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.