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.