We all have our pet topics and favorite passages we like to speak on. Someone has said Billy Graham preached one sermon under lots of different titles. I am a huge proponent of laying out speaking topics for a whole semester in advance. Or, if a College Minister does not speak regularly laying out topics that they want guest speakers to address. Some argue that if topics are laid out way in advance, they do not address a current issue. If there is something current that needs to be addressed, then adjust and speak to that topic. It is better to be able to switch if need be than scrambling trying to think what can I do this week? One pastor referring to what to preach on said he knew what Friday night fever was before it was a movie.
Here are four topics I think need to be every year topics. And, some need to be mentioned in speaking more than once a year.
FORGIVENESS
Many Christian students have walked away from their faith because of a sense of having done something wrong and not accepting or sensing God's forgiveness. College students come to college looking for fun and friends. That combination sometimes gets them somewhere they did not plan to go in the very beginning. They need to hear and be reminded that one act or one season does not preclude them from God's love or his use of them. Besides talking about forgiveness to those who need to hear it, we need to talk about how to extend forgiveness and help friends receive forgiveness and not to feel outside the family of faith.
This is one of those topics that has to be mentioned regularly!
CALLING
God calls everyone to serve and He calls some to vocational ministry or to ministry for a season. We need to talk about calling. How does God call people? What are different ways that God speaks to people? How do we know what God is calling us to Do? Someone has correctly observed that we make too much of being being set apart for service and so, the majority feel they do not need to serve or minister. Yet, we need College Ministers, pastors, youth ministers, Christian counselors, etc. Also, it is our responsibility in college ministry to give some extra time and encouragement to those who are feeling called to vocational ministry. I always recommend Jeff Iorg's book, "Is God Calling Me?". Keep a copy or two of it in your office or back pack (I know that is some's office.).
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
It has been said that Baptists do not talk about Spiritual Gifts much because we are afraid of the "tongues topic". Yet, I believe ALL Christians are to live, serve, and be who they were made to be in living out their Spiritual Gifts. Too many think the only gifts God uses are preaching and singing, which leaves out the majority of us. Our Spiritual Gift(s) is or are the greatest clue to our personality and general satisfaction in our lives. A Spiritual Gifts seminar is always a great one for any retreat.
LEADERSHIP
We need to talk about leadership regularly for at least two reasons. The more and stronger leaders we have, the stronger our ministry will be AND we must be developing leaders for the church of the future. God uses godly leaders in all areas of life from politics to law to business. If we want to impact our society with the Gospel, we need to be raising up godly leaders in ALL areas of life. For some leadership is a dirty word, we need to help rehabilitate it in the eyes of our students. Developing a leadership culture is a must for a college ministry to be as impactful as it can be.
What are YOUR "must speak" topics?
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry and leadership consultant and the author of five books on college ministry available at amazon.com in eBook and print (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
Recognizing and Honoring Graduating Seniors in Your Ministry
Like many of you our ministry had lots of traditions. At thtis time of year, we honored our graduating seniors in a variety of ways. All would be recognized at the last Lunch Program of the year and some would give testimonies. At our End of the Year Cookout, we would have a share time and anyone could speak, but especially seniors. Then, we had a cookout at our house for the graduating seniors. But, those things are not happening this year on campuses all over the country. So, do we just forget it or should we do some different things?
SOME IDEAS FOR RECOGNIZING YOUR SENIORS AND BRINGING CLOSURE
1. Get as many seniors together on a Zoom call and let them respond to two questions they have been given in advance, "What's the most meaningful thing to you in the four or five years?" "What's the funniest or fondest memory?"
2. Ask for a picture from each or take a picture from their social media and make a collage to display on social media and at your ministry website or page.
3. Through social media have a vote for different awards for seniors such as "Best Encourager";
"A Servant heart"; "Most likely to clean up after an event"; "Most likely to correct our leader".
4. Post the names of each senior with their plans for what is next.
5. Just get them together on a Zoom conference and let them visit informally and bring some closure to those relationships.
6. Do a video where you give a title or fun or serious award to each.
7. Mail an 8X10 picture to each of some ministry event during their time there or a large group picture that was made at a retreat or whatever.
