Several years ago I began to write some college ministry materials not because I thought I was smarter or knew more than other College Ministers. I did it because no one in our tribe was writing and I thought someone should. I encourage YOU to write something....I might even use it on my Blog.
Remember Cliffs Notes....they were a simple summary of a book or course. Here is a quick word on each of the five materials I have written in recent years.
THE BIG 50
This is simply 50 brief paragraphs on a principle or idea for a college ministry. You can buy it if you want to, however you can get it free by going to collegeministry.com and registering.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF COLLEGE MINISTRY
This originally started out as NINE SHAPING PRINCIPLES OF A COLLEGE MINISTRY and became the Ten Commandments when I added Freshmen Ministry to make number 10. It is simply what I see as some basics of college ministry....not profound....just every day things that make it work.
DOING COLLEGE MINISTRY BETTER
Many years ago a group of us began to meet in the summer and talk about how we did things. It was the most influential and beneficial event for my ministry. One summer at this "sharefest" I ask each of these super College Ministers to write down what they thought the best thing or most effective actions in college ministry were. Basically, each of these became a chapter. Surprisingly to me, this is the BEST selling of the five.
25 TIPS FOR DEVELOPING COLLEGE MINISTRY LEADERS
Someone once told me we should write about what we do best. Developing student leaders is a passion of mine. I believe good and many student leaders grow and multiply our ministry as well as their benefiting the kingdom after their college days. This is just 25 ways that we have done it at ASU. They aint rocket science. It is super simple!
FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY
This one is in paperback as well as eBook. The paperback is often given out as a resource at College Minister Workshops. I think it is my best in terms of specifically helpful. But, a friend has told me that the negative title has hurt it and I think he is correct. Most do not feel their ministry is broken. It comes out of my own painful time starting at ASU and growing the ministry. Basically, I think it can help any ministry go to the next level. It probably should have been titled "Your College Ministry Can be Even Better!"
Go to amazon.com and type in Arliss Dickerson and all of these will pop up. It takes about an hour or so to read each.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Monday, November 25, 2019
Making the MOST of Your Thank You's
AS the semester begins to wind down and as some students are gone for the Thanksgiving Break, it is time to think about those tasks that do not get done often during the rush of the semester. If you follow my writing on college ministry much at all, you know I am a huge proponent of written thank you notes. First, I think we should not take for granted what our financial contributors (individuals or churches) do for us and we need to let them know their gifts matter and make a difference. But, there are others who need to be thanked for what they have done that made a difference in the ministry or encouraged you personally. So, here are some of my thoughts on thank you's.
HANDWRITTEN THANKS YOU'S SAY THE MOST.
It may seem old fashioned, but a hand written thank you note demonstrates more time and care was taken in doing it. It does not have to be long. On a half sheet or a card, it can be as simple as three or four sentences.
GIVE A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE.
One way your note can be more is by giving a specific example of something that happened this semester that was a victory. It can be the story of "Joe" who came to Christ or "we were able to do our first Freshmen Retreat because of your gift." People remember and relate to stories.
PICTURES TELL STORIES.
Inserting a picture in your thank you note adds an extra dimension to it It could be a picture of the Freshmen Leadership Team or a group picture made at one of your events, etc. One year, one of my Associates sent a note to every Freshmen who was in a Freshmen Family Group and enclosed a picture of their group.
SOME OTHER IDEAS:
Go on line and make a card with a picture on it from this semester or a collage of pictures to use in writing your thank you notes. A picture with a crowd of students in it says way more than you can ever write down.
Take a book to someone who has been especially a blessing to you and or your ministry. It can be one you have just read and think they might enjoy it.
Take someone to lunch or for coffee (I do iced tea or diet coke). Tell them when you call to set it up, that you just want to say thanks for what they have done. This helps them know the purpose of the visit is NOT to ask for something else. AND, don't ask for something else.
Does your boss or supervisor deserve a thank you from you? Have they taken some heat for you or encouraged you when you needed it? Supervisors get a lot more blame than thank you's. Stun your supervisor with a thank you!
Saying thank you to your student leaders in some way helps them know they are not just taken for granted and what they do matters.
Remember to say thank you to your spouse who has put up with a whole lot this semester! Putting it into words matters.....a note left somewhere they will find it can be meaningful.
