Baptist Collegiate Ministry is Alive and Well!.......However

With the recent word that Lifeway Christian Resources, in their need to reduce their operating budget by $25-30 million dollars, had eliminated the National Collegiate Ministry leader position, some have interpreted that to mean that BCM/BSU/BSM ministries throughout the country were being shut down. That is NOT the case.  The state and local College Minister positions are funded by each individual state.

IN FACT,  Baptist Campus Ministers have been working harder and more diligently throughout this summer than in any summer in my memory.  I have been incredibly impressed by their creativity and planning in dealing with this "New Normal" related to the Covid19 virus that has shut down college campuses since March.  They have done Zoom events and gone to all kinds of creative ends to connect with incoming freshmen.  Many have also been leading or sharing in programs to feed International students who have had their sources of food or fiances frozen.

Many have just learned in the last few days what their campus administration will allow student organization and ministry groups to do this fall.  Some have been told there can be no gatherings larger than 100.  Others have heard, no more than 50....some have learned no more than 10.  And, even some have been told they are to have no in person events.  So, those who have been given a maximum number that usually is smaller than a normal worship night crowd, are scheduling multiple worship events in one night, etc.  Others are organizing even more small group Bible studies that will meet all over campus. Others will do one to one discipleship and some will lead Zoom Bible study groups.  Instead of having the "summer off" as some have guessed, with no students around,  they have worked harder than ever in what is usually a catch your breath and work at a more moderate pace season.   

HOWEVER, some think that cuts to college ministry will likely be the first casualties in many states, if cuts must be made due to declining church offerings.  As one college ministry leader has said, "We are collateral casualties." College Ministry is often seen by some leaders as "good, but not necessary." Or, it is not one of the ministries that directly supports church ministries and therefore there will be less blow back from eliminating it or cutting it back.

If church offerings decline in the days to come, leaders will have to make hard decisions.  Let's pray that these decisions are made relative to a "vision for the future"...not just what is easiest and get's the least criticism.  Reaching young adults for faith in Jesus Christ and discipling them to be the leaders of the future is a necessity for our impact on our society and for the future of our churches and their on-going ministries.

Pray for College Ministers!  Pray for denominational leaders. Voice your concerns about the future of college ministry to your pastor, convention leaders, etc.  Say an encouraging word to a College Minister.  Let's pray for strategic decisions...not just reactive or easy ones.

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

The 6 Types of College Ministers You Don't Want to Be.....by Blake Chrisman

Blake Chrisman read my different blog posts on types of College Ministers and sent me his take on it which I thought needed to be shared.  They are good and thought provoking. for personal evaluation.  Here are Blake's thoughts:

College ministers are some of the most committed and passionate people I've ever met.  It takes a unique drive to continue building into a new group of 18-year-olds year after year.  These leaders love Jesus and are focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. 

In my 13 years on the college campus, I've seen a few types of college ministers you don't want to be.  If you spend any amount of time on campus you'll inevitably run into one of each.

These 6 different types of college ministers have an element of good in all of them - that's why they are so common.  But carried to the extreme, they lose their effectiveness at making disciples.  You can learn something from each one!

#Note:  I've labeled all of these as men for the sake of the article.  They could  just as easily apply to women campus ministers.

#1  THE STRATEGIST
The Strategist comes to campus every fall with a new strategic plan.  he's read the latest Maxwell leadership book, watched a webinar, and is ready to roll out a whole new set of programs.  The large group meeting is on a different day.  The small groups are called "cell groups,' then "life groups,' then "community groups."  The strategist is sharp but ultimately confuses the staff and student leaders.

In college ministry, we always need to be innovative, but consistency counts.  The farmer can find new tools, but he can't change the regular rhythm of cultivating soil, planting seed, watering, and harvesting.  You don't want to short circuit momentum with constant changes.  give new plans a few semesters to work themselves out.

#2  THE GENERAL
The General runs a tight ship.  He is heavy on accountability.  His student is 2 minutes late to d-group?  He's kicked out.  Didn't finish your bible study prep?  You don't get to talk!  Mess up on your Scripture memory?  That right, that means push-ups!  The General can produce disciplined students, no doubt.  But he often lacks deep, authentic relationships.  He often leaves behind a wake of bitter, burnt-out believers.