8. Write each a personal letter expressing your appreciation for them and your prayers for their future.
9. Ask some underclassmen to say something to and about each senior on a video or Zoom.
Just do something that lets them know you care and that they are appreciated and not forgotten as many are feeling at this time. Maybe it is more important this year than ever before.
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry/leadership consultant and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
SOME IDEAS FOR RECOGNIZING YOUR SENIORS AND BRINGING CLOSURE
1. Get as many seniors together on a Zoom call and let them respond to two questions they have been given in advance, "What's the most meaningful thing to you in the four or five years?" "What's the funniest or fondest memory?"
2. Ask for a picture from each or take a picture from their social media and make a collage to display on social media and at your ministry website or page.
3. Through social media have a vote for different awards for seniors such as "Best Encourager";
"A Servant heart"; "Most likely to clean up after an event"; "Most likely to correct our leader".
4. Post the names of each senior with their plans for what is next.
5. Just get them together on a Zoom conference and let them visit informally and bring some closure to those relationships.
6. Do a video where you give a title or fun or serious award to each.
7. Mail an 8X10 picture to each of some ministry event during their time there or a large group picture that was made at a retreat or whatever.
8. Write each a personal letter expressing your appreciation for them and your prayers for their future.
9. Ask some underclassmen to say something to and about each senior on a video or Zoom.
Just do something that lets them know you care and that they are appreciated and not forgotten as many are feeling at this time. Maybe it is more important this year than ever before.
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry/leadership consultant and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
A Church College Ministry Idea
Getting names of incoming freshmen for college ministries is always a huge priority for many during the summer. Since what students do the first three weeks of the fall semester often determines their connections for the rest of their college career, early relationships are key.
Yet, many of the proven ways of making connections and getting names are being lost due to the changes in summer New Student Orientations, etc. One large church has taken a new approach. The church is a multi-campus ministry. The College Minister for that church has gone back through the Sunday School/Small Group records for that church to when this group of high school seniors would have been freshmen. They have found the name and contact information of each ninth grader in 2017, each tenth grader in 2018, each eleventh grader in 2019, and each senior for this year.
In other words, if a young person was involved or attended in one year of their ninth through senior year, they listed them. They found over 2,100 names! Did you hear that? 2,100 names! They are now beginning to make contact with them to invite them to be part of their college/young adult ministry.
It is easy to say that's just a mega church and does not relate to us. My guess is every church of any size would be surprised how many names of what are now high school seniors would be discovered. I dare you to check it out.
This appeals to me for two reasons. First, I am all about making contact with students prior to the start of school, if at all possible. Second, this goes back to the issue of youth disappearing from church involvement over a three or four year period. As we have quoted the last few years, various studies say 3 out of 4 high school seniors active in church make no spiritual connections in college. Other experts say it is 7 out of 10. But, these numbers leave out those who disappeared before senior year. And, most youth ministers will tell you the number is significant.....and usually larger than the number that stayed.
Today's crazy circumstances are causing many college students and young adults to ask spiritual questions and look for a caring community. Hoorary for this church being wise enough and caring enough to do this. What about your church or ministry?
Hey campus based ministries, do you have a list and names of students who were involved as freshmen and sophomores a year or two ago? How many are missing and what about some sort of contact now?
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). His new book, "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available early summer.
Yet, many of the proven ways of making connections and getting names are being lost due to the changes in summer New Student Orientations, etc. One large church has taken a new approach. The church is a multi-campus ministry. The College Minister for that church has gone back through the Sunday School/Small Group records for that church to when this group of high school seniors would have been freshmen. They have found the name and contact information of each ninth grader in 2017, each tenth grader in 2018, each eleventh grader in 2019, and each senior for this year.
In other words, if a young person was involved or attended in one year of their ninth through senior year, they listed them. They found over 2,100 names! Did you hear that? 2,100 names! They are now beginning to make contact with them to invite them to be part of their college/young adult ministry.
It is easy to say that's just a mega church and does not relate to us. My guess is every church of any size would be surprised how many names of what are now high school seniors would be discovered. I dare you to check it out.
This appeals to me for two reasons. First, I am all about making contact with students prior to the start of school, if at all possible. Second, this goes back to the issue of youth disappearing from church involvement over a three or four year period. As we have quoted the last few years, various studies say 3 out of 4 high school seniors active in church make no spiritual connections in college. Other experts say it is 7 out of 10. But, these numbers leave out those who disappeared before senior year. And, most youth ministers will tell you the number is significant.....and usually larger than the number that stayed.