I am GRATEFUL TO YOU for reading my Blogs and for some I run into at meetings or wherever who tell me they read it. Writing a Blog is like writing into a black hole....it is not like speaking or preaching to a room full of people who are responding back to you. AND, SPECIAL THANKS to whoever it is that reads my Blog at 2:00 a.m. I hope it is helping your insomnia!
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
HANDWRITTEN THANKS YOU'S SAY THE MOST.
It may seem old fashioned, but a hand written thank you note demonstrates more time and care was taken in doing it. It does not have to be long. On a half sheet or a card, it can be as simple as three or four sentences.
GIVE A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE.
One way your note can be more is by giving a specific example of something that happened this semester that was a victory. It can be the story of "Joe" who came to Christ or "we were able to do our first Freshmen Retreat because of your gift." People remember and relate to stories.
PICTURES TELL STORIES.
Inserting a picture in your thank you note adds an extra dimension to it It could be a picture of the Freshmen Leadership Team or a group picture made at one of your events, etc. One year, one of my Associates sent a note to every Freshmen who was in a Freshmen Family Group and enclosed a picture of their group.
SOME OTHER IDEAS:
Go on line and make a card with a picture on it from this semester or a collage of pictures to use in writing your thank you notes. A picture with a crowd of students in it says way more than you can ever write down.
Take a book to someone who has been especially a blessing to you and or your ministry. It can be one you have just read and think they might enjoy it.
Take someone to lunch or for coffee (I do iced tea or diet coke). Tell them when you call to set it up, that you just want to say thanks for what they have done. This helps them know the purpose of the visit is NOT to ask for something else. AND, don't ask for something else.
Does your boss or supervisor deserve a thank you from you? Have they taken some heat for you or encouraged you when you needed it? Supervisors get a lot more blame than thank you's. Stun your supervisor with a thank you!
Saying thank you to your student leaders in some way helps them know they are not just taken for granted and what they do matters.
Remember to say thank you to your spouse who has put up with a whole lot this semester! Putting it into words matters.....a note left somewhere they will find it can be meaningful.
I am GRATEFUL TO YOU for reading my Blogs and for some I run into at meetings or wherever who tell me they read it. Writing a Blog is like writing into a black hole....it is not like speaking or preaching to a room full of people who are responding back to you. AND, SPECIAL THANKS to whoever it is that reads my Blog at 2:00 a.m. I hope it is helping your insomnia!
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
Thursday, November 21, 2019
A Winning Recipe in College Ministry
My wife, Sue, is great at doing, organizing and managing food for large group college student events. In recent days I was being her assistant at such an event where the food had been provided by different ladies in a Bible Study group in which she is active. It was lots of wonderful, homemade, real food. The event was attended by one of the larger groups to attend any of their events this semester. It included Christian and non-Christian students from a variety of countries. Some students were there for the first or second time. It was a terrific worship, witness, and Thanksgiving event.
I was reminded of some basics that we should never forget. Some years ago one of the committees of the Baptist Collegiate Net (BCNet) did a survey asking approximately 500 students why they attended a Christian event the first time. These were the top seven answers in order of number of times it was listed:
7. Website
6. Mail
5. Social Media
4. Advertising
3. Food
2. Appealing Event
1. Someone invited me.
Some have interpreted the results of this survey to indicate that the only thing we should do to reach new students is to invite students and teach, urge our core students to invite others. I think the actual truth is that it is more of a stew with several ingredients.
Often, a student may have seen advertising or gotten mail, etc and are interested, but this is not an action or a risk they are willing to take....to go somewhere new....where they do not know anyone already. So, an invitation takes part of the fear and reluctance out of going.
THE WINNING RECIPE
I often hear College Ministers lament that their core students do not invite others as they should. The winning recipe for the event just attended and was numbers 1, 2, and 3. All of the homemade food made it an APPEALING EVENT. It is easy to invite friends and acquaintances to an event like that. It is easier for students to respond positively when they see something as an appealing event. All of the advertised HOMEMADE FOOD made it an appealing event. NO, I am not saying there must or should be food at every event.
As the leaders of a college ministry, one of our tasks....especially with special outreach events...is to do all we can to make it an APPEALING EVENT and to communicate that to our core students. Advertising may communicate that it is an appealing event. Social media may communicate that, etc.
