My BEST College Ministry Advice Ever??

 I have given lots of college ministry advice.  It is way easier to tell others how to do it than it is to do it. If I just had one thing to say, what would it be? Paul Worcester (Collegiate Evangelism Consultant for the North American Mission Board) in his free eBook, "DO MORE WITH LESS TIME," is kind enough to quote me in Tip #9, "Leverage Seasons of the Ministry Cycle".  I think he even cleaned my statement up a little bit and I am glad to claim it.

HERE IT IS:

"Great falls are made in the summer.  Speaking outlines developed in the summer make for less stressful and more fulfilling fall semesters.  Donors thanked personally in the summer make better givers in the fall.  More family time in slower seasons build into your personal reserves.  More quiet time in your relationship to the Lord builds you up and reminds you why you are doing what you do."

If you want more of Arliss Dickerson's advice, check out his new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, at amazon.com.

Football Coaches and College Ministry

 I LOVE "Football Coach Firing/Hiring Season".  It may just be more fun than the football season.  There is all the rumor and intrigue.  He is going there.  No, he is not going there; he is going to blank University.  That coach swears his undying love to where he is and then is introduced two days later at the new place.  Can you imagine the emotional whiplash?  Today, you are working at Blank University and day after tomorrow you are working at another school.

I love Football Coach Announcement Press Conferences!  There is an energy in the room.  There are all kind of big money people mingling around.  Everybody knows we are going undefeated next year!  The coach has on his tie that matches the school colors and at the end of his speech he puts on the school cap and the room goes nuts!  Plus, we have read on line that he is getting XXXXXmoney to come!

My school is in what is called the Group of Five.  That means we play on the edges of the really big time.  Our coach "only" makes $800,000 a year.....that is besides all the free stuff thrown in like country club membership, a car for you and one for your wife, etc.  Now, that sounds big, but I can't relate it to much.  Until, I divided it out monthly.  The coach makes $66,000 a month!!!  How does that compare to the monthly College Minister check?  Mine didn't compare real well.  When I moved to Arkansas State I got a $5 a month raise.  I only had to work harder, longer and take abuse from the current students.

I read yesterday that an Assistant Coach....an Assistant...got fired and he is getting $5 Million to leave.  If a College Minister gets fired, they are lucky if someone will help them load their U-Haul.

I read when Nick Saban went to Alabama that he immediately went around the Football Complex telling them what all he wanted changed.  "Take this down; move that."  Many times College Ministers are told or just feel they need to try to maintain the status quo and work with the situation as it is for a year.  My first year at ASU, the upper class students would come into my office and tell me they wished I was not there.  Can you imagine some of the football players going into Coach Saban's office when he got there telling him they wished he was not there?  I would like to see that scene!

Football Coaches can say, "I have not talked to that school."  Of course, they have not.  It was their Agent.  That's it.  College Ministers need agents!  We need someone in there negotiating for us on our "deal".  He or she gets an "extra $10 a month on their travel,  If average attendance goes up by 10 and they get a $100 bonus. If the local preacher that has been mad for the last five years likes the College Minister...."they get an extra two days off at Christmas if...."  We need "incentives" like that in our contract.  I may become a "College Minister's Agent".  I hear they get a percentage of the deals they negotiate.  How much is 15% of not very much?

Speaking of Saban, I read he is 69 years old.  No one is telling him he is too old to work with college students. I think even worse than College Ministers lack of "bonus incentives in their contracts" is the belief that a College Minister has to be young.  Some are too old at 30 and others are just getting warmed up at a much older age and doing their best work ever.  Old guys that are still feeling called, loving it, and seeing some of the best results ever....KEEP ON.

Yep...it is a different world out there.  What's the point of this article that will help do college ministry better?  None!  But, it is Christmas and I thought I could write what I wanted to write!!  Merry Christmas to All!!!

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

Third Most Read Blog This Year: "Wise Sayings and Truisms in College Ministry"

 We don't know who said them the first time and everyone does not necessarily believe they are one hundred percent true all the time.......HOWEVER, you can learn a lot from them. 

"To reach a particular campus group, reach one student in that group."

"It takes three years to establish a college ministry or for an existing ministry to become yours."

"Who we reach determines who we CAN and CANNOT reach."

"What you do the first three weeks of the fall semester determines your ministry for the WHOLE school year."

"Good falls are made in the summer."

"A meeting space will fill to only 80% capacity on a regular basis.  To continue to grow, seating space has to continue to grow and too much empty space is discouraging.  Arrange your seating to accommodate your expected number, plus an additional 20%."

"Once a student has been inside your facility or regular meeting place, they are more likely to come back."

"A college ministry will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the leader."

"The unforgiveable sin in college ministry is not getting a students name and contact info the first time they visit a ministry event."

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

My 4th Most All Time Read Blog Article...."The Quick Cheat Sheet"

 A Cheat Sheet is a quick summary of a lot of information.  Here is my updated cheat sheet for revitalizing a struggling college ministry or taking one to another level.

1.  Look at and as HONESTLY as possible determine what issues are hold your ministry back.

2.  Get input and LISTEN to your core students.  But, remember those there are the ones most likely to feel everything is just as it should be.

3.  Determine if any of "The Ministry Killers" are at work in your ministry.  Two of the most common are Inappropriate Behavior  by student leaders and Lack of Excellence in what is done.

4.  Decide which of two basic approaches to take...particularly in a struggling ministry or a re-start...."Do a complete overhaul and change everything".  Or, "Tweak some things within the current ministry".

5.  Establish a starting point and give it priority.....this is FIRST.

6.  Look at the common characteristics of large and growing ministries .....what is one of those that could most quickly move your ministry in a positive direction.  Don't suddenly try to adopt all of them.

7.  Develop and overall plan.  A written plan or strategy is a plus to making continual progress.  Don't let the everyday tasks keep you from  doing the things necessary for the change or growth.  It is easy to get sidetracked.

8.  Assess honestly the ministry's healthy or unhealthy "atmosphere".  Every ministry has a "Vibe".  If it is unhealthy, what is at the core of that?

9.  Be prepared for the push back and personal attack that often goes with any major change.  As much as possible, let people know why you are doing what you are doing.

10. Consider slimming down what your ministry offers to beef up the quality of your offerings.  No ministry can be and offer every good possibility.

11.  If it is taking on a broken ministry, make an OBVIOUS change or multiple changes that show this is a NEW day.

12,  Invest deeply in a few leaders or potential leaders, that could be difference makers.

13. Clean up the reputation of the ministry with outsiders, if this is needed.  This can be particularly true with college administrators and or pastors in a campus based ministry

14.  Understand how other ministries may be having an impact on yours.  Don't copy the "It Ministry" and understand and stress the strengths of your ministry.

15.  Determine how much more or less you as the leader need to be up front.

16  Begin NOW to determine your plan for connecting to and reaching freshmen in the fall semester.  If first rate pictures will be needed for publicity purposes, make them throughout the coming semester.

17.  Determine how Covid concerns and regulations have affected your ministry and how to factor that into planning for the spring and fall semester.

Adapted from FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY.

Arliss Dickerson's book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY is available at amazon.com

A Concern of Mine in College Ministry....YOU Are the Answer!

"Out of Sight...Out of Mind" is a well known saying that expresses a truth.  What people do not see or hear about goes away.

In these days of churches and denominations seeing shrinking offerings and hard decisions being made about budgets and personnel, that which is not in mind is likely to go away.  Some college ministry veterans believe that many of the cuts being made in college ministry are not aimed at college ministry.....it is just that college ministry is not at the front of their thinking.  It is not the first item that comes up in budget meetings, elders meetings and deacon meetings. 

If we believe that college ministry is important and matters in reaching our world, what are we doing about it?  One college ministry leader told me some years ago, "I tell my people to just keep their head down and do their own campus."  I think he meant to avoid controversy, etc.  

As different churches, denominations and other groups make decisions about where college ministry falls in today's decisions, YOU ARE THE ANSWER!  Scary, I know.  Now is NOT the time to keep your head down.  It is time to raise it up in the right way.

-Most only know about college ministry what they see locally.  Realize and accept the responsibility that YOU are the national face of college ministry where you are.

-Don't assume everyone knows what you are doing and the good that is coming out of it.

-Communicate what you are doing to alumni and friends.  Encourage them to be a voice for college ministry.

-Don't keep your head down to the point that pastors and others don't know what you are doing.  Be a FRIEND and PARTNER to other ministers during these hard times. They are making tough decisions these days that draw criticism, no matter what they decide.

-Be FOR college ministry....not just your ministry. Be an encourager.

-Remember that making people aware of your ministry is about way more than asking for money.  Some times we just need to inform and be a friend.  A pastor once said to me, "I would like to see a College Minister some time when he wasn't coming to ask for money."  There is a time to ask for money and there is a time to just be a face and a friend.

-YOU ARE THE FACE OF COLLEGE MINISTRY.  Put on your best face and be about it.

#give25

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

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A Simple College Ministry Formula and Evaluation

 I was talking with a friend who led a large ministry on the campus of a major university.  He said, "College Ministry is really pretty simple, reach freshmen and develop student leaders."  I agree completely.  If you want it put succinctly, that is it.