Today's crazy circumstances are causing many college students and young adults to ask spiritual questions and look for a caring community. Hoorary for this church being wise enough and caring enough to do this. What about your church or ministry?
Hey campus based ministries, do you have a list and names of students who were involved as freshmen and sophomores a year or two ago? How many are missing and what about some sort of contact now?
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). His new book, "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available early summer.
Monday, April 20, 2020
4 Ideas for Reaching College Freshmen THIS Summer
These days we alternate between two extremes. We assume all will be normal this fall and the other extreme of no school until October. But, we do know for sure that there will not be the opportunities for normal incoming freshmen connections this summer.
Here are four ideas to play with and see if one or more might benefit your ministry OR cause you to think of something totally different. The first comes from Clayton Bullion at Tarleton State in Texas and the second is my adaptation of an idea from Steve Masters at LSU.
1. HASHTAG MANIA
Clayton Bullion has shared that his ministry gets no religious preference list from the university and are given no access to Summer New Student Orientations. So, they have been quite creative. They use the hashtags that the school is using in their new student posts and ones that students are using such as #Senior2020, etc. They hashtag their information and connect with those students that respond or like things they post. Then, one of their students will follow-up with a personal connection. One good reminder that Clayton gives to those of us who do not look twenty years old. In your social media have your picture in school gear and pictures of you with students. Avoid the appearance of CREEPY!
2. ZOOM WITH FRESHMEN GROUPS
Steve Masters at LSU did a Zoom meet up the other night with a group of incoming LSU freshmen. I think that has all kinds of possibilities. Many high school seniors have already completed their on line high school classes and are looking for connections. Call a youth minister and ask him or her to set you up with some of their seniors coming to your school. If they can tell you just one, invite that student to do a Zoom call and do they have other friends they might invite. Ask them questions, what are their fears and questions? Give them "5 Tips for College Success"; "4 Dumbest Mistakes Freshmen Make at _____________University", etc. Do a virtual tour of some campus spots.
Would it be possible to do multiple of these Zoom meet-ups and point toward a larger event a few weeks away? In the larger one upperclassmen would be sharing different strategies for school success and growing in the Lord? Or, do one Zoom "Tip Seminar" each week for incoming freshmen. Play with this idea.
3. FACEBOOK LIVE FOR PARENTS
Parents are more concerned than they have ever been for their sons and daughters going off to college this fall. Most parents are on Facebook. Do a 10 minute talk for parents on Facebook Live on things to know and ways for students to succeed in college. Make it more than just a commercial for your ministry. Encourage them to share it with other parents. The more helpful information you share, the more it will get passed around.
4. FRESHMEN SURVIVAL BY ZOOM
Many ministries use some variation of Freshmen Survival at the start of school that contains a variety of college success tips, making friend connections, and spiritual growth tips. Could your ministry do one on Zoom in August prior to the start of school? Zoom will even allow you to break up into different groups.....these can be the different breakout groups. Or, do a "One Hour College Survival Zoom" with five or six of your upperclassmen sharing five minute tips on "Being a Good Student at Siwash University"; "Roommate Tips"; "Dating Tips"; "How to Have a Quiet Time". Do a quick virtual tour of your Center, if you have one. Show some key spots on campus. Play with this idea.
Send me your ideas. I love the way everyone is being creative and thinking new thoughts. But, we all don't have to individually invent the wheel. Keep sharing and learning from each other.
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry/leadership consultant and the author of five college ministry books available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). His new book, "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
Here are four ideas to play with and see if one or more might benefit your ministry OR cause you to think of something totally different. The first comes from Clayton Bullion at Tarleton State in Texas and the second is my adaptation of an idea from Steve Masters at LSU.
1. HASHTAG MANIA
Clayton Bullion has shared that his ministry gets no religious preference list from the university and are given no access to Summer New Student Orientations. So, they have been quite creative. They use the hashtags that the school is using in their new student posts and ones that students are using such as #Senior2020, etc. They hashtag their information and connect with those students that respond or like things they post. Then, one of their students will follow-up with a personal connection. One good reminder that Clayton gives to those of us who do not look twenty years old. In your social media have your picture in school gear and pictures of you with students. Avoid the appearance of CREEPY!