Some years ago a local church College Minister who related to our campus asked me what the ONE THING was in getting students to attend something out of all the different things we did. I thought it was interesting that he knew our ministry did lots of different things, but that I really knew it was only one thing. IT IS A RECIPE FOR STEW! Every ingredient in a stew counts. But, some recipes call for more of one ingredient than some of the others.
Every event is not special...or....it is not special. But, everything we do must be appealing in some way. Would YOU ATTEND your events, if you were a non-committed or non-Christian student? Sometimes, our own students do not invite as we wish they would because......some of what we are offering is NOT TOO APPEALING. It is a reminder to do what we do with EXCELLENCE.
Check the recipe for the events you are cooking!
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
I was reminded of some basics that we should never forget. Some years ago one of the committees of the Baptist Collegiate Net (BCNet) did a survey asking approximately 500 students why they attended a Christian event the first time. These were the top seven answers in order of number of times it was listed:
7. Website
6. Mail
5. Social Media
4. Advertising
3. Food
2. Appealing Event
1. Someone invited me.
Some have interpreted the results of this survey to indicate that the only thing we should do to reach new students is to invite students and teach, urge our core students to invite others. I think the actual truth is that it is more of a stew with several ingredients.
Often, a student may have seen advertising or gotten mail, etc and are interested, but this is not an action or a risk they are willing to take....to go somewhere new....where they do not know anyone already. So, an invitation takes part of the fear and reluctance out of going.
THE WINNING RECIPE
I often hear College Ministers lament that their core students do not invite others as they should. The winning recipe for the event just attended and was numbers 1, 2, and 3. All of the homemade food made it an APPEALING EVENT. It is easy to invite friends and acquaintances to an event like that. It is easier for students to respond positively when they see something as an appealing event. All of the advertised HOMEMADE FOOD made it an appealing event. NO, I am not saying there must or should be food at every event.
As the leaders of a college ministry, one of our tasks....especially with special outreach events...is to do all we can to make it an APPEALING EVENT and to communicate that to our core students. Advertising may communicate that it is an appealing event. Social media may communicate that, etc.
Some years ago a local church College Minister who related to our campus asked me what the ONE THING was in getting students to attend something out of all the different things we did. I thought it was interesting that he knew our ministry did lots of different things, but that I really knew it was only one thing. IT IS A RECIPE FOR STEW! Every ingredient in a stew counts. But, some recipes call for more of one ingredient than some of the others.
Every event is not special...or....it is not special. But, everything we do must be appealing in some way. Would YOU ATTEND your events, if you were a non-committed or non-Christian student? Sometimes, our own students do not invite as we wish they would because......some of what we are offering is NOT TOO APPEALING. It is a reminder to do what we do with EXCELLENCE.
Check the recipe for the events you are cooking!
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
Monday, November 18, 2019
End of the Semester Evaluation: 5 Questions to Ask
I am a huge proponent of evaluation and the end of the Fall Semester is one key point for evaluation. It helps you know what to tweak, adjust, or continue full bore on for the Spring Semester.....AND, it will begin to shape your thoughts for NEXT FALL.
HERE ARE 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK:
1. WHAT DO THE STUDENTS THINK?
Handing out evaluations sheets at your large group events will get some response and varies in its helpfulness. More in depth evaluation can and should happen with key leaders. But, I also think it can be very helpful to sit down with some "Non-Key Leaders" who are reasonably actively involved to get their views on what matters, what doesn't, and what they see most impacting their lives. Freshmen should be a specific focus for their thoughts and evaluation as well. REMEMBER, some freshmen who used to be connected regularly at the start of the fall and who do not come now might just be a key resource for valuable information.
2. IS IT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS?
Everything we do costs something in terms of time, effort, student man power, etc besides money. A key question to ask about some of your events or regular programs is, IS THE RESULT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN? It is not always a question of what is good or bad. Sometimes, it is a question of is it too expensive in some way and those resources would be better spent in another way?
3. ARE WE DOING IT OUT OF HABIT?
I am all about the value of long term, dug in things that we do where each year builds on top of another. Yet, we need to ask the question, HAS IT WORN OUT AND WE REFUSE TO ADMIT IT? This particularly may apply to some of our special, one time events, or fund raisers.