We need healthy accountability in our ministries, but with grace.  Most of our students are young in the faith.  when my 1-year-old take her first steps I don't yell at her because she's not running.  College ministers must be encouragers.  You need to celebrate the wins and build up your students more than you rebuke and correct.

#3  THE SEMINARIAN
The Seminarian can be found at the campus Starbucks with his latte, doctrine book, and Logos software open on his laptop.  He is always learning, reading, and prepping for his next talk.  He attracts a few intellectual Christians but struggles to reach the lost.

There is a second version of the Seminarian , one who is ACTUALLY in seminary all the time.  He takes 6-12 hours of classes.  He is rarely on campus.  He calls himself a campus minister but it's really just a side gig whele he can finish Seminary.

Seminary is a great tool (I got my Master's while working on campus."  And studying theology is amazing.  However, when school is in session our primary focus needs to be meeting with students, not personal development.  A college football coach isn't in his office studying the playbook on Saturdays in the fall.  build some extra time for seminary or personal development in the off season, but don't let it take away from the crucial time to labor on campus when that fall semester starts.

#4  THE COLLABORATOR
The Collaborator is the sweetheart of all the college ministers.  He wants to partner with other ministries on everything.  You can count on him to come to the campus ministers' meeting with an announcement:  "An exciting speaker is coming to campus!".  Guess what?  He needs other ministries to volunteer to help.  Don't worry, your ministry's logo will be included on the flyer.  He reiterates how crucil it is for students to see the "body" of Christ working together on campus.

I'm all for supporting each other in our ministries.  There should be a fellowship and comradery among college lministers on campus.  It shouldn't be a competition.  However, God has gifted us in different ways, often to reach different groups of students.  He has called YOU specifically to make disciples on campus.  Do it!  Can you do an occasional event together?  Sure.  But don't try to rope in others to help pull off your event all the time.  Be passionate about your ministry and let it rip.

#5  THE EVENT PLANNER
The Event Planner thrives on excellence.  He spends hours designing a logo and flyer on Canva for an upcoming dinner.  The stake sign didn't print quite right so he sends it back to re-do.  One the day of the dinners, he has to go pick up groceries, tablecloths, fancy name tags, and decorations.  He spends the last few hours with his entire staff at his house making a homemade dessert.  By the end of it, he and his team have spent more time shopping at Target than they did inviting students.

As campus ministers, it's great to value excellence.  But we have to know when the cost exceeds the value.  It's not wise to spend 10 hours preparing for an event when 2 hours could accomplish 80% of it.  How many more students might have been impacted if those extra hours were used to invest and invite?  Know where to draw the line onpreparation.  Use events to drive meeting students and building community.

#6  THE "BESTIE"
The Bestie is, in a lot of ways, the opposite of The General  The college minister is buds with every guy on campus.  He is lifting with them at the guy.  He's playing pickup basketball.  He rarely texts because he's in every snap chat group.  The question for the Bestie becomes, "Is he developing his disciples' depth in the Scriptures or their NBA2K skills?"  Students arent' quite sure if he's a campus minister or just another student taking a victory lap.  He draws guys in but rarely produces a disciple.  After the initital fun wears off, students no longer feel challenged to grow and find somewhere else to go deeper.

Most college students don't need more friends.  They have plenty of those.  Wheat they need is a mentor who is going to challenge them to live a godly life in Christ Jesus.  Yes, you should build authentic, fun relationships with students.  But don't compromise depth in the Word and authority to speak truth into their lives.  Get students in the Word when your're with them at the gym.  Helpt them share the gospel after the pickup basketball game.  Challenge them.  They'll look back and thank God for your influence!

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE:
Jesus was laser focused.  He didn't allow distractions to sidetrack His mission to bild into His disciples.  As campus ministers, we must prioritize the main things:  building relationships with the lost, sharing the gospel, discipling new believers, and equipping the next generation of laborers.  Donn't get off track!

I'm convinced every campus minister has great intentions when they step foot on campus.  They labor among the most strategic group of people on the planet.  It's worth it to evaluate our weaknesses and sharpen ourselves to make an even great impact for God's kingdom."