2. ZOOM WITH FRESHMEN GROUPS
Steve Masters at LSU did a Zoom meet up the other night with a group of incoming LSU freshmen. I think that has all kinds of possibilities. Many high school seniors have already completed their on line high school classes and are looking for connections. Call a youth minister and ask him or her to set you up with some of their seniors coming to your school. If they can tell you just one, invite that student to do a Zoom call and do they have other friends they might invite. Ask them questions, what are their fears and questions? Give them "5 Tips for College Success"; "4 Dumbest Mistakes Freshmen Make at _____________University", etc. Do a virtual tour of some campus spots.
Would it be possible to do multiple of these Zoom meet-ups and point toward a larger event a few weeks away? In the larger one upperclassmen would be sharing different strategies for school success and growing in the Lord? Or, do one Zoom "Tip Seminar" each week for incoming freshmen. Play with this idea.
3. FACEBOOK LIVE FOR PARENTS
Parents are more concerned than they have ever been for their sons and daughters going off to college this fall. Most parents are on Facebook. Do a 10 minute talk for parents on Facebook Live on things to know and ways for students to succeed in college. Make it more than just a commercial for your ministry. Encourage them to share it with other parents. The more helpful information you share, the more it will get passed around.
4. FRESHMEN SURVIVAL BY ZOOM
Many ministries use some variation of Freshmen Survival at the start of school that contains a variety of college success tips, making friend connections, and spiritual growth tips. Could your ministry do one on Zoom in August prior to the start of school? Zoom will even allow you to break up into different groups.....these can be the different breakout groups. Or, do a "One Hour College Survival Zoom" with five or six of your upperclassmen sharing five minute tips on "Being a Good Student at Siwash University"; "Roommate Tips"; "Dating Tips"; "How to Have a Quiet Time". Do a quick virtual tour of your Center, if you have one. Show some key spots on campus. Play with this idea.
Send me your ideas. I love the way everyone is being creative and thinking new thoughts. But, we all don't have to individually invent the wheel. Keep sharing and learning from each other.
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry/leadership consultant and the author of five college ministry books available in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). His new book, "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
The Value in a College Student Showing Up for Class
I have always said the top secret tip for doing well in college is "Go to class". I have known professors who would bump a grade to the next letter, if the point total was borderline and the student had been there pretty well all the time. The professors said that indicated "they cared". And, lots of profs lay all the material out in class.
Here are some interesting figures. An ASU Biology instructor reported these findings from classes she taught that had 300 students in them.
60 students dropped the class before the end of the semester. The average number of absences for each student at the time he or she dropped was nine (9) for a class that met 3 times a week for 15 weeks.
Students who made A's (12.4%) and B's (20.5%) had an average of 2.4 absences.
Students who earned a D (22.5%) or F (19.8%) had an average of 8.3 absences.
Of those students that earned an A or B, 14 had perfect attendance.
Only 4 students who had a D or F had perfect attendance.
If she told me the C statistics, I somehow did not get those recorded.
If we can only teach our students and all workers "the power of showing up". I am afraid that all the classes being on line now may not promote be beneficial habit of showing up.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five college ministry books in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). His book, "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry," will be available early summer.
Here are some interesting figures. An ASU Biology instructor reported these findings from classes she taught that had 300 students in them.
60 students dropped the class before the end of the semester. The average number of absences for each student at the time he or she dropped was nine (9) for a class that met 3 times a week for 15 weeks.
Students who made A's (12.4%) and B's (20.5%) had an average of 2.4 absences.
Students who earned a D (22.5%) or F (19.8%) had an average of 8.3 absences.
Of those students that earned an A or B, 14 had perfect attendance.
Only 4 students who had a D or F had perfect attendance.
If she told me the C statistics, I somehow did not get those recorded.
If we can only teach our students and all workers "the power of showing up". I am afraid that all the classes being on line now may not promote be beneficial habit of showing up.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five college ministry books in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). His book, "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry," will be available early summer.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Cooperation in College Ministry More Important Than Ever!
