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.
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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.
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