Blake Chrisman is the Regional Director of Lone Star StuMo North in Fort Worth, TX.  for more good stuff by Blake go to blakechrisman.com/blog

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

Are You Thinking What You CANNOT Do or CAN Do this fall?

I continue to hear College Ministers wrestle with how to do their ministry with the new guidelines announced by their campus.  Some are still waiting for a final announcement of guidelines.  A friend yesterday, who serves on a nationally known campus,said they had been told "no in person student events".  That pretty well cooks Plan A AND Plan B!

If you know me, you know I like big crowd events.  I love the energy at a crowd gathering of college students.  I love how students can come to those and be anonymous, if they choose.  I love how they get a sense of God's movement on campus.  I love how they see, "I'm not the only Christian after all."  I love....well, you get it.  I like large group gatherings.

But, what if, you learn like my friend, no in person gatherings or they are limited in such a way as to really scuttle your normal ministry?  Despite the fact that I am a lover and advocate of large group events, I believe the most transformative thing we do is meet with a student one on one.  Usually, that is through and with our leaders.  But, this year is different to say the least.

What if......

-you met with a different student for lunch each day of the week?

-you started, even now, inviting freshmen to lunch or for a coke or coffee?

-you tell that new student to bring their roommate?

-a meeting with a new student goes really well and you learn they have a heart for the Lord?  Ask them to meet you next week and bring a new friend they have made.

- if you schedule  morning, lunch and afternoon meet-ups? That would be three a day for five days a week.  That's fifteen students.  For fifteen weeks, that would be 225 individual meetings. Some of those would be on-going ones with core students who would have been in a leadership role, if all were normal.  Maybe, some of those would be follow ups on a good first time meeting that went really well.

What do you do at that one to one with a brand new student?  Ask what you can pray about for them and do it right then.  In a couple of days, call them and see how they are doing.

When you meet with that core student, invite them to pray with you at the end.  I believe one of the most important things we do with students is to teach them how and encourage them to pray out loud with someone.  If it's a really public place and you don't want to put on a spiritual show, both of you can pray with your eyes open....it's ok.  I've done it.

If you are a cheap skate like me, you quickly say, "that's a lot of money for cokes/coffee and lunch."  But, if you cannot have your regular big welcome event, can that money be "re-budgeted"?

Let's not think about what we CANNOT do....let's think about what we CAN do.  Let's pray, "God help me see things I've not seen or thought before. Help me see the positive in the new normal."  We usually see what we are looking for, don't we?

WHAT IF?

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

Building Up Your Student Leaders

In college ministry, apart from a movement of the Spirit, I believe the two greatest factors in the success of a college ministry are the College Minister and the student leaders.  I do not think we can over emphasize the importance of strong, caring, and functioning student leaders.  Investment in them is like buying a stock cheap that triples in value.

Who we can reach is impacted by our student leaders.

What the College Minister is set free to do that no one else can is caused by student leaders doing what they can.

God's Kingdom is impacted for years to come by student leaders who graduate and go on to serve in a church somewhere in the years to come.

Seeing what God does in student leaders lives is immensely rewarding to a College Minister....for years to come.

As we continue to say, these are the strangest of times.  It just may be that when school starts and the size of meetings is affected by University rules, etc or even banned, student leaders will be more important than ever.  If the College Minister cannot even go on campus...as will be the case some places, what the student leaders do is huge.

So, as we are a month or so out from school starting, what can you do with your student leaders?  Here are a few suggestions.

1.  AFFIRMATION/ENCOURAGEMENT
It is easy for them to feel we are always asking or demanding.  Make sure they know that you are affirming and encouraging....not just in general emails or messages, but specific to each one.  This has been a hard and unexpected summer for most.  Help each leader to know and see the value and gifts that God has placed in their individual life.

2.  SPELL OUT EXPECTATIONS
As best you can, spell out expectations for the coming fall.  Exactly, what is it you need them to do.  And, give an "Exit Ramp" for anyone that has had a change in circumstances.  And, make it a graceful one....not the Benedict Arnold exit.

3.  GIVE SOMEONE A SECOND CHANCE
If a  ministry slot has opened up, is there a student leader who dropped out at another point or did not do well in a previous role, that should be given another chance?  Could be they have grown up and matured from that past experience?  Be wise in this and be prayerful.