4. IS MY TIME BEING SPENT THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY?
As the College Minister or leader of the ministry, YOU are the MOST VALUABLE TOOL AND ASSET of the ministry! I know....pretty scary to realize and admit some times. But, it is true. Is your time being invested most in what is priority and what makes the greatest difference in your ministry and in the lives of your students? This is a good question to ask your students in their evaluation. We all have pulls on our time....ARE WE LETTING OTHERS SET OUR TIME AGENDA? This is not all within our control, but much of it is. Your time is just as valuable or more valuable than the money your ministry has....is it being spent to the best use? Are you doing what God called you to do?
5. WHO DO I NEED TO THANK?
The end of the calendar year is always a time that contributors need to be thanked in the most personal way possible and to know their giving matters! This is where your personal notes may make the greatest difference. But, are there others who stepped in and did something that helped you? Is there someone who does some little thing all the time that is a plus to your ministry? Don't forget to express genuine gratitude to your student leaders....don't take their time and commitment for granted. Have you thanked the Lord for allowing you to be where you are, doing what you are doing?
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
HERE ARE 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK:
1. WHAT DO THE STUDENTS THINK?
Handing out evaluations sheets at your large group events will get some response and varies in its helpfulness. More in depth evaluation can and should happen with key leaders. But, I also think it can be very helpful to sit down with some "Non-Key Leaders" who are reasonably actively involved to get their views on what matters, what doesn't, and what they see most impacting their lives. Freshmen should be a specific focus for their thoughts and evaluation as well. REMEMBER, some freshmen who used to be connected regularly at the start of the fall and who do not come now might just be a key resource for valuable information.
2. IS IT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS?
Everything we do costs something in terms of time, effort, student man power, etc besides money. A key question to ask about some of your events or regular programs is, IS THE RESULT WORTH WHAT IT COSTS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN? It is not always a question of what is good or bad. Sometimes, it is a question of is it too expensive in some way and those resources would be better spent in another way?
3. ARE WE DOING IT OUT OF HABIT?
I am all about the value of long term, dug in things that we do where each year builds on top of another. Yet, we need to ask the question, HAS IT WORN OUT AND WE REFUSE TO ADMIT IT? This particularly may apply to some of our special, one time events, or fund raisers.
4. IS MY TIME BEING SPENT THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY?
As the College Minister or leader of the ministry, YOU are the MOST VALUABLE TOOL AND ASSET of the ministry! I know....pretty scary to realize and admit some times. But, it is true. Is your time being invested most in what is priority and what makes the greatest difference in your ministry and in the lives of your students? This is a good question to ask your students in their evaluation. We all have pulls on our time....ARE WE LETTING OTHERS SET OUR TIME AGENDA? This is not all within our control, but much of it is. Your time is just as valuable or more valuable than the money your ministry has....is it being spent to the best use? Are you doing what God called you to do?
5. WHO DO I NEED TO THANK?
The end of the calendar year is always a time that contributors need to be thanked in the most personal way possible and to know their giving matters! This is where your personal notes may make the greatest difference. But, are there others who stepped in and did something that helped you? Is there someone who does some little thing all the time that is a plus to your ministry? Don't forget to express genuine gratitude to your student leaders....don't take their time and commitment for granted. Have you thanked the Lord for allowing you to be where you are, doing what you are doing?
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
Thursday, November 14, 2019
5 Easy Mistakes for College Ministers
These are those mistakes we make without being intentional in some of our actions. Or, it can be those that just happen as we are always busy and just trying to make it from one event to another.
1. NOT KEEPING ATTENDANCE RECORDS
Several years ago I began marking the attendance for our Lunch Program and Worship Event on a chart by the week number....Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, etc. I kept it on large chart where I could record it year after year. Here is how it benefited me. I could see the patterns of the ebb and flow of the semester. Attendance often went down on Week 5, etc. That was a big week on campus. But, remember count...don't estimate.
2. THINKING YOU ARE LOUIE GIGLIO
Louie is likely the premier college/young adult communicator of this generation. He has a special gift in that area. As many College Ministers attend Passion or other events where Louie speaks, they began to try to make all their events re-create Passion, etc with themselves as the featured speaker. We have lots of great speakers, we have lots of good speakers. We have lots of adequate speakers. Use YOUR gifts...don't try to imitate Louie.
3. IGNORING CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORS
Campus Administrators literally hold the keys to the campus. They can help you. They can hurt you. They can ignore you. If they know you AND come to TRUST you, they are likely to help you....or at least not hinder you.