It was my privilege to be a part of a Zoom call of about sixty College Ministers last Thursday talking about using technology and different on line methods to continue to minister to students who are now at home. Some great stuff was shared. Eric Randall from Woodland Heights Baptist Church and Ryan Scantling from Conway, Arkansas BCM were talking about what the BCM and all the Baptist church college ministries in town were doing together during this time. They indicated they did not want students to feel over run with different posts, devotionals and large group events on line. So, they are doing it jointly. Different ones offer different things on different days and they divide up on providing a daily devotional.
It seems during this time that cooperation between church and campus based ministries is more important than ever. Last year I wrote a Blog article entitled "8 Reasons College Ministries Don't Cooperate". Here briefly are those reasons.
1. Different Theology - They feel cooperation is endorsement.
2. Totally Self-focused - This is the feeling that our ministry must do what is best for us...no harm is meant to anyone else.
3. Disagreement Over Methodology - Nuff said.
4. Numbers Pressure - Some College Ministers feel pressure to produce numbers and so there is concern that cooperation may dilute their ministry or take time away from their ministry.
5. Tunnel Vision - Just not seeing the value of working together and often the harm done by an air of competition.
6. Desire to Reach More - These genuinely believe if everybody just does their own thing that more students will be reached overall.
7. Limited Finances - Many cooperative events involve shared expense and some just feel their resources will not allow it.
8. Just Crazy Busy - Cooperation takes time and it just does not fit in the top time priorities.
Yet, I believe not only is cooperation, at least in some areas, is best generally, it is even more important in these very different times.
TWO IDEAS FOR WORKING TOGETHER:
1. Present a UNITED FRONT in dealing with campus officials. Access to incoming students is huge. Most on campus New Student Orientations have been canceled. Some campuses are providing names and addresses to greek organizations. Should that be provided to religious organizations? A combined group of religious organizations requesting similar access goes further than one group making the request.
2. LSU/BCM and Baton Rouge churches are working together to provide "Food To Go Bags" to International Students who cannot go home and are mostly isolating. They are put outside the BCM Center.
I am not advocating that we all just become one ministry. There are lots of good reasons not to do that. But, where should we work together? And, if everyone does not want to cooperate, work with those who do.
The NEXT COLLEGE MINISTER ZOOM meeting will take place Thursday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. CST. We will be talking about reaching freshmen during this "New Normal". Three or four College Ministers will share what they are doing. Contact me, if you need the log in information.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at Amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY will be available in early summer.
It seems during this time that cooperation between church and campus based ministries is more important than ever. Last year I wrote a Blog article entitled "8 Reasons College Ministries Don't Cooperate". Here briefly are those reasons.
1. Different Theology - They feel cooperation is endorsement.
2. Totally Self-focused - This is the feeling that our ministry must do what is best for us...no harm is meant to anyone else.
3. Disagreement Over Methodology - Nuff said.
4. Numbers Pressure - Some College Ministers feel pressure to produce numbers and so there is concern that cooperation may dilute their ministry or take time away from their ministry.
5. Tunnel Vision - Just not seeing the value of working together and often the harm done by an air of competition.
6. Desire to Reach More - These genuinely believe if everybody just does their own thing that more students will be reached overall.
7. Limited Finances - Many cooperative events involve shared expense and some just feel their resources will not allow it.
8. Just Crazy Busy - Cooperation takes time and it just does not fit in the top time priorities.
Yet, I believe not only is cooperation, at least in some areas, is best generally, it is even more important in these very different times.
TWO IDEAS FOR WORKING TOGETHER:
1. Present a UNITED FRONT in dealing with campus officials. Access to incoming students is huge. Most on campus New Student Orientations have been canceled. Some campuses are providing names and addresses to greek organizations. Should that be provided to religious organizations? A combined group of religious organizations requesting similar access goes further than one group making the request.
2. LSU/BCM and Baton Rouge churches are working together to provide "Food To Go Bags" to International Students who cannot go home and are mostly isolating. They are put outside the BCM Center.
I am not advocating that we all just become one ministry. There are lots of good reasons not to do that. But, where should we work together? And, if everyone does not want to cooperate, work with those who do.