4.  MAKE BEING A LEADER REWARDING.....AND EVEN SOMETIMES FUN!
I am just dumb enough to believe that students ought to get something out of being a leader and investing the time, energy and care they do in the ministry.  They get spiritual growth, they get what could even be called work experience, but let's try to see that they get more.  Give them a tee shirt no one else gets or give them some discount coupons, feed them a special meal.  AND, do something just fun with or for them.  Students like fun and if they get some fun out of a rewarding service, it will just sink that much deeper into their soul the value of serving.

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 Four Tee Shirt Principles

Tee shirts are a part of college life.  One student said to me once, "The whole reason you come to college is for tee shirts."  College ministries like all other groups on campus know the benefit of tee shirts.  They can promote your ministry.  They can advertise your weekly event.  They can be an incentive to sign up for the fall retreat to get early pick on sizes, etc.  Could it be with the strangeness of this fall that what a tee shirt communicates may be even more important?

Late July is often "tee shirt design time" for many.  Here are four principles or truths to remember when designing tee shirts for give away or sale.

1.  Students must like the tee shirt to wear it.
Involve students in the design selection and color, if not allowing students to completely develop it.

2.  Young women will wear a "guy type tee shirt". but college guys will not wear what they perceive to be "a girl shirt."

3.  The most important time for students to be wearing ministry tee shirts is during the critical first two to three weeks of the start of the semester.

4.  Tee shirts help build cohesion within your group....it is part of the sense of "I belong".
Everyone wants to belong. 

Adapted from "ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY".  "ALMOST" is my new book which is available in print or eBook at amazon.com.  Check it out.

The Judy Principle

The Covid health crisis has had us talking about how and what to do this fall since March.  Some have made plans, scrapped them and made more plans.  Now, as college administrators are beginning to announce their rules or guidelines for student events, plans can take a little more positive shape.  One Campus Minister recently learned he can have one hundred (100) at a meeting and so, that ministry is planning a 7:00 p.m. and a 9:00 p.m. worship event.  Another Campus Minister on a large deep south campus was told that fifty (50) was the max they could have at a gathering.  I have not heard their response yet.

One danger would be to simply say, "This fall is not normal and I will just ride it out."  In other words, it would be easy to not give it your best effort.  The two inherent dangers are to compare it to other years which is totally unrealistic and the other extreme is to say it does not matter.  To say it does not matter would be to miss the one opportunity some students will have to come to Christ or to get serious about growing in their relationship and service.

THE JUDY PRINCIPLE:  I had a student once named Judy.  She came by my office one day to drop something off and she was really dressed up.  I asked where she was going or what special event was on today.  She said she was on her way to take a test.  She said she always dressed up when she took a test.  She said it made her feel her best and be at her best.  I get that.  I teach a Sunday morning Bible study group on Facebook Live each Sunday morning for a group of older adults.  I dress up more then than I do any other day.  I even wear nice pants which no one sees on Facebook.  I am applying the Judy Principle.

For you, it may not be dressing up.  But, what is it that you can do that will cause you to give it your best this fall?  Whatever that is, that is The Judy Principle for you.  If you do not know YOUR Judy Principle, I would encourage you to give some thought to it.

You likely will not say this was your best fall ever, but you can say, "I gave it my best effort!"

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

ALMOST Everything About College Ministry Now Available on Amazon

I am pleased to announce that my new book, "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry is now available at amazon.com.  It is a result of not only my forty one (41) years on campus, but my thirteen  (13) years serving as a college ministry consultant for Lifeway.  Some of the chapters will speak to the veteran who leads a large, established ministry and others will speak to the person just beginning to try to reach a campus.  It can be read cover to cover, or just pick the chapters that most relate to your current situation.  It has been my goal to provide something that will be a continuing resource to college ministers as different questions and issues arise. 

I am honored that some of my colleagues have recommended it.