4. HANDLE MONEY CLUMSILY
I have never been aware of a College Minister stealing money from his or her ministry. But, I do see ministries where people wonder about the money. Is it used wisely? Is it recorded well and are there adequate records? And, yes I have heard people say, "I don't think he is dishonest...but...".
5. HAVE OBVIOUS STUDENT FAVORITES
Of course, we are closer to some students than others. We will spend more time with our key leaders. But, we must work at spreading our conversations and interest around....particularly at our large group, yall come events. One student who loved his college ministry and staff said he wished they had relationships with a wider variety of students. Don't waste precious visiting time before and after an event talking to those you know the best.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources. He is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
1. NOT KEEPING ATTENDANCE RECORDS
Several years ago I began marking the attendance for our Lunch Program and Worship Event on a chart by the week number....Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, etc. I kept it on large chart where I could record it year after year. Here is how it benefited me. I could see the patterns of the ebb and flow of the semester. Attendance often went down on Week 5, etc. That was a big week on campus. But, remember count...don't estimate.
2. THINKING YOU ARE LOUIE GIGLIO
Louie is likely the premier college/young adult communicator of this generation. He has a special gift in that area. As many College Ministers attend Passion or other events where Louie speaks, they began to try to make all their events re-create Passion, etc with themselves as the featured speaker. We have lots of great speakers, we have lots of good speakers. We have lots of adequate speakers. Use YOUR gifts...don't try to imitate Louie.
3. IGNORING CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORS
Campus Administrators literally hold the keys to the campus. They can help you. They can hurt you. They can ignore you. If they know you AND come to TRUST you, they are likely to help you....or at least not hinder you.
4. HANDLE MONEY CLUMSILY
I have never been aware of a College Minister stealing money from his or her ministry. But, I do see ministries where people wonder about the money. Is it used wisely? Is it recorded well and are there adequate records? And, yes I have heard people say, "I don't think he is dishonest...but...".
5. HAVE OBVIOUS STUDENT FAVORITES
Of course, we are closer to some students than others. We will spend more time with our key leaders. But, we must work at spreading our conversations and interest around....particularly at our large group, yall come events. One student who loved his college ministry and staff said he wished they had relationships with a wider variety of students. Don't waste precious visiting time before and after an event talking to those you know the best.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources. He is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
Monday, November 11, 2019
Doing College Ministry LONG Term...7 Suggestions
Due to being 112 years old, I get asked often about doing college ministry long term. I was in a meeting last week where a "middle aged" College Minister expressed his desire to to it well for the long term. I do NOT believe college ministry is just for the young. College students need the wisdom of all ages. I am grateful to continue to be asked to write and speak on doing it long term. You can check out my article, "What is the PERFECT Age to do College Ministry?" at the bottom of my Blog site.
Here are 7 Thoughts on Doing College Ministry Long Term:
1. DO IT DIFFERENTLY!
There was a time when I realized my basketball jump shot had become a "tip toe shot". It was time to quit playing basketball with my students. That is all that meant. College Ministry is not based on your ability to play basketball or do all night card games. If it is, it is time to change no matter your age.
-As you age and grow in experience, invest more in your student leaders. Teach and demonstrate to them how to do some of the up front things. Invest in leadership development!
-Look for those who feel called to college ministry and would like to learn from an "old pro". They may serve as a volunteer, part time staffer, or even raise their own salary for the opportunity.
2. KEEP CONTACT WITH STUDENTS.
I like college students and think they are way more interesting than people my age (Don't tell my friends!).
- Eat with college students and listen to them.
-Walk across the campus and through the Student Center every day. Don't hide in your office.
-Periodically, get a group together for pizza, coffee, or cokes and ask them questions about the ministry and what they think. Listen to what they say.
3. WORK THE SEASONS.
Go hard when school is going on. Go slower when school is out for a break. Use the different change of pace times well. There is a difference in loafing and pace. Don't loaf, but do pace yourself.
-Do prep work for all your talks for the next semester. That makes the semester easier and less stressful.
-Spend some extra family time.
-During slower times do some things that invest in YOU. Go to a meeting that blesses you.
4. HAVE FRIENDS!!
Seriously, have some friends that are NOT college students.
-Have college ministry friends you can talk with regularly that understand.