So, the end of a semester is always a relief and a time of evaluation.  What does that mean in this most unusual of semesters?  Here are some things to consider as you evaluate.

REACHING FRESHMEN

-Was there anything done this fall because of Covid restrictions that is a keeper, no matter the circumstances?  Should something be done out of the ordinary for the start of the Spring Semester due to the differences in this fall?

-Are summer Zoom Freshmen Gatherings a regular from now on?  Are Survival events done virtually a keeper or does there need to be a "Virtual Survival" and an "In Person Survival"?

-What about Bible study groups?  Should there be virtual groups and in person groups every year?  How do groups need to be adjusted for the coming semester...shorter, longer, etc?

-One friend said this fall they had reached a lot of great freshmen girls and very few freshmen guys.  Does next summer's outreach need to have some "gender intentional" outreach?  Do you have an idea for "a guy event" for January?  Reaching guys being a problem is nothing new....but has the current circumstance somehow even grown that problem?  Has the time past that we just do outreach and it is the same for girls and guys?  Seemingly, we can't just lament the loss of guys, we must develop some new ideas for reaching them.

-Just generally speaking:  Is my freshmen outreach all that it should be both event wise, quality wise, number of events wise, and properly funded?  Do we need more outreach events at the start or better quality events?

DEVELOPING STUDENT LEADERS

-How did your leaders perform this year?  Did they step up and take extra responsibility?  Do different times call for different leadership training and development?  Consider doing something special for your student leaders as a result of their stepping up in difficult times. 

-As students go home for Christmas, consider calling or writing personally some freshmen who showed real leadership potential this fall and encourage them.  Let them know you see good things in them and that God can use them in the future.  Let them know how glad you are that they are a part of the ministry.  Don't take them for granted.

-Is it time to give a "Get out of jail free card" to one or more of your student leaders?  The circumstances just have not worked for them and their leadership role is a pain to them.  Should you call and talk with them and give them the opportunity for a "no fault" drop out or transfer to a different role.  Perhaps there is a different role that would fit them better and give them a new start and that could be done now.  Sometimes, it is a good idea to create a role to encourage someone and them to not feel they were "fired".  When students feel a failure, it often sours them on leadership opportunities in the future.

The formula is simple.....it just takes hours, years, prayer and focus to do the formula. Hang in there.  Remember, you do not know all that God has done this semester and used things you said and did that you do not know and may never know.  I believe that!

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com

A National Movement for College Ministry?

 A few years back I started promoting on social media something I called "Give $25" in the month of December. It was to encourage every alum of any college ministry to give $25 to it by the end of the year.  My hope was that it would spread.  It hasn't.  Basically, it is just me and a three or four friends that promote it.

But, I haven't given up.

Here is my thinking.  I don't intend it to be just Baptist.  In my more godly moments, I realize that there are lots of college ministries God is using other than just my tribe. And, if we all of every tribe promoted it, all would benefit.

Why $25?  Why not $50, $100, or "give what you can"?  Many years ago I finally understood that lots of alums and friends do not give money to a college ministry they appreciate because they do not feel they can give a "significant amount".  So, they don't give anything.  Most of us can afford $25 to give away even at Christmas time.

If every alum of your college ministry were to give $25 once a year, most of you would have the biggest annual budget you have ever had.  Many college ministries are decades old and have touched hundreds and even thousands of students.  Younger ministries would still have a significant windfall. Lots of those would be super blessed by ten people giving $25.

Here is the catch.  I am saying just promote #give25.  It is not give $25 to MY MINISTRY.  If we were to all just say, we want you to bless whatever ministry blessed you. Did you know that many denominational ministries are not allowed to ask an individual for money....even their own alumni?  Wouldn't it be crazy if we promoted #give25 to the ministry that blessed you and those that need it, but cannot ask, started getting money in the mail from their alums.  Many of them would give, but do not know it is needed.

If we just spread the word nationally and it was not just about our ministry, I wonder how God might bless and use it.  I have been fascinated to see that InterVarsity is advertising like crazy on Facebook.  Their theme is, "Reach TWICE as many students this year=end". They have a goal of raising $150,000.  I was surprised to see it was not more.  That would be 6,000 people giving $25.  I have no idea what this Facebook campaign is costing them or what results they are seeing.

What if every parent or grandparent were to see something on social media about giving $25 to the ministry that was or had blessed their children or grandchildren?

I began to think much more about year end giving some years ago when my son-in-law told me that he got some year end money from his firm.  What???  Being a College Minister, I didn't know people got extra money in December.  He told me it often was handed out on December 31st and he would write a check to some causes they support and mail them that day.  But, he and my daughter have to know there is a need.  They have their church and some others on their mind and heart.

Here is a little secret...some will send more than $25, but leave that up to them.  We have to mean it when we say "Give $25"!  Don't hint for more.  And use the hashtag.  Put it on social media that does not even relate to it.  So, join in me in asking people to #give25 unless you are not allowed to do that.  Then, just pray for those that are doing it.  

How many millions of dollars could be given this month to college ministry in America if every alum would give $25?  It would be a miraculous movement of God.

PS:  If you send out a year end newsletter or update, don't forget to put a return envelope in it.....if you are allowed to do that.  Don't break any policy rules.

PPS:  You send a check for $25 to the ministry that blessed you.  I have done mine.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com

Declining Offerings, College Ministry, and Baptists

When word came in the last couple of weeks that the Georgia Baptist Convention was cutting their number of BCM Directors, it was stunning.  The Georgia Convention due to declining offerings in local churches has asked several of their employees to take early retirement.  Among that number are some of their most veteran and experienced College Ministers.  The result is that a major campus will go from multiple staff to one staff member. Other campuses will have no full time Baptist Campus Minister.  Georgia has long had a strong commitment to college ministry.  The realization is that, "if it can happen in Georgia, it can happen anywhere."

 Quite simply, the reality is that when offerings in local churches decline, then there is less money to do what we have been doing.  Then, the money sent on to State Conventions gets cut. Should cuts be made across the board?  What most impacts kingdom work?  What most benefits the ministry of churches? Some argue that when cuts are made that college ministry takes a disproportionate hit because leadership receives less push back in that area.

So, where does that leave us?  What are options apart from simply cutting back?  If we believe that reaching the young adult generation is important and even paramount, just cutting back is not the answer.

Here are some alternatives:

LEAVE COLLEGE MINISTRY TO THE NON-DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES.  This has been suggested by some that we simply let CRU, InterVarsity, etc do the college ministry.  They raise their own salaries, etc. It doesn't cost us anything. While much great ministry is done by these ministries, we lose the distinctive strengths of our denomination both in beliefs and practices.  AND, much of the money these staffers raise is being raised from Southern Baptist individuals.

ADOPT THE VIRGINIA MODEL.  A few years back the Virginia Baptist Convention notified their BCM College Ministers they would have to begin raising a percentage of their own salary and that percentage would increase over the years.  When I first heard this, I thought how awful!  Now, I am not so negative of that approach.  They did not quit.  They did not say we just don't do college ministry anymore.  One reality that bolsters this idea is that today's younger Christians no longer like the idea of just giving their money blindly to their local church and saying do whatever with it.  They want to see where their money goes and what it accomplishes.  We can like it or dislike it, but that is a growing reality and perhaps one reason offerings are declining.

ASK THE LOCAL CHURCHES TO TAKE UP THE COLLEGE MINISTRIES.  This is the model that the North Carolina Baptist Convention adopted some years ago.  They went from multiple BCM Ministers with Centers to three employees who are to enlist and train individuals and churches to do it on a local level.  Different observers give different reports on their success.  

GO TO ONLY THE UNDERSERVED CAMPUSES.  This approach argues to cut our number of College Ministers and go to the smaller campuses where no one is doing anything or very little.  Big name campuses have lots of ministries and smaller and often more commuter campuses have less witness. This spreads our gospel witness and ministry where it is most needed is the feeling.

GO ONLY TO THE FLAGSHIP CAMPUSES.  The argument for this is that "flagship campuses" are the ones with the most students normally and it is easier to draw support for these ministries for either salaries or budget because they are high profile.  That argument further continues that "flagship campuses" tend to turn out the most high profile, assertive leaders that will make the greatest difference in the world (and church) to come.  Southern Baptists have long advocated the idea of being on more campuses while CRU and others have more practiced the "Flagship model". 

DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN STATE CONVENTIONS AND LOCAL CHURCHES.  This idea maintains that instead of local churches hiring their own College Minister and there being a local BCM/BSU Campus Minister to combine their efforts and salary money.  That allows the local churches and the convention to cut what they are spending and develops a unified approach.  Some state conventions now do this on some campuses.  But, these alliances are often fragile and complicated.  Some churches are willing and others are not.  Should we invite all, and simply combine with those who are willing?

These are UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS about options. I believe that is one reason we are not having them. Should Baptist leaders make these decisions alone or should it be more of a denominational dialogue?  Good arguments can be made FOR and AGAINST each of these suggestions.  Instead of "perfect solutions" maybe we need to be looking for and adopting "workable solutions".  As we see young adults walking away from faith and church, is cutting back on college ministry a good idea?  Is this the most effective idea for the future? 

I challenge all of us to be part of this discussion!