The NEXT COLLEGE MINISTER ZOOM meeting will take place Thursday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. CST. We will be talking about reaching freshmen during this "New Normal". Three or four College Ministers will share what they are doing. Contact me, if you need the log in information.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at Amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY will be available in early summer.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
New and Old Pressures in College Ministry
Those outside of college ministry are often surprised that those in this ministry feel pressure. Most would assume that only pastors feel pressure....the pressure of expectations, everyone grading them every Sunday on their sermon, etc. But, those who have done college ministry for....oh....let's say six weeks know the early feelings of pressure. Any time someone is responsible to others for their performance and when you are depending on the decisions and whims of 18, 19, and 20 year old college students, life is full of unknowns.
UNKNOWNS is likely the best word to describe the coming fall. This semester is not over as students are still taking classes on line, but as we look to working with students now, already we have great concerns about the fall. What will this crop of freshmen bring as emotional baggage after a senior year that ended in disappointments....no prom....no big graduation parties....no big award assemblies? Will the normal number of students come and will they be ready to be out and about? Will key upperclass leaders decide to just stay home and take classes on line? Will budget income from churches and individuals decline due to church giving being down and individual givers being affected by all this is going on....and not going on?
So, what do we do?
1. REMEMBER, the greatest cause of pressure are those pressures we put on ourselves. Realize that and and give yourself some grace. It is not that everyone else has the answers and you are floundering in the dark. Everyone is there.
2. Set REALISTIC GOALS. This fall will not just pick up where last fall finished. It just will not and cannot. Dial your expectations down.
3. TALK TO OTHERS. There are different conversation groups going on all across the college ministry family. What are others trying? What have they learned? Don't try to invent the wheel on your own.
4. PRACTICE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. Now more than ever exercise, eat right, sleep, and spend time with family. As we are not having all our events, invest some extra time in your family. Or, if you are single, work on building some more strong friendships and nurturing relationships.
5. READ. Read tech stuff, but do not just read "The Best Zoom Event Ever". Use this time to invest in your soul and overall knowledge.
6. DO THE IGNORED TASKS. There are always things that needed to be done, but there was not time. Paint the chapel. Work on the Alumni list or do the best alumni newsletter ever. These will be tangible acts that will give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. A sense of accomplishment helps relieve the sense of pressure.
7. TRUST GOD. Big surprise, but this all did not take God by surprise. Know that He can work in this, if only we will trust, allow, and be open to how He might use you in this time!
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" coming this summer.
UNKNOWNS is likely the best word to describe the coming fall. This semester is not over as students are still taking classes on line, but as we look to working with students now, already we have great concerns about the fall. What will this crop of freshmen bring as emotional baggage after a senior year that ended in disappointments....no prom....no big graduation parties....no big award assemblies? Will the normal number of students come and will they be ready to be out and about? Will key upperclass leaders decide to just stay home and take classes on line? Will budget income from churches and individuals decline due to church giving being down and individual givers being affected by all this is going on....and not going on?
So, what do we do?
1. REMEMBER, the greatest cause of pressure are those pressures we put on ourselves. Realize that and and give yourself some grace. It is not that everyone else has the answers and you are floundering in the dark. Everyone is there.
2. Set REALISTIC GOALS. This fall will not just pick up where last fall finished. It just will not and cannot. Dial your expectations down.
3. TALK TO OTHERS. There are different conversation groups going on all across the college ministry family. What are others trying? What have they learned? Don't try to invent the wheel on your own.
4. PRACTICE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. Now more than ever exercise, eat right, sleep, and spend time with family. As we are not having all our events, invest some extra time in your family. Or, if you are single, work on building some more strong friendships and nurturing relationships.
5. READ. Read tech stuff, but do not just read "The Best Zoom Event Ever". Use this time to invest in your soul and overall knowledge.
6. DO THE IGNORED TASKS. There are always things that needed to be done, but there was not time. Paint the chapel. Work on the Alumni list or do the best alumni newsletter ever. These will be tangible acts that will give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. A sense of accomplishment helps relieve the sense of pressure.
7. TRUST GOD. Big surprise, but this all did not take God by surprise. Know that He can work in this, if only we will trust, allow, and be open to how He might use you in this time!
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" coming this summer.
Monday, April 6, 2020
9 Questions for College Ministers to Ask About THIS Fall
If we just assume everything will be perfectly normal this fall on campus, I think we make a big mistake. Hopefully and prayerfully it will be. But, doing a little "what if" thinking now will be beneficial, if all is not back to normal.