-Have friends that are "real people" and do other things, so you know something about other things and life and don't think college ministry 24/7.
5. NURTURE FAMILY.
Many wind up leaving college ministry because of family strains or guilt over neglect of family.
-Have a night or nights that are "family only".
-Go to your kids' program at school instead of meeting with one more student.
-It will benefit students to see you have a healthy family life. They may not have seen that at home.
-Go to lunch once a week with your spouse.
6. DO PROJECTS THAT GIVE YOU A SENSE OF SATISFACTION.
One of the things that kills College Ministers is the feeling of working all the time and not getting much accomplished....because it is a never ending task.
-During a slower time, write a Bible study you have always wanted to write.
-If you are a "handy person", plan a project where you will build the shelves your Center needs or you will paint that room that looks like students have had their feet all over it.
7. USE YOUR CONTACTS TO ENHANCE THE MINISTRY.
The school administration may trust you more and open some doors due to that trust. See what your options might be.
-Instead of speaking every time, bring in some of your alums or that great pastor friend from across the state to speak.
-Ask for money. I know...we all hate it. But, having some extra money can open up some opportunities and benefit the ministry...or the staff.
Most large college ministries are led by "old pros". We need more "old pros". The greater satisfaction you experience in your ministry, the better it will go and the more God can use your unique gifts!
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print available at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). He serves as a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.
Here are 7 Thoughts on Doing College Ministry Long Term:
1. DO IT DIFFERENTLY!
There was a time when I realized my basketball jump shot had become a "tip toe shot". It was time to quit playing basketball with my students. That is all that meant. College Ministry is not based on your ability to play basketball or do all night card games. If it is, it is time to change no matter your age.
-As you age and grow in experience, invest more in your student leaders. Teach and demonstrate to them how to do some of the up front things. Invest in leadership development!
-Look for those who feel called to college ministry and would like to learn from an "old pro". They may serve as a volunteer, part time staffer, or even raise their own salary for the opportunity.
2. KEEP CONTACT WITH STUDENTS.
I like college students and think they are way more interesting than people my age (Don't tell my friends!).
- Eat with college students and listen to them.
-Walk across the campus and through the Student Center every day. Don't hide in your office.
-Periodically, get a group together for pizza, coffee, or cokes and ask them questions about the ministry and what they think. Listen to what they say.
3. WORK THE SEASONS.
Go hard when school is going on. Go slower when school is out for a break. Use the different change of pace times well. There is a difference in loafing and pace. Don't loaf, but do pace yourself.
-Do prep work for all your talks for the next semester. That makes the semester easier and less stressful.
-Spend some extra family time.
-During slower times do some things that invest in YOU. Go to a meeting that blesses you.
4. HAVE FRIENDS!!
Seriously, have some friends that are NOT college students.
-Have college ministry friends you can talk with regularly that understand.
-Have friends that are "real people" and do other things, so you know something about other things and life and don't think college ministry 24/7.
5. NURTURE FAMILY.
Many wind up leaving college ministry because of family strains or guilt over neglect of family.
-Have a night or nights that are "family only".
-Go to your kids' program at school instead of meeting with one more student.
-It will benefit students to see you have a healthy family life. They may not have seen that at home.
-Go to lunch once a week with your spouse.
6. DO PROJECTS THAT GIVE YOU A SENSE OF SATISFACTION.
One of the things that kills College Ministers is the feeling of working all the time and not getting much accomplished....because it is a never ending task.
-During a slower time, write a Bible study you have always wanted to write.
-If you are a "handy person", plan a project where you will build the shelves your Center needs or you will paint that room that looks like students have had their feet all over it.
7. USE YOUR CONTACTS TO ENHANCE THE MINISTRY.
The school administration may trust you more and open some doors due to that trust. See what your options might be.
-Instead of speaking every time, bring in some of your alums or that great pastor friend from across the state to speak.
-Ask for money. I know...we all hate it. But, having some extra money can open up some opportunities and benefit the ministry...or the staff.
Most large college ministries are led by "old pros". We need more "old pros". The greater satisfaction you experience in your ministry, the better it will go and the more God can use your unique gifts!
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print available at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). He serves as a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.
Friday, November 8, 2019
College Students TOP 3 ISSUES?
We are always working at understanding the current generation and those to whom we minister. The issue of porn is a growing one...and particularly in relationship to young women. It used to be considered a guy's issue. An argument can be made for this being the top issue. However, I don't think it is.