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com

Thanksgiving for College Ministers

 Thanksgiving always brings a sigh of relief for College Ministers.  In normal times, it is a pause before the winding up of the semester.  In Covid times, for many the semester has ended.  At this point, it is easy to be frustrated by all that could not be done this fall semester.

Rather, I want to encourage you to think of things to be thankful for, in this what is most likely your most frustrating semester, in your ministry of no matter how many years.

-What is something you tried that worked...and might even ben something you would do in a "normal semester"?

-Who is someone that came to the Lord or who really got serious about their personal growth and discipleship this semester?

-Who are some leader types that possibly stepped up and went above and beyond?  By the way, why don't you send them a personal note of thanks.

-Think about how this semester affected your personal relationship to the Lord.  Did you pray more?  Did you trust more?  Did you find solace in the Lord more?

-Write down some things you are thankful for this semester, instead of just thinking about the "could not's".

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of all your wonders.  I will be glad and rejoice in you;  I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."  Psalm 9:1

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM SUE AND ME TO ALL OF YOU.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com

Time to Bring Back an Old Idea?

 For many years our ministry paid a significant amount of money to have a high quality, glossy, picture laden poster done that folded into a brochure.  We mailed it to every incoming freshman name we could get and we handed it out at Summer New Student Orientations.  Then, during the first days of school, we hung it on most anything that did not move.  We put it on class room bulletin boards.  We put it on dorm bulletin boards.  We put it on kiosks all around campus.  We taped it to the inside of bathroom stalls at eye level.  You get the idea.  We put it everywhere.

With the Covid crisis and no New Student Orientations, less and less mailing lists, etc is it time to start doing posters on campus again?  Long ago, our Publicity Team used to put out weekly flyers that had specifics of that week's event...the Bible Study/Talk title for our big weekly event, etc.  I am not saying this is a need now.

BUT AND HOWEVER, as this semester winds down, should we be doing a first class poster to plaster the campus with for the students that return in January...or February....or whatever unusual schedule your school is operating on??

MY RULES FOR POSTERS:

1.  The quality of the poster says something about the quality of the ministry.

2.  Pictures are a must. They draw attention.  They say way more than you can write that people will read.

3.  Show pictures of the events you are advertising.

4.  Have pictures that show students like the students you are hoping will respond.  Predominantly white ministries have a hard time reaching African American students.  Do any of your pictures have black students in them?  Are there Greeks in Greek letter shirts?

5.  Show FUN PICTURES!  I am just not spiritual enough to think all the pictures ought to be of students kneeling in prayer.  I know...it's just me.

6.  Have a picture of the meeting place, so it can be identified easily.  If you have a Center or a building or whatever, show where it is, or list the address, or tell what campus building or landmark it is located close to.

7.Possibly have a picture of you, the staff, and or the Leadership Team.

So, what if school is almost out and I don't have any pictures like that?  Call some of your students that are still around and make some fun pictures.  And, I bet some of your students have some pictures on their phones that would be great to use. Send out an SOS.  OR, is this the time to decide to have such a poster for next fall and plan now to make the pictures at events that will provide what you need for next fall's poster?

Two Quick Stories About Posters:  Sometimes, we would have an individual picture of me and my Associate on them.  One day I was in a dorm and the elevator I was on had one of our posters in it.  I got off at a floor and when I came back, someone had spit on my picture on the poster.  Glad I had not been there!  One night a freshman girl came to our worship event for the first time, I introduced myself to her and she turned red and said, "I know who you are; I saw your picture when I was using the bathroom this morning."

Is it time for posters to come back??  It may be a great new idea for these times!

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

Reaching MORE College Students

Most College Ministers want to reach more students.  Whether a ministry averages 25 or 250, we know there are other students that need to know Christ and or be growing in that relationship. Here are seven thoughts or actions to consider, if you have a desire to reach more students. 

1.  BEWARE OF MINISTRY KILLERS.

There are several  that can be holding a ministry back.  Two of them are, Inappropriate Behavior by Student Leaders and Same Old/Same Old.  If other students see what are key leaders behaving inappropriately, it gives the whole ministry a black eye.  Same Old/Same Old can be simply a lack of excellence in what is done.  Or, the ministry has failed to update and adjust over the last few years.

2.  DOING TOO MUCH.

There is always more that needs doing.  But, it is possible for a ministry to be attempting too many different things to do any well.  Plus, it spreads student leaders thin either in effort or responsibility.  Nothing is done well in the haste to do it all.  Is your ministry offering to many options, events, or ministries?

3.  YOUR MINISTRY IS NOT "THE IT MINISTRY".

If your ministry is working where there are multiple ministries and there is one that is obviously "the IT ministry", it can suck the oxygen out of other ministries.  Beware the temptation to copy what they are doing.  Don't bad mouth what they are doing. Decide what is the unique strength of your ministry and YOUR unique strength and bear down hard on those.  Be the best you that your ministry can be.

4.  COMMUNICATE THE SENSE OF MISSION.

"Open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35.  Do your students sense that your organization is on campus for a mission or to provide wholesome activities?  Help students and especially student leaders grow in their sense of mission.

5. BUILD CAMPUS AWARENESS.

Simply put, does the campus as a whole know the ministry is there?  Use publicity, special fun events, outreach tables, etc, etc.  As the Campus Minister, relate to key administrators that can close or open doors for the ministry.  Some events are done just for awareness.  Everybody is looking for a well done fun event.  First class publicity communicates that the ministry is first class.

6.  TOO MUCH YOU OR NOT ENOUGH YOU?

There is a balance for a leader and that is being up front enough to provide direction, etc or up front too much.  If the leader is too much the central focus of the ministry, the ministry will only connect to those students who relate to that leader's personality.  Some College Ministers are too much the focus of their ministry and some are not visible enough for modeling, etc.

7.  FOCUS ON SOME DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS.

There are a wide variety of groups on every campus.  There is the band, Greeks, athletes, Stem students, commuters, etc. Many times multiple ministries are all aimed at the same campus group or two.  Is there a different group that your ministry could develop a relationship to?  Reach someone in that group and that group is open to your ministry.

I am NOT suggesting you immediately do ALL seven of these.  Pick one or two that you sense could be a weakness in your ministry or you sense an opportunity in that area.

These ideas are bits and pieces from my book, "Fixing a Broken College Ministry".  I goofed when I used that title and slant. Since most ministries are not broken, most saw it as not applicable to them. It really should have been "Reaching MORE College Students".  If you are interested in more ideas and an expansion of these seven, "Fixing" in eBook form is on sale this week (November 16-20) for 99 cents at amazon.com.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

Working with Young Adults is Messy!

 A friend called upset to ask, if I could help her son.  He has graduated college and is living in another city.  He and his girlfriend are wanting to get married and the church they are attending will not do the ceremony and their pre-marital counseling.  They are involved in a young couples group and she attends a women's Bible study.  Plus, they contribute to the church.  They are living together.

They had made an appointment at the church to talk about the possible wedding but received an email the day before the appointment to say that the church staff would not do the wedding or their pre-marital counseling.  The mother says, "They are trying to do the right thing."  She went on to say, "What's the difference between them and a couple who maintain separate apartments but sleep together a couple of nights a week?"  Her point is that they are more honest.

If a couple comes to ask if you will perform their wedding, do you ask if they currently sleep together occasionally?  Or, do you ask, if they live together?  Is there a difference?  

I was asked once by a young woman to do her wedding, but I could not mention God or Jesus.  She said the man she was marrying did not believe in God.  She was not involved in our ministry but had grown up in the church I attend and said she had always dreamed of being married there.  I indicated I needed to think about it.  Could I be a witness in the situation somehow for good?  I decided I would not do the ceremony.....for one reason, it would have been a sixty second ceremony.  I talk a lot about God and what the Bible says about marriage and relationships.  Without that, I got nothing.  And, I don't do "Weddings for Hire".  The pay is usually not good and you have to sit by their crazy aunt at the rehearsal dinner.

Some College Ministers I know have certain stipulations they give and will perform the ceremony, if those are met.  If you have not been placed in this predicament, you will be.  So, think through it and decide where you are.  Some will not perform the wedding of a Christian and a non-Christian.  But, they will do the wedding of two non-Believers, if they consent to pre-marital counseling which involves presenting the Gospel.  Others say they will do a small more informal wedding.  Some indicate they will do the wedding, if the couple commits to live apart leading up to the wedding.

I think there are good arguments on all sides of this discussion.  But, here is one thing I think should be a universal answer.  I would be glad to do your pre-marital counseling!  Thank you for asking me.  All of us in ministry are concerned about the state of marriage.  If we perform a wedding of a couple who lives together, are we condoning that behavior?  How do we draw people in and how do we not push them away?  How do we stand on our principles and beliefs?

 It is messy!

By the way, I was able to call a friend in that city who said he would be glad to meet with them and possibly do their ceremony.....and at the very least, he would offer to do their pre-marital counseling.

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh." Ephesians 5:31

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com

Context is Everything in College Ministry....3 Truths

One of the reasons we cannot copy the ideal college ministry on to every campus in America is every campus is different.  I have warned that it is easy to follow and try to emulate someone who is well known.  Yet, that person's context may be totally different.

WHAT IS CONTEXT?

