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.