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.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Monday, October 28, 2019
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.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
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.
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.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
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.
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.
Monday, October 14, 2019
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.
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.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
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.
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.
Monday, October 7, 2019
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.
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.
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