The official definition according to Miriam Webster is, "the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded."  One synonym is "atmosphere".  What is the "atmosphere" of your campus?

3 TRUTHS ABOUT CONTEXT:

1.  EVERY CAMPUS SITUATION HAS MINUSES.

2.  EVERY CAMPUS SITUATION HAS PLUSES.

3.  CONTEXT CHANGES EVEN ON THE SAME CAMPUS.

_____________________________________________________________________________

SO, WHAT DO WE DO?

 FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE.  Look for the positives.  What does this campus situation have that can be a unique positive?  There is nothing happening on campus.....we can be the something.  

TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE MINUSES.  Students get it when we are negative and have no sense of energy and optimism about the ministry.  Be a source of the positive!

KEEP STUDYING YOUR CAMPUS.  Just because you understood it two or three years ago does not mean you understand it now.  Walk the campus EVERY DAY.

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

Hard Work in College Ministry

My wife tells me I do not do well with being told I am wrong.  And, she is right. HOWEVER, a friend send me a message in regard to my blog, "The IT Factor in College Ministry".  In it I stated that the "IT Factor" is respect, not charisma, as some think and that respect is earned.

My friend, who is a college ministry leader and supervisor said he agreed with everything I wrote, EXCEPT, I left out hard work.  He is totally correct.

I am a huge believer in working hard, working regularly, being faithful to the job.  One reason I think I may have left it out of my list is, all the College Ministers I know work hard.  I have heard that there are some lazy ones, but I do not know them.  For one thing, I think lazy people do not last long in college ministry.

Nothing substitutes for hard work.  But, there is more than one way to work hard.  I have a friend in college ministry who works unbelievably hard both during the week and on weekends.  But then, he will take a week's vacation in the middle of the semester!  I could never do that....not in the middle of the semester.  But, I paced myself more on a regular pattern and took some extra time in the slower seasons.  Our "Work Hard Patterns" are different.

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR WORKING HARD

1.  Find what hard work pattern works best for you.  Are you the go hard night and day and then take a few days break?  Or, are you the consistent schedule person?  Don't just copy your hero or role model.

2.  Never forget that hard work done wrong or ineffectively is still ineffective.  Beware of trying to substitute hard work for a good and workable strategy.  Being stubborn and hard work often go together, but can be fatal!

3.   Beware of "driving others" with your own inclination to work hard.  It is easy for others to feel that we have unrealistic expectations of them.  And, this can be particularly sensitive in working with college student volunteers.  And, different generations have different ideas about how and when to work hard.  

4.  Don't forget GRACE.  If I am honest, there is a little in me that feels you need to "earn your way" to heaven.  God loves us....even when we do not have 500 at our big event!

5.  Have a schedule that makes it possible for others to connect with you and they know when that is.  Working from midnight to 9:00 a.m. might work for you personally, but it does not make you easily available.  I am all about having posted hours or making it generally known that you are in your office or available at certain hours.  And, be faithful to that schedule.

6.  Do not cheat your family to work hard.  Sometimes that is a hard balance.  But, work at balancing it.

7.  If you have a boss or supervisor, make sure they know about and are on board with your work hard schedule.  If you are working well into the night and showing up at the office at noon, do they know what you are doing, or just think you are not working?  And, there are times we just need to be where we are supposed to be.

Keep working hard.  Nothing substitutes for it, but be a smart hard worker!

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

The "IT Factor" in College Ministry

 Sometimes star athletes are described as having "It".  You hear a compelling person described as having "It".  I have long said that a mistake in college ministry is thinking that the "It Factor" is charisma.  The "It Factor" is just good old fashioned respect.  Lots of College Ministers are not charismatic, but they have the "It Factor".  It is earned.

How do you earn and have the "It Factor"?

1.  TIME - Students see who you are and learn they can trust you.  The old fashioned word is "faithfulness".

2.  Don't just be ONE OF THE GANG - students have buddies.  Buddies do not always speak hard truth.

3.  Some will leave when you stand on PRINCIPLE.  Stand on principle...not hard headedness.  Principle is key in the "It Factor".

4.  STOP trying to impress students.  They know you aren't 21.

5.  Things "It Factor" College Ministers Do:

1.  ENCOURAGE students.

2.  AFFIRM gifts and abilities.

3.  Give FEEDBACK.

4.  DEVELOP and train.

5.  Express FORGIVENESS.

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold."  Proverbs 22:1

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.

What Criticisms Do YOU Get?

I don't know anyone that enjoys being criticized.  But, if we serve in any sort of public leadership role, we will be criticized and we need to understand that is part of it.  I have laughed at the variety of things I have been criticized about.....some I did not laugh at the time.

"You promote the ministry more than you do Jesus." 

I must admit I never quite understood that one or knew what it was about.

"You have forsaken biblical preaching." That was after a conference where I was chairman of the planning committee and we had leaders talking about how to do college ministry better...not just a series of famous preachers.

"You are too conservative."  "You are too liberal."  Those were in the same week.

"You are not evangelistic enough."  I might plead semi-guilty to that one in that one of the callings of my life has been reaching college students who came to Christ as a child and have since walked away from it.  So, evangelism has not been my sole focus by any means.

"Too many students go to the church you go to."  That is probably my favorite!  I went out of my way to not invite students to my church in trying to be fair to the multiple churches reaching out to students on our campus.  And, I was trying to help each church.  But, I have to admit I liked the fact that my example mattered.  I kind of thought that was a good thing.  

So, here is the thing.  Again, criticism goes with any public leadership role.  It just does.  

1.  You Need to HEAR it.

Not all criticism is automatically unfair.  So, we need to listen for areas we need to improve.  And, sometimes we have just goofed.  Valid criticism is helpful when we can get past the sting.

2.  You need to NOT DWELL ON IT. .

It can paralyze you.  Listen, evaluate and then decide where to go from there.  If it is valid, make some adjustments, if not, don't waste energy on it.

3.  Always consider the SOURCE.

WHO the criticism comes from matters a great deal.  Some people speak out of knowledge.  Some speak out of jealousy. Some people speak out of ignorance and some speak out of love.  The MOTIVE of the speaker is key.  Criticism from my wife gets careful attention!  And, criticism from people who I know share the same calling and are teammates gets high attention.

4.  Some criticism comes as a result of a lack of communication on our part.

So, what areas do we need to be communicating better?  Some people genuinely care and just do not have all the information they need.

5.  Some criticism is about lack of balance.

A College Minister has more jobs than he or she can do.  There are more areas that are important and getting the right balance is tough and that is where feedback is helpful.

6.  Don't CONFUSE feedback with criticism.

None of us have ever done anything perfectly.  People who care will give feedback.

 AND, NO CRITICISM can mean nobody knows you are there or worse, don't care.  There can be a reason to celebrate criticism!!

PS:  ANONYMOUS LETTERS HAVE NO VALUE    . They are just meant to hurt! Trust me; I have gotten two or three.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com

Glitz vs Substance in College Ministry

 A pastor friend of mine said he wanted his church college ministry to be one of "substance not glitz".  I agree with him......50%.

Substance is all about communicating the truth of the gospel.  It is about facing and talking about the tough issues of the day that students are encountering.  But, here is the thing.....doing it to an empty room is not too helpful!  Some ministries are proud of the fact that they do not have big crowds....that must mean they are doing nitty gritty substance.  Or, it may mean they are just dull.

Here is the thing.  Everybody needs and wants some celebration.  In the stress and strain of the college world (which is even more stressful and straining this year), there needs to be fun and celebration.  College freshmen come to school looking for two things immediately....friends and fun.  I have learned that most college freshmen think like.....wait for it......here it comes.....college freshmen!  Who knew?

Even the most serious who are planning to make straight A's and go to med school or get a PhD in something look for some fun.  Expecting college freshmen to look and think like the later on adults we want them to be is at the least unrealistic.

A healthy college ministry mixes some glitz in with the substance.  It starts out in the fall with some glitzy fun and evolves to the substance.  Some years ago there were two churches in one college town that were working hard at doing college ministry.  They each had large group events on Wednesday night.  One opened the fall with a month long series on world hunger.  The other opened the fall with a month long series on love, sex, and dating.  You know I don't have to finish that story.  By the way, the one who opened with the "glitzy" series is one of the most serious Bible teachers I know.

Depth is important.  Substance matters.  It matters more when there is someone there to hear it.  

Some of the most "substance driven" college ministries I know have some of the "glitziest events". Even I flinch at some of them. But, choosing between substance and glitz is a false choice.  Even serious people have parties.  Why should a non-believing college student want to go to a 14 week study on the book of Revelation?  One or two will.  If reaching one or two is your goal, ok.  If starting where students are and growing them to another point is your goal, where you start matters.

Here is an even crazier thought:  I think in the midst of doing the glitz....like talking about love, sex, and dating....we can be talking about biblical stuff like forgiveness and purpose in life, commitment, etc.

I believe Jesus laughed and had fun.  Notice that tax collectors and sinners wanted to be around him.  I don't think that meant he had no substance.  Being dull is not the same as having substance.  I walked across our campus one day and there was a man standing on a ladder preaching the Gospel.  I agreed with everything he was saying.  But, he was doing it in a mean and angry way.....and not one student stopped to listen.  He sure was not glitzy.  He had substance.