The TOP THREE ISSUES are:
1. Loneliness
2. Anxiety
3. Lack of Community
This was said in a planning meeting this week with a group of college ministry pros and and I agree. Quite simply, these are the result of our tech generation. Young adults look at social media and see that others are "living a perfect life". Something must be wrong with them is the feeling. Because our phones occupy us, our society is losing the ability to communicate and connect.
Do you agree that these are the top ISSUES? How is your ministry working to deal with these issues? Understanding the issues is always part of the solution. Loving college students is always part of the solution. So, get off your phone or computer and go love on some college students....please. And, thanks for doing it!
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson) and is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.
The TOP THREE ISSUES are:
1. Loneliness
2. Anxiety
3. Lack of Community
This was said in a planning meeting this week with a group of college ministry pros and and I agree. Quite simply, these are the result of our tech generation. Young adults look at social media and see that others are "living a perfect life". Something must be wrong with them is the feeling. Because our phones occupy us, our society is losing the ability to communicate and connect.
Do you agree that these are the top ISSUES? How is your ministry working to deal with these issues? Understanding the issues is always part of the solution. Loving college students is always part of the solution. So, get off your phone or computer and go love on some college students....please. And, thanks for doing it!
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson) and is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.
Monday, November 4, 2019
"When College Students Pray" by Kim Carson
Kim Carson serves as Baptist Campus Minister at California University of Pennsylvania.
One of my favorite experiences as a campus minister is praying with students. I enjoy teaching them how to pray out loud and encouraging them to pray specifically for the things on their heart. See You at the Pole (SYATP), a global day of student prayer at the end of September, is one of my favorite days of the year because we pray together for our campus, community, and world. It has been an encouraging time to collaborate with the other Cal U campus ministries. When students pray, they connect with God. When students pray, they have more peace. When students pray, our campus is changed for the better. We may never know the total impact of our prayers, but God assures us that he hears us when we pray.
Prayerwalking has been an important part of my life at Cal U for a few years and it is incredible to share it with students. When students come for the first time, they are curious and nervous. By the end of their first walk around campus, they have more confidence and more peace. We connect together in prayer, and we ask for God to open our eyes to see Cal U as He sees it and our minds to pray in alignment with His will. Where most students struggle to stay focused on any one thing for more than 5 minutes, they find they can stay focused on prayer for over half an hour when we are prayerwalking. If you would like to pray along side us, I encourage you to say a prayer for us and for Cal U when we are prayerwalking on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.
From Arliss: Often we encourage students to pray but we do not teach them how to pray or pray aloud with them and help them learn to pray aloud. A key part of teaching discipleship with our students is praying with them and encouraging them in growing in prayer. Kim Carson is one of those fabulous College Ministers that raises her own salary in order to serve where she does.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (Type in Arliss Dickerson) and is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.
One of my favorite experiences as a campus minister is praying with students. I enjoy teaching them how to pray out loud and encouraging them to pray specifically for the things on their heart. See You at the Pole (SYATP), a global day of student prayer at the end of September, is one of my favorite days of the year because we pray together for our campus, community, and world. It has been an encouraging time to collaborate with the other Cal U campus ministries. When students pray, they connect with God. When students pray, they have more peace. When students pray, our campus is changed for the better. We may never know the total impact of our prayers, but God assures us that he hears us when we pray.
Prayerwalking has been an important part of my life at Cal U for a few years and it is incredible to share it with students. When students come for the first time, they are curious and nervous. By the end of their first walk around campus, they have more confidence and more peace. We connect together in prayer, and we ask for God to open our eyes to see Cal U as He sees it and our minds to pray in alignment with His will. Where most students struggle to stay focused on any one thing for more than 5 minutes, they find they can stay focused on prayer for over half an hour when we are prayerwalking. If you would like to pray along side us, I encourage you to say a prayer for us and for Cal U when we are prayerwalking on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.
From Arliss: Often we encourage students to pray but we do not teach them how to pray or pray aloud with them and help them learn to pray aloud. A key part of teaching discipleship with our students is praying with them and encouraging them in growing in prayer. Kim Carson is one of those fabulous College Ministers that raises her own salary in order to serve where she does.
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook and print at amazon.com (Type in Arliss Dickerson) and is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources.
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