Questions to Ask at the End of the School Year

 I am a huge proponent of evaluation in our ministries.  College ministry is a continually moving target.  The campus changes just a bit each year and our students vary in their responses and the gifts/abilities our student leaders bring to the ministry.  Evaluation helps us tweak where we need to adjust and to celebrate what went really well and where the Lord blessed us....maybe even way beyond what we deserved. And, with this being the craziest year yet, some cold eyed evaluation is surely needed.  So, at the end of this semester or quarter, here are some questions you might ask.

1.  What did we do differently that is definitely a keeper for the future?

2.  Were my priorities for the ministry demonstrated in what we did and accomplished?

3.  Was there one place, event, etc where God just blessed us beyond anything that we did?

4.  What is one "never do that again"?

5.  If summer orientations, etc go back to normal this year, are there takeaways from last summer to do in addition to what we have done previously?

6.  How did I (you personally) do in pacing myself and doing right by my spouse and children?  DON'T SKIP OVER THIS ONE!

7.  What is one thing I really learned or re-learned this year?  I knew it, but boy did I realize it THIS year.

8.  Who do I need to write a thank you note to or take to lunch or coffee and express my appreciation for what they did for the ministry this year?

9.  What was the overwhelming strength of the ministry that shined through this year?

10. What was the overwhelming  weakness of the ministry that shined through this year?

11. What am I going to read this summer and who am I going to visit with to learn more about doing ministry?

12.  What is one fun thing I will do this summer?

A Brief Commercial:  One of the ways I envision my new book, "A College Ministry Success Formula" being used is as a way to evaluate where a ministry is in regard to what I see as five key areas.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com.

Everything About College Ministry in ONE Sentence?

 Occasionally, we are asked or challenged to say everything we know about something in one sentence. It is the attempt to get to the crux of the matter.  Boil it all down and what is at the very core.  I could say my one sentence would be:  "No college ministry accomplishes anything of lasting value apart from God's blessing and movement in the ministry and on campus."

But, assuming that, here is everything I know about college ministry in one sentence:

Be you where you are!

Here are the two parts to that statement.  FIRST, God wants to use who we are.  His will for us is written into our gifts, abilities, and interests.  Some are speakers and some are one to one disciplers.  Some are musicians and some are personality people.  The strength of our ministry is usually tied to who we are.  The ministry will always reflect our strengths and weaknesses to some degree or other.  Our priorities will shine through.  The longer a College Minister leads a ministry, the more that will be true.  That's why we always have to be a work in progress and continuing to learn and grow.  Sometimes, the hardest person to understand and be honest about is ourselves.  We have to identify what we do well, what we don't do so well and deal with both those.  And, we have to remember that those change to some degree over the years.  Therefore, our strengths in year five may be very different that in year twenty.  That is also true of our weaknesses.  There is always a temptation to copy our hero in ministry.  The problem is that is not who God made us to be.  Be the YOU God made you to be.

SECOND, every campus is different and we must treat it that way.  That is why the same College Minister cannot exactly do the same things that might have been very successful for him or her when they served on another campus.  We must continue to be students of our campus.  That means understanding the students there as well as the administration.  Both those will affect the attitudes and responses to our ministry.  Is this a "Flagship Campus" or a "Commuter Campus"?  Are there other ministries active and strong or is our ministry the only campus ministry?  Lots of variables affect and determine the approach and response to our ministry.

And as the campus changes and as the College Minister changes through the years, adjustments have to be made.   Be the you that you are today on the campus as it is today.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A College Ministry Success Formula, is now available at amazon.com/books.

College Ministers, I Need Your Help, PLEASE!

 I have just posted my new book, "A College Ministry Success Formula" at amazon.com/books.  Would you consider helping me spread the word about it?

Two Things You Can Do That Would Help:

1.  PUT UP A POST ABOUT IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.  You can go to the book page at amazon and share it with a comment from you or no comment. If you already have it, as a few do, would you post a picture of you with it or on your desk?  If you are in  private Chat or Facebook Groups, etc, mentioning it there would be a huge plus.  Even if you have not gotten it and don't plan to get it.....would you be willing to help pass on the word about it?

2.  IF YOU HAVE OR ARE READING IT, WOULD YOU GO TO THE AMAZON PAGE AND WRITE AN HONEST REVIEW?  You don't have to say it is the greatest thing ever.  Just say what you like, didn't like, etc.

SO, WHAT IS THIS BOOK?

