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).