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.....a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."  Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 4

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  

A Life of Service

 One of my core beliefs is that we are all called to serve, if we are Christians.  That is not just about "full time vocational ministry".  It is not just till we "retire".  If we are followers of Jesus, we are supposed to be serving and need to be for our own welfare as well as the benefit of the Kingdom.

I was reminded of that this week with the news of Dick Houston passing away.  Dick was 88 years old and had been a College Minister in Georgia prior to his "retirement".  Just a little over a month ago, Dick contacted me to ask, if I had copies of "The Campus Minister" which was the professional journal of a now defunct group, The Association of Southern Baptist Campus Ministers.  I did not and referred him to some I thought might.

Shortly after that, Dick contacted me to tell me that he had gotten them and since he believed they were a valuable resource, he had posted all of them on line at student.org.  He was 88 years old and he was still trying to benefit the college ministry community.

In sharing his obituary on Facebook, I commented that Dick was the first College Minister I ever heard talk about using computers in your ministry.  I attended a session where he spoke of logging attendance at all of their meetings and then knowing who had and had not been to one of their events in the last two or three weeks.  Then, they could check on them and encourage them.  That was radical stuff then.  NOBODY was using technology like that in every day college ministry. Now College Ministers use SnapChat, GroupMe, etc, etc. every day. We would not dare have a college ministry conference without something on technology.  It has become that normal and everyday use.

Joe Graham, State College Ministry Director for Georgia, said of Dick, "Dick Houston was one of our pioneering CM's here in Georgia.  He tried and perfected new ideas before others even knew they were ideas."  I love that, "before others even knew they were ideas".

A month before he died at 88 he was doing "college ministry work".  He was fulfilling a life of service.  I pray that we will all be challenged by that example....no matter what our vocational calling is.  AND, let's be about perfecting some ideas before others even know they are ideas!

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

4 Ways to do College Ministry WRONG

I say often that there is more than one way to do college ministry right.  So, how can it be done wrong?

1.  COPY ANOTHER MINISTRY.

No two situations are alike.  No two ministries have all the same resources.  No two campuses are totally alike.  No two College Ministers have the exact same gift and skill set.  Ok; you get the idea.  Learn from others, use the same principles/essentials, but be uniquely what God has for you and that ministry.

2.  BECOME A CLOSED GROUP.

This happens two different ways. The first is philosophical.  "We are a discipleship ministry and only for those who are ready to be serious about their faith."  That does not leave much room for the student who has questions about faith...either as a believer or non-believer.  And, it often precludes the believer that has strayed and struggling with how to "come back".

Second, it is when a group just becomes an unhealthy clique.  They are all friends, think alike and have no room for anyone else or anyone not  just like them or with their attitudes.  If we are honest, most ministries struggle with this to some degree.  There is a fine line between a group being caring for each other without shutting others out.

3.  FIGHT OR IGNORE THE ADMINISTRATION.

Some ministries take great delight in breaking the campus rules.  The campus may say, "No flyers put on windshields".  The ministry says, "We are telling people about Jesus, so is ok." The more rules we break, the more rules and restrictions get put on ministries....and not just ours.  A rule breaking ministry can harm all other ministries on campus.  Doors get locked to these ministries.

Second, some ministries just ignore the administration.  When campus administrators see our ministries as partners or at least, not harmful, it is beneficial.  Doors open to helpful partners. If administrators don't even know you or your ministry is there, how does that benefit anyone?  Know and befriend those that need to know you.

4.  CHURCH COLLEGE MINISTRIES THAT SEPARATE THE MINISTRY FROM THE CHURCH AS A WHOLE.

Some large church COLLEGE ministries are totally separate from the church as a whole.  In the short term this seems beneficial as everything is college student friendly, directed and some would say it keeps students from seeing unpleasant church stuff.  But, here is the thing, will these students love the church and fit into the church for the years to come?  Doing real church over the long haul usually means being with a bunch of folks not just alike.  

And of course, there is thinking it is all up to you and that the Lord is lucky to have you there leading it, but that is for another day.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.(Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX ).  Type in his name to see all his books or just the title.

Southern Baptist National College Ministry Leadership?

 The North American Mission Board (NAMB) announced Tuesday that Paul Worcester would become their National Director of Collegiate Evangelism.  Paul and his wife, Christy, started and lead the Baptist ministry at California State University at Chicot.  This announcement was greeted positively by Baptist Collegiate Ministers throughout the country who are familiar with Paul.  In the last couple of years, Paul has been used widely on a variety of programs teaching and explaining his approach to "Gospel Conversations" and teaching his students to share Christ on campus.

Immediately, the question was asked, "So collegiate ministry now comes out of NAMB instead of Lifeway?" The simple answer is No.

This question is a result of Lifeway Christian Resources, which had housed the Southern Baptist college ministry leadership office, announcing in June that they would cease this role as a part of a multi-million dollar budget cut. As a result, there have been on going discussions as to if and where there would be an SBC college ministry leadership office and person(s) provided and located.  ((You can see the original post about this at the bottom of my Blog page.)

NAMB for many years had put a great deal of money into college ministry paying the salary of as many as fifty (50) BCM campus ministers around the country in such strategic places as West Point, Princeton, etc. Plus, they had one or more consultants working nationally in collegiate evangelism.  Some years ago as NAMB shifted their focus to church planting, they reduced their support of college ministry salaries to less than ten (10) currently and had not had a national consultant or leader in this area.

In regard to the national overall leadership of SBC college ministry, State wide BCM leaders have been working with Dr. Ronnie Floyd, President of the SBC Executive Committee, (SBC's top person) to resolve the question of national leadership for college ministry and who would provide it.  It is complicated in that Lifeway was assigned that role by a vote of the Southern Baptist Convention and no one....not even Dr. Floyd...has the authority to place it somewhere else.  

Those BCM leaders, who are in discussions with Dr. Floyd, have praised his responsiveness to their concerns and his desire to help resolve the situation....and to his desire to prioritize college ministry in the most beneficial way.  Seemingly, as a result of Lifeways' decision to not fulfill this role, there will need to be a recommendation from the SBC Executive Committee to the entire Southern Baptist Convention and voted on at an annual meeting to make any formal changes.

So, Paul Worcester's being named to this role is not the overall national college ministry leadership role. In recent years, some have been critical of NAMB's step back in college ministry and so see this as a very positive step.  It is another partner in college ministry on the national level.  Paul is much appreciated in the SBC college ministry family and will be widely used as his ministry is already a model to many...and not just those in Baptist life.  Paul and Christy will continue to live in California at this point.  He is already reaching out to different BCM college ministry leaders to see how he can best benefit them and our witness to students throughout the country.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

Lessons from Multiple College Ministries

 When I first retired from the ministry at Arkansas State University, I had the privilege of travelling around the country for Lifeway to be a help to individual college ministries and working with statewide gatherings of College Ministers.  Here are four simple things I saw and learned.

1.  THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO DO IT RIGHT AND WELL.

There is not one magic formula or secret way.  While there are principles and essentials that apply across all the ministries, they are being acted out in many different ways.  AND, there are several ways to do it WRONG! 

2. "COOL" IS WAY OVER RATED.

Somewhere there began a myth that College Ministers to be effective must be super cool and hip.  Most of the good ones I know are not.  They are just hard working, life planted people called to work with college students.  A few are "Cool" and doing well.  A few are "Cool" and the ministry is just built around them.

3.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A SPEAKER.

Another myth is that to be a great College Minister, you must be a mesmerizing speaker.  Lots speak and their speaking make a difference because their life example and investment in students has earned them the credibility to be heard.  Some just organize, lead, and get others to speak.  Some weaken their ministry by trying to be a mesmerizing speaker.

4.  THE PERSONALITY OF THE COLLEGE MINISTER SHAPES THE MINISTRY.

Our weaknesses and strengths show up in the way the ministry is done.  It just does.  That's part of why we must be "self-aware" and keep growing as well as empowering others to fill spots we just do not fill so well.  But, what we value will be demonstrated in the ministry.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry, is available at amazon.com/dpB08CMD9CXX and A College Ministry Success Formula is available at amazon.com/dp/B091F5S1RF.

Do THESE 5 Things If You Do College Ministry

 I think I probably over use the word "principle" in talking about essentials in doing college ministry.  Yet, I believe there are some things that are true....always true and cannot be ignored.  So, I am not sure how  many principles there are, but here are five essentials that I think matter big time in college ministry.  They continue to demonstrate themselves in some of the larger and or stronger ministries in the country.  As you consider new thoughts and approaches, consider these five.

1.  SMALL GROUPS ARE  KEY FOR DISCIPLESHIP AND RETENTION.

Students are known and cared about in small groups.  Crowds can work for teaching and momentum but individual care happens in small groups.  They are  missed when they do not show up.  They are more likely to have buy-in and participate in a small group.  They can ask their honest questions and get encouragement when they need it.  Depth can be there as a result of their choice to be there.  They can be held accountable.

