College Ministers: Look Busy!

A long time ago when I was in the Army and particularly during training, there was a saying, "Look Busy". The thought behind it was, if you did not look like you were doing something, your Drill Sergeant would find something extra for you to do.  And, most of the time it would not be pleasant.  So, we looked busy.

I was reminded of this "Trainee Advice" recently when someone again said that maybe we need to give College Ministers some extra work.  

Everybody has a "Crazy Aunt" in their family.  One time I tried to explain to our Crazy Aunt what a College Minister did.  I went into great detail about meeting with students, planning events, speaking, etc.  At the end of my well done explanation, she said, "So, you just talk to students."  AHHHH!!!

Everyone that says, "Pastors only work on Sunday." are not joking.  Some are really serious; they just do not know.  And, I think it is even tougher for church people unconnected to college campuses to get all that College Ministers do and the EXTRA work, time and stress they are putting in these days still re-building following the tough days of Covid  

My Advice:  LOOK BUSY!  Ok, this is not Army advice.  This is demonstrate what you are doing. Here are some suggestions.

-Post a selfie on social media of you getting ready to meet with a student. And remember older people look at Facebook whether you do or not.

-Post a picture of an event.  Show students worshipping.  Share a picture of a Bible study group  List some prayer requests  

-When you send out a report, printed or on line, make sure there are one or two pictures that show something of what is happening.  Remember, a picture answers questions people did not even think to ask. But, also remember too many pictures all side beside become a blur.  By the way, remember that older people have a hard time reading or seeing things printed on red or dark green paper.

-ALWAYS keep your supervisor in the loop about what you are doing or your focus this month.  They likely do not doubt your hard work but their being able to give specific examples to their boss or to your supporters to whom they speak is a big help.  Make sure they have plenty of ammunition.

Also remember the “Most Common Complaints About College Ministers" I talked about in my book, Almost Everything About College Ministry:

"They do not dress professionally."

"They do not encourage church attendance."

"College Ministers are too liberal."

ASK YOURSELF THE QUESTION:  Is there anything I am doing or not doing that gives the impression that I am not working as I should?

#reachingmore

Could your ministry be reaching more students? Check out Reaching More College Students:  Next Level College Ministry at amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.