It is very different than "Almost Everything About College Ministry". Really what this is....is not so much a book (It is ONLY 33 pages.) as it is my notes to do a one day conference for College Ministers like I have done in recent years. Or, it would be like a major breakout I would do at a conference.  I have simply written down what I would say. No one has edited it or "designed it".  It's just me!  The pages are not even numbered.

There are five brief sections which are each of the five components of the "Formula".  At the end of each are 8 to 10 questions for "Self Evaluation and Planning".  It can be easily read in an hour and done in 2 hours doing the questions.  Some might do one part of the formula per day or one a week in a staff meeting and use the questions for discussion.

Baptists currently do not have a national college ministry office, so materials are not being developed provided or promoted.  I am encouraging practitioners like you, to put out stuff.  Let's all help each other....regardless of our denominational tribe. College ministry books will never be best sellers and so will not be promoted by major book companies. This type of word of mouth/social media is the only promotion that will be done.  Thanks, if you read it and I really would like to hear your feedback on it.  Blessings to you!!

Arliss,

 arlissdickerson@gmail.com

Hourly Wage or Rate for a College Minister?

I recently had a couple of experiences that made me think about hourly wage or hourly rates. One of the discussions in our society today is what is a fair hourly wage and can businesses afford that.

 I ran into a former student and friend who is an attorney.  A mutual acquaintance who is an attorney was mentioned and I asked what that mutual friend was doing.  In that discussion I learned that our mutual friend bills his clients $500 an hour for his services.  He is highly thought of and sought after in his field of legal expertise.  A few weeks ago I went to the Dermatologist and recently I got my insurance information and his bill was $126 for a 20 - 29 minute visit.  And, that would go to $252 for an hour, I guess.

I googled, "What is the annual pay for ministers?'  The answer was $51,325.  I have no idea how that figure was determined and if it only refers to full time.  .  I know College Ministers who make more than that and some that make less than that. So, I began to think about what the hourly rate for a College Minister might be.  Now, let me quickly add that I realize that many professionals like attorneys and doctors must pay other staff, buy expensive equipment, rent or buy office space, etc.  I do not think they get to personally pocket everything they collect.  And, College Ministers do not pay other staff or rent space out of their own pay....at least normally. So, it cannot be an an apples to apples comparison.  And, I have no idea how much these professionals get to keep out of their hourly rate.

So, how many hours a week could a College Minister charge to his or her "billing rate"?  Many College Ministers work an obscene number of hours and I think sometimes too many for their own health and family welfare.  Yet, I know that sometimes that is seasonal according to the time of year or around special events, etc.  But, for discussion purposes, let's say a College Minister works 50 hours a week, which would not be unusual.  That would be $4,277.08 per month using the 51,325 annual figure.  At 50 hours a week, that figures out to $21.38 per hour.  Hmmmmm!

A couple of years ago, I did an interim college ministry position and the person offering me the position said, "We will pay you this much a month."  He thought about it a minute and said, "As I think about it, that does not sound like enough and he increased it."  I had decided I would do it prior to knowing what it would pay, etc.  But, I really appreciated his realization and making a change.

I don't have an answer to what a College Minister's hourly rate should be.....other than it ought to be more in most cases.  I know a very few College Ministers who make a large salary, but they are very few and I think they are worth every dime of it.  Years ago, I was arguing with my boss for a higher salary for our Associate Director.  I said, "He is worth way more than that."  My boss who did care said, "We don't pay people what they are worth.  We have salaries and some people make less than what they are worth and some people make more than what they are worth."  I thought his answer was probably a good one.

I guess here is my bottom line.  When we work on salaries in developing budgets, etc, it might be a good idea to divide out what that comes to in an hourly rate or wage.  It might change our thinking some about salaries.  Maybe more College Ministers would get paid closer to what they are worth!

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book,  A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA,  is now available at amazon.com

7 Things to do the Last Month of School.....and a Bonus One

 Some College Ministers are worn down and feel like quitting at this point.  Others are energized by seeing the finish line of what may have been the most difficult and certainly the most different school year.  Here are some things to consider doing as you lean into the end of the semester or quarter.

1.  Who has disappeared in the last month or so?  What student or students that had been regulars have disappeared over the last month or so and need some encouragement and to know they are missed?

2.  Are there some publicity pictures that need to be made in preparation for that new brochure or poster that you will be putting together this summer?  Remember, pictures at events tell more than you can ever say in words and even answer questions incoming freshmen didn't even know how to ask.