2.  LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IS HUGE.

Leadership development is part of our job to benefit the church in the years to come and it is key to our connecting to more and a wider variety of students.  Students touch other students and reach into groups a College Minister can never gain access to.  Student leaders multiply the work of the ministry.  It is MORE people working at the task.  It is a variety of gifts serving and the more students who have ownership of the ministry, the stronger the ministry will be. No one leader can have all the gifts needed for a ministry to be all God would have it be.

3.  CONSISTENT LONG TERM PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP IS A HALLMARK OF MOST STRONG COLLEGE MINISTRIES.

Staying long term in a ministry calls for "SELF CARE".  Develop a schedule that can be maintained.  Don't ignore family to do God's work.  That is part of God's work for you.....to ignore family is wrong and leads to burnout and family conflict.  Continue to grow in knowledge of scripture, ministry, and people.  Never think you have arrived.  Be a lifelong learner.  Help those younger in ministry than yourself and it will continue to grow and keep you fresh.  Be very aware of the key seasons of the ministry and utilize that time well.  When the ministry season is slower, utilize that time to re-coup and revitalize.  Learn what voices to listen to and which to ignore....both in your yourself and from others.

4.  AN INTENTIONAL FRESHMEN MINISTRY IS KEY TO REACHING MORE NEW STUDENTS.

Students are most available the first two to three weeks of their freshman year.  The next four years of the ministry will be affected by what a ministry does at the start of each fall.  Spend wisely extravagantly during this time and have an intentional plan of connecting to as many students as possible....BOTH Believers and Non-Believers.

5.  A SENSE OF MISSION IS CENTRAL TO ALL THRIVING COLLEGE MINISTRIES.

Why is your ministry there?  The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.  The more students have a sense of the mission, the more likely they are to give their energy to it.  Does the ministry articulate a sense of mission and do student leaders know and buy into the mission of the ministry.  The Chess Club on campus is a good thing....a college ministry is a good thing, but they have very different missions.  The College Minister must articulate and promote a sense of biblical mission of care, ministry, and witness to the campus that students can and will buy into.

Arliss Dickerson's book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  

Part of My Story Or How I Started Writing College Ministry Stuff

Some have asked how I got to writing about college ministry.  In the late 80's and early 90's I felt there was a lack of people speaking up about and for college ministry.  As many have said, "College ministry is the best kept secret."  I had students going to seminary and taking college ministry classes.  It seemed what they were studying was either not practical or not really preparing them to do college ministry.  In my desire to grow and learn, I asked my students about the text books for their college ministry classes and learned they were written by people not known for doing college ministry.  None were out of Baptist life but from denominations not known for their ministry to college students.

I felt then as I do now that some of the best work (not all the best work) was being done by Southern Baptists and therefore, we should be contributing to the conversation about how and why to do it. I made a conscious decision that I wanted to be a voice in the college ministry conversation.  Not because I was smarter or whatever, but that somebody needed to be speaking up.

I wrote a little book, "Nine Shaping Principles of College Ministry".  I had it printed (or more accurately "run off") at a copy story just off of campus.  It looked TERRIBLE!  I am totally embarrassed when I look at it now.  But here is the thing, three seminaries used it as a required text. I realize now not because it was brilliant or even good.  There just was not much out there and it was practical.  Practical is all I know.  Later, I revised it and added a section on specialized Freshmen Ministry and at Calvin Miller's suggestion, called it "The 10 Commandments of College Ministry".

Why do I share this story?  We need more College Ministers in Baptist life and in whatever tribe you serve to speak up and write about college ministry.  I made a conscious decision to be a spokesman and to put myself out there.  I believe we need more who will choose to do that.

-Write something. What do you write?

-Some of you do small groups in a fabulous way.  Write how you do it and what makes it work.

-Some of you do evangelism better than most of us.  Write how you do it and how you train students to do it.

-Some of you raise money and develop staff better than others.  Write about it.  We desperately need more staff in these days and particularly when College Minister positions are being cut.

-Some of you are great at speaking at your student meetings, write what you have learned about how to do it and what really clicks with today's generation.

-Some of you are fabulous with technology and you use tools I have never even heart of!  Write "The 10 Best Technology Tools for College Ministers".

Someone asked my why I have always published my own stuff instead of it being done commercially.  Twenty five years or so ago a person at Lifeway said they wanted to talk to me about writing a college ministry book for them and that they would get back to me in the next couple of weeks.  So, I decided while I waited, I would get on with doing my own thing.  And, Amazon Self Publishing sure beats that copy store off campus!

Write something!  Speak up about college ministry.

Make a decision to be an Ambassador for College Ministry!  I am not exceptional....just a little pushy!!

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title. 

What Will it Take for College Ministry to Last and Survive Difficult Days?

This was originally part of a "Ted Style Talk" I was invited to give to the Alabama BCM and Church Based College Ministers.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR COLLEGE MINISTRY TO LAST AND SURVIVE IN THESE DIFFICULT DAYS?  (And, this question was asked "pre-covid".)

1.  WE MUST NEVER THINK WE HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT.....if you think you completely understand this business....you don't understand this business.  The campus is constantly changing.  We must keep learning and adjusting.

2.  DON'T BAD MOUTH OTHERS WHO ARE DOING COLLEGE MINISTRY DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU ARE (Remember, it is being done more different ways now than ever before.). We all have crazy uncles....but they are still our uncle.  When we bad mouth others in college ministry, it hurts college ministry as a whole.

3.  LOOK FOR WAYS TO COOPERATE WITH OR ENCOURAGE THOSE  WHO ARE GENUINELY TRYING TO HONOR THE LORD AND IMPACT COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR GOOD.  When we compete in a negative way, students sense it and students lose and it usually hurts our ministry as well.  BUT, don't ever be apologetic about what the Lord has called you to do.  One of the best compliments I ever got was, a friend told me once he liked the fact I thought I was as good as anybody.  I hope you feel that your calling and gifts are just as valuable as anyone else!

4.BE WILLING TO LEARN FROM THOSE WITH WHOM YOU DISAGREE....EVEN THEOLOGICALLY.  Baptists or nobody else has ALL the good ideas.

5.  MAKE A DECISION TO BE AN AMBASSADOR FOR COLLEGE MINISTRY.  Talk about it, write about it, mentor others starting out. Tell students God is calling people to college ministry.

6.  KEEP TELLING YOUR STORY AND THE COLLEGE MINISTRY STORY AS A WHOLE.  Never assume people know all the need and all that is going on in college ministry.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  

Do You Have a College Ministry Elevator Speech?

An Elevator Speech is known as a 30-60 second pitch, if you were to meet someone in an elevator for whom you wanted to work for or convey some important information to.  You got 30-60 seconds till the door opens and they are gone. 

Through the years as a College Minister I have often been asked to bring "a short report" or to "say a word about your ministry".  I have found that many people in that situation spend half their time saying they don't have enough time to tell you all they want to tell you.  That is a waste of an opportunity.

I think a College Ministry Elevator Speech should be 3 to 5 minutes long.  And, you should be able to do it on a moment's notice.  Here is an outline for such a speech.

1.  TELL THEM SOMETHING GOOD THAT HAS HAPPENED.

"Last weekend we had the best Back-2-School Retreat since I have been at..... We saw this happen.

Or, "Last year we had 5 Dorm Bible study groups and this year we have been able to start 10."

While figures can be impressive, I believe the most "STICKY STORIES" are about an individual.  "I want to tell you about Bobby who this week committed his life to full time ministry after being a top pre-med student."  Or, yesterday two roommates shared with me they had re-committed their lives to Christ and that one was getting out of her sorority to be more involved in our ministry and the other shared she wanted to stay in the sorority to influence it for the Lord." 

2,  WHAT IS A BRIEF SNIPPET OF YOUR VISION FOR THE MINISTRY?

It could be, "I believe that we can reach into a wide variety of groups on campus and through that touch the campus as a whole."  Or, "I really see an openness to the Gospel on campus right now among non-Christian students."  Or, the University administration has really seen we are trustworthy and they are beginning to open doors for us in lots of different ways that can help us impact the whole campus." Or, "Through our ministry for the last couple of years, we have been able to develop some student leaders who really have the desire to influence the campus."

OR, SHARE YOUR LIFE/MINISTRY SCRIPTURE.

Mine is, "And the words you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2

3.  WHAT DO YOU NEED OR WANT?

"We need you to pray for our Dorm Bible study groups."  Or, "We need some volunteers to host a student Bible study in their homes."  Or, "Please pray that we can grow our budget to meet the needs and opportunities we are being given."  Or, "We need another church or group that could provide one of our Outreach Lunch Programs."

4.  ALWAYS, ALWAYS SAY THANKS!

"Thanks for caring about our ministry and encouraging me."  Or,"Thanks for your financial support of this ministry...we do not take that for granted."  "Just thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my heart with you. It is encouraging to me."

AND NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GO OVER TIME!

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger, and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

Trusting and Adjusting by David Buschman, Campus Minister, Princeton University

David Buschman is one of those great Baptist Collegiate Ministers whose salary was terminated some years ago and began raising his salary.  He continues to serve at Princeton University building on his several years of investment there.  This is from a newsletter sent to his supporters and prayer partners that very well describes some of what is happening in college ministry in situations where students are not on campus or activities are limited.

