expect me to provide them with students and then they keep them so busy that they drop out of my ministry. When my ministry gets smaller, its harder for me to do what they are asking me to do."
5. LONELINESS.
It is easy for a College Minister to feel like "neither fish nor fowl". They are not church staff and they are not faculty. In many places, there is no one else doing what they do. All of us need someone who "gets it" when it comes to who we are and what we do. Thankfully, current technology with cell phones, Zoom, Skype, etc this can be alleviated to some degree. College Ministers must find kindred souls and connect to them for their own health and survival.
So, what's the answer to these "5 Complaints"? Obviously, there is not a simple answer. But, here are a few thoughts.
1. Communication is huge! We must continually communicate well what we are doing. Slower times on campus (Breaks, etc) must be utilized well in connecting with our stake holders (Alums, church, staff, etc).
2. Commit to excellence and trust the Lord! I believe God is at work in all of this. Do what we do as well as we can do it. That is what we can control.
3. Be the best steward of resources you can be. If we are wasteful or our building looks shabby and dirty, why should people give their resources to us? Demonstrate you use well what you have.
4. Write personal thank you notes to people who give you money letting them know you are grateful and something that was accomplished with what they gave.
5. Be intentional about connecting with others who share your calling...both in the Baptist tribe and those outside it. Go to regional gatherings where you will meet and know others (Oxford, July 8-10?).
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.).
Friday, March 1, 2019
More Crazy, Stupid Rules by Darrell Cook
Our BCM staff at Virginia Tech (Taylor Terrill, Katy Terrill, Scott Anderson, Chelsea Anderson, and myself) talked about last month's article "Arliss' Crazy, Stupid Rules for College Ministry" and shared with each other a few of our own. They are born out of our context and many assume working out of a ministry center, but hopefully some might be useful.
=Most if not all after 10 p.m. questions from students can wait until morning.
=Seek to get continually better at asking questions.
=Coming into your highest traffic events of the year, know where the plunger is and be watchful.
=Whether you are out and about doing things that are deeply spiritual or extremely mundane, take students with you.
=Our students don't drink soda anymore, so we don't waste our budget on it.
=Never set out more chairs than necessary just tol fill the space, this can make a room seem empty and too spread out. It is better to add chairs as needed than to have too many chairs.
=Anytime an alumnus visits the building get their name and contact info, even if you think we already have it.
=anytime a high school student visits the building get their name and contacts info, even if you think we already have it.
=Know where the water shut off valve is for your building. (Not a bad idea for your residence as well.)
=Keep a box of tissues on your desk. (Sometimes for you, sometimes for students.)
=Be merciful to students often, except when it comes to managing parking spaces.
Darrell Cook
Senior Campus Minister
Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Virginia Tech
Let us hear YOUR Crazy, Stupid Rules for College Ministry. Email Arliss at arlissdickerson@gmail.com.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format for 99 cents each at Amazon.com. His paperback, FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY, is currently priced at $3.99.
=Most if not all after 10 p.m. questions from students can wait until morning.
=Seek to get continually better at asking questions.
=Coming into your highest traffic events of the year, know where the plunger is and be watchful.
=Whether you are out and about doing things that are deeply spiritual or extremely mundane, take students with you.
=Our students don't drink soda anymore, so we don't waste our budget on it.
=Never set out more chairs than necessary just tol fill the space, this can make a room seem empty and too spread out. It is better to add chairs as needed than to have too many chairs.
=Anytime an alumnus visits the building get their name and contact info, even if you think we already have it.
=anytime a high school student visits the building get their name and contacts info, even if you think we already have it.
=Know where the water shut off valve is for your building. (Not a bad idea for your residence as well.)
=Keep a box of tissues on your desk. (Sometimes for you, sometimes for students.)
=Be merciful to students often, except when it comes to managing parking spaces.
Darrell Cook
Senior Campus Minister
Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Virginia Tech
Let us hear YOUR Crazy, Stupid Rules for College Ministry. Email Arliss at arlissdickerson@gmail.com.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format for 99 cents each at Amazon.com. His paperback, FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY, is currently priced at $3.99.
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