"If anyone were going to write an encyclopedia style resource for college ministry, it needed to be Arliss."  Bill Noe, Collegiate Ministry Leader, Lifeway Christian Resources

"Arliss Dickerson has few rivals as one of the clearest articulators and diverse practitioners of campus ministry essentials."  David James, Former Collegiate Team Leader, Arkansas Baptist Convention

"Arliss writes from years of discovering and re-discovering best practices in college ministry.  His practical insights are helpful in any setting:  state university, commuter campus, Christian college, church, or campus ministry."  Linda Halfacre Weir, Director of Adult Groups and Collegiate Ministries, Pine Lake Church, Brandon, Mississippi

"This resource is relevant to the "newbie" as well as the "veteran" Collegiate Minister."
Bruce McGowan, Consultant, Texas Baptist Student Ministry

"Arliss has been engaging in this vital ministry not only as a college minister, but as a key discipler of college ministers for decades.  As a pastor in a college town, I understand how important it is to have the best tools to be able to continue to engage this generation."  Daniel Berry, Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, West Lafayette, Indiana

If you should buy and read it, you would bless and honor me by writing a review of it on the amazon site.

Arliss Dickerson
arlissdickerson@gmail.com

Attendance Numbers in College Ministries

A friend commented on my Blog, "BCM, CRU, and FCA" that my figures for for Chi Alpha (the Assembly of God ministry) were outdated and gave me the most current figures.  I appreciate that as I never want to seem I am down grading another ministry or not being accurate on the information I share.  Here are the numbers he shared, in case you did not see them.

CHI ALPHA MINISTRIES:

286 active groups  (320 Chartered)

15,894 total attendance at weekly worship services (roughly 55 per group)

21,820 Total involvement (roughly 75 per group)

It made me think a little more about attendance numbers for the BCM ministries around the country.  There is no one number that would apply to most of them.  A few are really large where there is multiple staff with a large and modern campus center and a good operating budget.  Others are led by part time volunteers and meet in class rooms or in a church near by.  The larger ministries would have as many as 500 at weekly worship events and have multiple events in a week that reach different students.

A different category would be the campus church plants where some of them have as many as 10-20 staff who raise their salaries.  A few of these would be in the 500 to 500 plus category.

Simply put, I would say BCM campus based ministries fall into three categories in terms of attendance numbers.  Also, Baptist Church college ministries would fall into about the same three categories.  Some church ministries are very large with one or more full time ministers and or part time Interns/Student Assistants.  Others are led by staffers with multiple responsibilities and no other help, apart from adult church member volunteers.  The three attendance groupings are:

100 Plus

50-99

20-49

Of the 682 campuses that Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM/BSM/BSU) is on, I would say the majority would fall in the 50-99  attendance category at their weekly worship event. Yet, many are in the 100 plus group. But, that is strictly a guess on my part....but based on some facts and familiarity

One positive development in some BCM ministries is that funding policies are being changed to allow them to bring on staff that raise their own salaries.  In most situations, this has been very limited in the past.  Almost always, staff numbers and attendance numbers will have some correlation.  I heard recently of a Methodist ministry on a large nationally known campus that averaged 1500 at their weekly meeting....and then I was told they had 100 interns.

Three things usually determine the number of students reached:
-Well trained, committed student leadership teams.
-Multiple staff reaching out to different student groups
-Budget affecting promotion and events

Remember, in thinking about your attendance and the attendance of other ministries, there are apples, oranges and grapefruits.  Beware of unfair comparisons!

Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).  "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.

BCM, CRU, and FCA

Who is on more campuses BCM or CRU is an often asked question.  The answer is....InterVarsity.  I didn't see that coming either.  Here are the latest figures, as I was given them.

InterVarsity   725 campuses  (30,000 students involved)

BCM  682 campuses (70,000 students involved)

CRU 639 campuses (No involved figure given)

FCA  468 campuses (No involved figure given)

ISI   384 campuses (No involved figure given)
International Students Incorporated.

Chi Alpha  128 campuses (No involved figure given)

Other ministries that some of us would be familiar with are strong regional ministries, but tend not to be "national ministries".

It might be surprising to some to see that the number of students involved in BCM with forty three (43) less campuses is more than twice as large as InterVarsity.  One explanation might be that InterVarsity keys around discipleship.  It reinforces my strong belief that we need BOTH large group events AND small group and one to one discipleship.  I would guess that CRU's number involved would be significant, as they tend to have well done weekly large group events.

The report that BCM Campus Ministers fill out that goes into determining this national figure asks for "Collegians impacted in Campus Ministry programs" and then "Collegians involved in Campus Ministry programs".  The most recent"impacted" figure just released is 492,349.

Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).  "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.