SOME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
1. Will there be on campus Summer Orientations for in-coming freshmen? Many campuses have already announced that summer school will be on line. This will not be significantly different many places as on-line classes have become a popular way to do summer classes But, if the campus is shut down, that is a whole other issue. Will there be on campus "New Student Orientations"?
2. If your ministry has used the summer as prime time for connecting with new students and those vehicles are not there this summer, how can that vacuum be filled? Perhaps, now is the time to begin to contact churches in the area to get senior names. One BCM Campus Minister shared with me that he was making contact with different freshmen whose names he already had and was asking them to invite their friends to do a Zoom meeting with him. Is this an option for you?
3. Could upperclassmen who live in different towns and cities invite friends from their church or previous high school to do a Zoom meet up with you?
4. Could the Youth Minister at a church set up a Zoom meeting with you and a group of students going to college this fall? You could give them some good first couple of weeks advice, ask for names of other friends, etc. Is now the time to begin to contact churches for a senior list and college plans?
5. Could there be a large group "rally" later in the summer of all these students with some upperclassmen doing testimonies in a Zoom meet up or, a series of such "meetings".
6. If offerings are down at churches due to unemployment, will that affect the gifts to your ministry from churches?
7. What can you do to prepare to possibly operate with a leaner budget for the fall?
8. If you raise your salary, will the economic changes affect your partners and their giving to you? While this is not a perfect time to be looking for more support, is there a way to prepare or begin to lay the groundwork for that?
9. If freshmen come to campus this fall carrying the baggage of "no prom", "no graduation"; "no "time to say goodbye to friends", what will that mean in how to reach and work with them?
Keep thinking differently. Let's not be caught off guard, if things do not go back to "old normal" immediately.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" coming this summer.
SOME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
1. Will there be on campus Summer Orientations for in-coming freshmen? Many campuses have already announced that summer school will be on line. This will not be significantly different many places as on-line classes have become a popular way to do summer classes But, if the campus is shut down, that is a whole other issue. Will there be on campus "New Student Orientations"?
2. If your ministry has used the summer as prime time for connecting with new students and those vehicles are not there this summer, how can that vacuum be filled? Perhaps, now is the time to begin to contact churches in the area to get senior names. One BCM Campus Minister shared with me that he was making contact with different freshmen whose names he already had and was asking them to invite their friends to do a Zoom meeting with him. Is this an option for you?
3. Could upperclassmen who live in different towns and cities invite friends from their church or previous high school to do a Zoom meet up with you?
4. Could the Youth Minister at a church set up a Zoom meeting with you and a group of students going to college this fall? You could give them some good first couple of weeks advice, ask for names of other friends, etc. Is now the time to begin to contact churches for a senior list and college plans?
5. Could there be a large group "rally" later in the summer of all these students with some upperclassmen doing testimonies in a Zoom meet up or, a series of such "meetings".
6. If offerings are down at churches due to unemployment, will that affect the gifts to your ministry from churches?
7. What can you do to prepare to possibly operate with a leaner budget for the fall?
8. If you raise your salary, will the economic changes affect your partners and their giving to you? While this is not a perfect time to be looking for more support, is there a way to prepare or begin to lay the groundwork for that?
9. If freshmen come to campus this fall carrying the baggage of "no prom", "no graduation"; "no "time to say goodbye to friends", what will that mean in how to reach and work with them?
Keep thinking differently. Let's not be caught off guard, if things do not go back to "old normal" immediately.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" coming this summer.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
More Tech Helps for College Ministers Doing College Ministry On Line
A friend from my church called today because she had heard I had taught my Sunday School class on line this past Sunday and wanting to learn how to do it. She had been told we had done Zoom which we had not. I teach a group of older adults and thought Zoom would be a little much for some. I had done Facebook Live. Here is the "plus" of Facebook Live that I learned. We had about eighty five on live with us, but another one hundred or so have looked at it later, since it continues to be on my page. It is a reminder that there are pluses to different methodology.
I am impressed with what so many College Ministers are doing in this "new normal" of students not being on campus. I was in a Zoom visit with six or seven College Ministers from around the country this week and it was encouraging to hear what different ones are doing and what they are learning.