3.  Send a letter/email or make a phone call to the Youth Ministers in the area asking them to send you their senior list  with possible college plans.  Many are gearing up for their Senior Sunday and that information is fresh.

4.  Make plans for a "Senior Supper" or other farewell event for those graduating.  AND, think hard about some who might be graduating that have drifted away from the ministry during their senior year, but were very involved prior to that.  Make sure they are invited to whatever senior event is done.  And, let them know their involvement has been appreciated.

5.  Get the school Freshmen Orientation dates for summer on the calendar and know for sure what will and will not be done in person, virtual, etc.

6.  TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN those student leaders who will be working with freshmen this fall.

7.  Have a sit down with four or five freshmen who have been very involved this year and find out what clicked with them that caused them to connect and stay connected.  Listen way more than you talk...I know its hard.  Remember, students think and talk better with free pizza in their mouth!

BONUS ONE:  If you are considering or planning to make a change in program time, place, format, etc,  do a one time experiment to see how it needs to be adjusted, confirmed, or even junked.  You may be very surprised at what you learn!

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is now available at amazon.com.

Collegiate Summit Breakouts, Idea Labs and More

 The once every three year National Collegiate Ministers Summit in Nashville May 5-7 is a special time of both networking, inspiration and just plain learning new stuff.  Often, the "name platform speakers" are the inspiration and the Breakouts and Idea Labs are the things we take home and incorporate into our ministry or use to improve something we are already doing.  Here is a heads up on SOME of them, so you can begin to think about which ones to make a priority.

"Engaging Lostness in a Post Christian Culture" is being led by Dr. Jamie Dew, the president of New Orleans Seminary

"The Veterans Panel" is always a favorite of mine as some of the wise and long time college ministry pros share ideas, thoughts, and insights from their experience.  Mark Whitt, BCM Director at Middle Tennessee is moderating it.  Goof stuff!

"Leading as a Woman" is being done by Beth Masters and Sarah Farley.  They led something similar three years ago and it was standing room only.  Get there early.

"Becoming a Laborer Factory" is being done by Paul Worcester.  Paul is possibly the best known College Minister in the country from his presence on social media and his work as the Collegiate Evangelism Consultant at NAMB.  He started at ministry from scratch at Chico State.

"The Art of Personal Evangelism" - Gary Stidham is widely known for his ministry at UT-Arlington.

"Ministry Spouses" - Don't forget your spouse can attend for just $80.  Jan Jones, whose husband is the BCM Campus Minister at U of Memphis, is leading.

"How to Think about Social Media and Your Ministry" - All of us recognize the use and mis-use of social media today.  How can we use it as a tool?  Juliana Wilson and Ben Neiser 

"Community College Ministry:  The What, Why, and How to Get it Started" - Community colleges are one of our growing campus trends and yet they are often totally ignored.  Mark Warrington & Hunter Ballew

"Multiplying Your Ministry Through Support Raising" - With financial cuts and the need to reach out to more campuses and grow staffs on large campuses, support raising continues to be a pressing issue.  Meg Craig & Ryan Hodges

"How to Reach Greeks for Christ" - Steve Shadrach is well known for his work in this area and for his book, "The Fuel and The Flame".

"5 Mindsets You Need to Shift in Leading Gen Z" - Robert Coppedge

"Better Talks Faster: A Busy Leader's Guide to Connecting with This Generation":  David Worcester will share his time saving step by step process for crafting biblical messages that connect with students.

OK; these are just some samples and not nearly all the options and possibilities.  I just wanted to get you to thinking and maybe starting to work out with a friend who will go to what and you can swap notes back and forth.  It is not too late to register to attend the Summit at Lifeway.com/collegiatesummit.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is now available at amazon.com

What is "A College Ministry Success Formula"?

 A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA is my brand new book at amazon.com.  But and However, it is not like "Almost Everything About College Ministry" which is 245 pages.  This one is a whopping 33 pages.  It is not really a book; it is a 5 session College Ministers workshop.  

One of my favorite things these last several years has been leading and participating in workshops for College Ministers.  Some are regional, statewide and even national in scope.  At those state wide events, I usually would present something at four or five sessions. At some national events, I would lead a breakout. "A College Ministry Success Formula" is a 5 session seminar or breakout. The book is like my notes or a manuscript for each session.  You will quickly see that it has not been professionally edited like "Almost".  It does not even have page numbers.

