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.
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