Darrell Cook at Virginia Tech had a large group event on Zoom with more than 100 students in it. Their thought had been to do this one time to kick off their small groups, but then it went so well, maybe this needs to be an every week thing. Another is posting on Facebook a brief daily devotional done by one of their students.
One feature in Zoom meetings that one mentioned was just discovering was that a large group Zoom meeting can use "Breakout Room" to create small groups and then come back together in the large group.
A former student put me in touch with Todd Boyum, who is a former Dell employee, who has done an eBook (Spreading Connection While Socially Distanced) for using technology in ministry. Todd is a Christian and he is offering the book for $9.95 and with it his personal coaching. Some topics in the eBook "Connecting with Large Groups on a Budget"; "Advanced Leveraging of Smart Phones. "Using Zoom and How to do Breakout Rooms".
Mr Boyum indicated to me that he would be willing to do it for a large group such as a state wide BCM organization for $2.00 each. One of the things Todd does now is on line coaching. As a part of the deal, he will work with people individually to help them solve problems or answer questions. Todd's email is todd.boyum@reachmeglobal.net. His cell is 512.970.3836. For some of you techie folks, this may not be something you need, but for those whom this is a whole new world, you may want to check it out. I am not getting a cut of this financially....just trying to throw out helps and I will be glad to share others as they come my way.
PLEASE, PLEASE share what you are learning, so everyone can benefit as we go along and it will speed up the learning and ministry curve for all of us. Don't be afraid to share your failures as well. That will be an encouragement to all to know we are not the only one not getting it all done perfectly on first try. Tell what resources have been of value to you or what does NOT work, etc. I continue to be encouraged by what I see different ministries doing. Ministry with college students is happening and students are coming to Christ through what is happening. Keep on. Learn from and encourage one another!
This is a Friday addition: One College Minister reports posting his Zoom code on social media and having someone join their Bible Study group and begin making obscene comments. Beware of how you share your Zoom Code or set up a "Waiting Room" and only admit those who have been invited.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
I am impressed with what so many College Ministers are doing in this "new normal" of students not being on campus. I was in a Zoom visit with six or seven College Ministers from around the country this week and it was encouraging to hear what different ones are doing and what they are learning.
Darrell Cook at Virginia Tech had a large group event on Zoom with more than 100 students in it. Their thought had been to do this one time to kick off their small groups, but then it went so well, maybe this needs to be an every week thing. Another is posting on Facebook a brief daily devotional done by one of their students.
One feature in Zoom meetings that one mentioned was just discovering was that a large group Zoom meeting can use "Breakout Room" to create small groups and then come back together in the large group.
A former student put me in touch with Todd Boyum, who is a former Dell employee, who has done an eBook (Spreading Connection While Socially Distanced) for using technology in ministry. Todd is a Christian and he is offering the book for $9.95 and with it his personal coaching. Some topics in the eBook "Connecting with Large Groups on a Budget"; "Advanced Leveraging of Smart Phones. "Using Zoom and How to do Breakout Rooms".
Mr Boyum indicated to me that he would be willing to do it for a large group such as a state wide BCM organization for $2.00 each. One of the things Todd does now is on line coaching. As a part of the deal, he will work with people individually to help them solve problems or answer questions. Todd's email is todd.boyum@reachmeglobal.net. His cell is 512.970.3836. For some of you techie folks, this may not be something you need, but for those whom this is a whole new world, you may want to check it out. I am not getting a cut of this financially....just trying to throw out helps and I will be glad to share others as they come my way.
PLEASE, PLEASE share what you are learning, so everyone can benefit as we go along and it will speed up the learning and ministry curve for all of us. Don't be afraid to share your failures as well. That will be an encouragement to all to know we are not the only one not getting it all done perfectly on first try. Tell what resources have been of value to you or what does NOT work, etc. I continue to be encouraged by what I see different ministries doing. Ministry with college students is happening and students are coming to Christ through what is happening. Keep on. Learn from and encourage one another!
This is a Friday addition: One College Minister reports posting his Zoom code on social media and having someone join their Bible Study group and begin making obscene comments. Beware of how you share your Zoom Code or set up a "Waiting Room" and only admit those who have been invited.
Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and is the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).
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