We are making headway in this most unusual semester of campus ministry.  At first, I didn't know where to begin and a few technology snags made it worse, but I assume everyone has a version of that story now.  I prayed and reached out to students amid their own disappointment and uncertainty.  In July, they learned that fall sports were canceled; in August, that the would not be allowed to return to campus this academic year.  It's all virtual classes at PU without students on campus, plus a new academic calendar culminating with exams prior to Christmas, so we're adapting.

There's no manual on doing campus ministry in global pandemics yet the Gospel truths remain and the Great Commission stands.  As a friend put it, "We're all freshmen now!"  Let's do campus ministry without food, retreats, music, mission trips and being in the same room.  Huh?

As students wrapped their heads around this new reality, and responded to me, I learned that much of the large and small group ministry events we offered in April & May proved helpful & important to them, and they want us to continue.  (Wish I knew that at the time, but welcome to the world of young adult non-feedback!)  They desire to pursue Godand stay connected with each other in this ministry.  It's been quite heartening and our first few large and small group meetings have been strong and well attended and as good as any we've had.  Praise God.  I'm amazed.

Students are helping me reach out to frosh and set up virtual student activities fairs.  While its been harder to find new students, we're reaching them gradually.  

As it turns out, students are clustering in living arrangements with classmates & teammates wherever there's ample WIFI.  Some have gathered in nearby Princeton area, but most sought areas where they could train, live, and be less restricted than NJ--eg..FL, SC, CA, CO, UT, VA.  It's wild--they have pooled "room & board" monies and tried to make the most of it while also managing school demands.  As one remarked, "Otherwise it's all the rigorous academics of college with none of the desirable features (i.e. peers, extra-curriculars, meals together, etc.).  And many will move each new month.  About 20% have taken a deferral year.  Some remain at home or more isolated, which presents distinct psychological and scheduling challenges.  So I lead a campus ministry scattered across multiple time zones and living situations.  Who knew?

In light of activities have have been removed, my accumulated years of relationships with administrators & coaches & staff have proven invaluable.  No access to my office.  No popping in to athletic practices & games and no lunch visits with prospects.  No handshakes and fist bumps or light-hearted banter (Ok, well, maybe some banter).

I'm embracing days full of ministry opportunities as I text & call students, and host Zoom gatherings.  It's more screen time than I prefer but there's solid discipleship happening.  I'm pleasantly surprised.  Two months ago I wasn't sure how this ministry would look, and knew I'd be stretched as its leader.  Now I'm charging ahead striving to connect students with God and each other and God's mission for their lives and I have plenty of students in which to invest & train.  As I reflect, I'm bemused by it all and hopeful in God's calling.  I'm also grateful for your support which it makes it possible for me to share God's love & truth with these collegians.

Trusting and Adjusting,

Busch & Lynn

I (Arliss) might add that many of these who are raising their salaries have lost regular monthly income due to the current economic situation, job loss, etc.  So, sending a one time gift or committing to do a regular monthly gift is an extra blessing and often needed in these days.

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger, and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

An Additional Resource for College Ministers

 The Association of Southern Baptist Campus Ministers was a national organization that met as part of the Southern Baptist Convention for many years with some of the top SBC Campus Ministers leading it.  The organization had a professional Journal entitled, "The Campus Minister".  The ASBCM met annually as one of the pre-SBC Convention events and one of its purposes was to help Southern Baptists see College Ministers professionals on a level with any other ministerial calling and to make Southern Baptists as a whole more aware of college ministry.

Dick Houston, former Baptist Campus Minister in Georgia, has posted these resources on line at student.org.  It is called "The NEW Cyber Student Center".  Check it out for scholarly type articles on college ministry.  Special thanks to Dick for this work to continue to benefit a newer generation of College Ministers.

So, go to student.org to check it out.

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger, and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

More on 2 College Ministry Truisms or Principles

 In my blog article, "The 3 Year Rule or Principle in College Ministry", I listed two college ministry truisms or principles that affect significantly all of our ministries.

LARGE COLLEGE MINISTRIES TEND TO HAVE LARGER BUDGETS.  SMALL COLLEGE MINISTRIES TEND TO HAVE SMALL BUDGETS.

Money will not make a ministry.  Throwing money at it is not a solution.  BUT, it is hard to have much ministry apart from a workable budget.  In response to my "3 Rule" Blog article, a friend commented this, "As with everything in life, invest for what you want, not what you have."  That is a lot of wisdom in a few words.  What sort of ministry does your church or campus based ministry need, want or aspire to?  Does that budget reflect that goal or aspiration?

Obviously, a ministry of twenty students does not need a $50,000 budget.  But, is the budget pointed toward where the ministry is trying to go.  Or, has the budget helped to establish "the lid".  A "ministry lid" can be established by the size of the facility, the size of the staff, the number of strong student leaders, etc.  Lots of things go into establishing "the lid".  Yet, budget just might be the most significant.  Part of having an adequate budget for the desired ministry is having a vision and articulating that vision.  Does the church have a picture of the vision that might affect how they budget for the college ministry?  Do the churches and individuals who support or might support the campus based ministry know the vision which might encourage them in their giving?

Can you state the vision for your ministry in an "ELEVATOR TALK?  An "elevator talk" is a short description that explains a concept in 30 seconds that any listener can understand.  But, it cannot be some generalized, "We want to reach the whole campus."  

Decide what budget it would take to do what you are trying to do and begin to work toward that budget.  Developing budget is usually done over time.  So, start now.

LARGE COLLEGE MINISTRIES TEND TO HAVE LONG TERM LEADERSHIP.  SMALLER COLLEGE MINISTRIES TEND TO HAVE LOTS OF SHORT TERM LEADERSHIP.

Turnover causes disruption.  Constant turnover in leadership causes greater disruption.  Some ministries will never be large for a variety of reasons.  Yet, they do not reach their realistic potential because of the continual turnover in leadership. The SINGLE BEST WAY TO GROW A MINISTRY is to get the right person in leadership and make it possible for them to stay long term.  I believe the number one cause for turnover is DISCOURAGEMENT or FRUSTRATION.  College Ministers often feel alone and that no one else cares.  Part of that comes from people not understanding what a College Minister does and not recognizing the importance of it.  Church College Ministers often tell of "additional duties" being added.  My favorite is the College Minister who was put in charge of the Church Day Care.  He did not stay too much longer after that.

College Ministers must look for friends and develop support groups apart from students.  People who care about college ministry must be intentionally supportive and encouraging.  Salary and benefits are another major issue.  If we want long term leaders, we must pay them so that as families and expenses grow, they can meet those obligations without making a move.

THIRD, we must continually battle the idea that COLLEGE MINISTRY IS ONLY FOR THE YOUNG.  College students have lots of buddies.  They need and want mentors with experience, knowledge and know how.  That is another reason that larger ministries tend to be led by older College Ministers.  They have developed the skills and experience to develop and lead larger ministries.  As a result, people tend to trust and invest in their ministries.

So if you are a College Minister, work on your "elevator talk" and get out and make another friend.  And, whether you are a College Minister or not, be encouraging a College Minister.  Sending a $25 check is always an encouragement!  But, a phone call and kind work go a long way too!!

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger, and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

The 3 Year Rule or Principle in College Ministry

"It takes three years for a ministry to become that of the leader and for it to begin to function at maximum effectiveness."

We don't know who said it first.  But, those that have done college ministry any length of time and observed other ministries know that it is true.  When there is an exception to it, it usually is related to a new College Minister being a gifted and charismatic speaker.  And, the ministry is built around that.

 So, what does "the three year rule" mean and why is it true?

1.  Each College Minister has his or her own set of gifts and strengths that may be very different than the previous one.  It takes some time and experimentation to find how they best apply in that situation.

2.  Three years will bring in three classes that have come in under the current philosophy and function of the ministry.  They are all on the same page.  Continual change brings continual disruption.

3.  It takes three years to raise up a strong group of leaders who have bought into the style and philosophy and have been trained and to lead and model what the ministry is all about.  A college ministry is only as strong as its student leaders.

4.  It takes three years for the College Minister to learn the uniqueness of that particular campus setting and church, if it is a Church College Minister.

5.  If for any reason the ministry has had a negative reputation, it takes three years for that to be erased and for three classes to not know or hear of that negative.

6.  It takes some experimentation and development to define and refine what the particular strength of that ministry with the current leader is and to begin to maximize it.

7.  Resources are a definite factor in what a ministry can do.  As a ministry grows and develops and individuals, a church, or multiple churches buy into what they see happening, they will begin to provide additional support.  Most small ministries have small budgets.  Most large ministries have large budgets.  That is not a coincidence!

8.  Many freshmen visit a ministry and do not stick for different reasons.  But, when the ministry and ministry leader is the same over the years as when they first visited or attended, they are more likely to circle back in following years when they recognize the need.

9.  The reputation of the ministry will spread and alumni, churches, parents, friends, and older brothers and sisters will start sending new students to the ministry.  This is one of the "miracles" of a large on-going ministry.

10.  Trust is built with campus administration and in many situations they begin to open doors for the ministry or at least not be obstructive as is sometimes the situation. College administrators like and help organizations that draw students and help them stay. Trust does not happen instantly.

