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.
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