So, at or after three years will a ministry be doing all that it can do and reaching the maximum number of students???  NO!!!!  It is like shifting a manual transmission car.  It is now in the gear that can get it to maximum speed.  It is at its full function and can build on that for years to come.  That is NOT to say that there will be no growth or positive ministry during those first three years.  Those positive developments are part of getting to full speed. Several years ago, our ministry was having Freshmen Survival with a large number of students involved.  A new College Minister from another ministry came in, saw what we were doing, and said, "I am going to do this just like this next year."  I laughed to myself and thought, "It took me ten years to get to this point."

In many ways, three years is the starting point.  Most strong college ministries are led by long time leaders.  When there is a continual turnover of College Ministers, a ministry will continue to struggle or at least never get into third gear to go to maximum speed.  The right person in the right place still takes time.

Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

Can Your Church Afford a College Minister?

A friend was telling me about a church he attended where they decided to let their full time College Minister go because he was "only averaging about 20 students". The church was paying him a full salary with benefits and decided it was not a good investment of their money.

There are lots of questions and issues here.

WAS HE WORKING HARD AT REACHING STUDENTS?
While I believe that God is at work in any ministry that is challenging non-believers to come to Christ and encouraging believers to grow, nothing beats hard work.  If this person has not been working hard, has that issue been addressed in evaluations and coaching as time has progressed?

DID THIS PERSON HAVE EXPERIENCE DOING COLLEGE MINISTRY OR BEEN MENTORED OR TAUGHT HOW TO DO COLLEGE MINISTRY?
This goes to past background as well as providing opportunity and funding to attend conferences and go look at other ministries to learn best practices.  Has an "Expert Evaluator" been brought in to provide objective evaluation and coaching?  We owe it to young ministers to help them learn to do what they are called to do.

WAS THERE A GOOD STRATEGY DEVELOPED AND BEING UTILIZED?
Every campus is different and the resources of every ministry are different.  So, was there a strategy that fit being utilized here.  Hard work and the wrong plan still usually equals the wrong plan.

HOW LONG HAD THE COLLEGE MINISTER BEEN LEADING THE MINISTRY?
It usually takes three years for a ministry to become full blown.  That is three years of the ministry utilizing and implementing a good strategy.  It is three years of students coming in under the same philosophy.  It is three years of developing relationships on campus.  It is three years of understanding that particular campus. It is three years of developing student leaders.  One of the main reasons church college ministries falter is continual turnover of the College Minister.  (You can check out my Blog, "4 Killers of Church College Ministries".)  Ground is lost and students are lost every time there is a change. Is it Year One, Year Two, or Year Three?

COLLEGE MINISTRY NUMBERS ARE DIFFERENT THAN OTHER CHURCH NUMBERS.
If 500 non-college adults attend the church over a three year period, that will be mostly the same 500 people. A college ministry gains and loses students every year due to graduation and transfer.  Reaching 20 students a year over a three or four year period will result in touching the lives of 50 to 75 different students at least.  So, in evaluating numbers, the question has to be, "How many DIFFERENT students are we touching over multiple years?"

BUT, HERE IS THE MAIN QUESTION:  HOW MUCH OF A PRIORITY IS THE COLLEGE MINISTRY?
That is not meant as a snarky comment or question.  No church can meet every need or address every situation.  Ministry priorities of churches vary related to situation, resources, opportunity, etc.  If every ministry is a priority...NO ministries are priority!  If college ministry is one of the priorities, then that settles the issue.  If we are reaching twenty every year, we will keep reaching twenty until we reach more.  It is a missionary commitment, just like sending missionaries overseas.

Some churches in struggling with this issue do a combo position, but there must be honesty about it being genuinely a combo position and that time and resources are rightly divided.  And, expectations are realistic and fit with the division of time and focus.  Also, as the ministry grows, will the position become college ministry only?

Not every church should have a College Minister.  But, every church close to a college campus needs to consider it. And, some churches need to have that as ONE OF THEIR MINISTRY PRIORITIES.
What would you say are the ministry priorities of your church?

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger, and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

College Ministry and School Spirit?

 In the different personality tests I have taken through the years for work, fun, and team building, one characteristic that always comes out for me is loyalty.  I am all about being loyal to whomever and whatever that relates to me.  I am all about being for the school you went to.  That just seems a natural instinct to me.  But, in doing that in our ministry, just out of my personality, I learned something valuable.

Leader type students on campus tend to be about school spirit.  They choose a school.  They don't just go there because it is their only option.  They choose it.  So, they are for it and all about it.  Some college ministry gurus advocate reaching Greeks because they are leader types and that will build your ministry and reach more students in that other students follow leaders.  I agree with that fifty percent.  I am all about reaching and building up leaders which builds up your ministry.  My other fifty percent is that not all leaders are Greeks and for many reasons Greeks and non-Greeks do not seem to mix well as groups for a variety of reasons.  That is a topic for another day.

I believe strongly in a ministry that is aimed at one campus being all about that campus and the school spirit attached to it. Obviously, a ministry reaching out to a multiple campuses has to operate differently.  Our ministry tee shirts usually had something related to the mascot or the school as a whole.  Sometimes, we were able to use official school images and sometimes we had to create our own.  We encouraged students to attend school wide events, ballgames, etc.  We built our Back-2-School Retreat around the first home football game, if the date worked.  We talked about "fun and exciting college weekends".  When I did a church college ministry later on, I learned that Sunday morning attendance was best on home game weekends....especially when we were winning. We tried to build on that even more with our special events such as Welcome Lunch, etc. 

Leader types are spirit types.  Yes and I do believe that leader types bring other students!

One day a new church staffer who had been given the responsibility of doing college ministry in addition to his main responsibility showed up on campus the first time wearing a jacket with the logo of "that other school".  He had not graduated from it.  He just was a fan.  Some would say, "no big deal".  I say it matters to some.....and that some are leader types.  

I have a friend who is serving at a "mostly commuter campus" not known for its school spirit. It is a large school.  He has adopted the motto, "We love our campus!".  He promotes school spirit.  Funny thing:  the administration loves him!  Doors open when an administration loves you and your ministry....AND see you as a partner. A school that may not be a magnet to Type A students has SOME Type A students.  We all need some Type A students in order to reach more "Non-Type A students".

How is your school spirit?  Does your ministry relate well to your campus?  How are you doing with leader types?  A College Minister friend tells of a meeting with a group of church staffers who were meeting together to talk about their ministries, learn from each other, and encourage one another.  Most were lamenting their ministries not doing well. He asked, "How many of you went to the football game this weekend?"  None of them had.  He said, "How do you expect students to be interested in you, if you are not interested in them and their activities?"

Loving a campus helps students and campus administrators know you love and care about them.  Go Team!

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.

Should College Ministers be Furloughed?

Should College Ministers be furloughed?.....that question had never even passed through my mind even once.  Then, a College Minister shared with me that there was some concern among some of his colleagues that if their colleges went all on line this year, they might be furloughed.  That was a total new and even foreign thought to me.

A few colleges have furloughed some or all of their coaches since there are no sports this fall at those campuses.  Is that the same thing?  Is that comparing apples to apples?  I am a proponent of in person large group campus Christian worship and Bible study events.  I love them for tons of reasons. I am never for getting rid of them.  Yet, I believe the most transformative thing we can do with a college student is meet with them one to one regularly. 

As all our studies indicate, this younger generation is going away from faith and church in growing numbers.  So, should we furlough those that are trained and committed to reaching out to them?  Is that the same as not having a football, volleyball or golf season?  If a ministry has a Center on or near the campus, should they shut it down, sell it, rent it out?  What if we get a vaccine and all goes back to "normal" next year?  Oops, we shut down and went out of business.  Let's start from scratch.

When colleges shut down on campus classes last spring, College Ministers went on line and began having one to one, large group, and small group Bible studies.  Many reported non-Christian students coming to faith during this time as many were wrestling with questions about life.  Mental health professionals report a much higher incidence of depression and thoughts of suicide in young adults during this health crisis and the loss of normal events and activities.  College Ministers are on line and meeting one to one with students and responding to their questions and doubts.

I can imagine some saying, "You don't understand; it's a matter of finances.".  There is concern that offerings to churches will continue to drop as many struggle with job loss and so denominations like Southern Baptists will have to make cuts.  I understand balancing budgets.  I still remember when the coke machine profit was the second largest contributor to our campus ministry.  I get hard financial decisions.  But, it seems that college ministry often takes the first or disproportionate hit. 

Maybe it comes down to this.  Is reaching out to young adults on college campuses a luxury or a mission?  What will our churches look like ten to fifteen years from now, if we give up on college ministry?  Where will the new missionaries come from? One could argue, "furlough is not giving up.".  But, at the very least, it would be a giant step backwards.  How many seasoned veterans would be lost who simply had to seek other employment?  How many ministries would survive being shut down and then starting again from scratch?

When our church went totally on line, not a single person in our church said, "Maybe, we ought to furlough the preacher.".  Even when college campuses go totally on line, there is ministry happening with and to young adults.  Is it all we would like it to be?  No!  Are there some good things happening?  Yes!  Should College Ministers be furloughed?  Not if we are thinking missional and strategically.  College ministry is not a luxury....it is a necessity, if we care about the future.

Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry coach, blogger and author.  His new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.  Type in his name or the title.