One of the things I have learned and totally buy into is that there is more than one way to do college ministry well and for it to be an instrument God uses.  That is why it is "A Formula", not "THE Formula". That said, I believe this is a formula that is working on many campuses and that God uses.it.  I also believe that you might be using a different formula or plan but see how one or more of these ingredients would fit into your formula.  Or, you recognize that one or two need improvement.

So, my formula has five ingredients.  At the end of each of the five are eight to ten questions for "Self Evaluation and Development".  If I were getting to do this presentation live, at the end of each session, I would hand out a worksheet with these questions on it.  Some are yes and no type questions, but many of them call for your own reflection, evaluation or summary of where your ministry is in this area.

You can easily read the book in an hour.  But, I hope you will take a little longer and work through the questions at the end of each "session".  You could even do one a day or one a week in your staff meetings.

So, here is the deal.  It is a workshop or a breakout.  But, I don't have to get up at 3:30 a.m. to go to the airport and you don't have to take me out to eat when it is over.

Let me ask a favor.  If you read it, go to the comments section on it at Amazon and give your honest thoughts on it pro and con.  

But, I will miss our going out to eat together...and I would have even bought my own lunch or supper.  Let's do it soon!

Arliss Dickerson's book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com.

I LOVE Meetings!/I HATE Meetings!

 Yes, I love meetings and I hate meetings.  Mostly, I love meetings.  They plan good things.  They allow people to express their thoughts, concerns and ideas.  They make progress toward an intended goal.  Those are the meetings I love!  The meetings I hate are those where it seems people are disrespected, nothing is accomplished and it seems there was no good reason for the meeting.

Whether you like meetings or not, they are an important part of ministry.  I would go even further and say maybe they are a MORE important part of college ministry because not only are we working on our ministry, we are teaching students how to do meetings that benefit God's Kingdom.

Here are some simple questions and guidelines to help have better meetings that work for the good of God's Kingdom:

1.  Have a clear purpose and reason for the meeting.

2.  Have clear planned and announced starting and ending times.  People tend to get done what they need to when they know how much time is allotted.  Sometimes, it is beneficial for the one leading the meeting to say something like, "We have about ten minutes left, what do we for sure need to cover?"

3.  Make sure everyone is treated with respect and given the opportunity to say what they have to say.

4.  Yet, it is possible that sometimes people keep saying the same things over and over, and over and over and over.  Ok; that is where the leader needs to summarize what has been said and move to the next step.

5.  Is what is being done and said moving the meeting toward the desired goal and purpose of the meeting?

6.  Does everyone really FEEL they have the chance to say what they want to say?  Sometimes, the leader may need to say something like, "Harold, you look like you have a thought or question you want to raise."  Reading the faces and body language of the people present is important and necessary.

7.  Has some action been taken or a path decided on or a decision made?  A mentor of mine used to say that there needed to be at least one vote at every committee meeting, so that everyone present would feel they had accomplished something and their being there had served a purpose.

8.  Some meetings are for the purpose of sharing information and having everyone clued in to what they need to know.  Close the meeting by making sure the key information is clear and communicated.

9.  I believe in praying at meetings.  HOWEVER, it is important that it not just be rote praying for the purpose of just having a clear start and end.  Pray about what you have met about.  Pray for the people involved in the meeting. Pray like you think praying matters and the reason for meeting matters.

By the way, laughter is a good lubricant of a great meeting.

"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." I Corinthians 14:40

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

What is Your "Happy Number"?

 Pretty well everybody in ministry has a "Happy Number.".  Your "Happy Number" is that number that is either a goal or it is a minimum number for an event..  And, often we have both for events.

When I first came to Arkansas State, I had a number in my head that I felt should be a regular number of students at our large group worship considering the size of the campus and our resources.  Over time, we reached that "Happy Number" and another one formed in my head that we never reached while I was there.

But, in thinking about it, I realized that there was also the minimum "Happy Number".  That is the number that may not be what we had hoped, worked, prayed, or wished to reach....but it is ok.  Our Back-2-School Retreat was a big event every year.  It ran from Friday afternoon to Noon Saturday of the first home football game weekend...unless the football schedule threw us a curve.  After a few years, I had a number in my head that once we reached it in sign-ups, I was happy.  Often, attendance would be larger than that number, but once we reached that number, I was ok and the pressure was off.  There were different "Happy Numbers" for Freshmen Night, Wednesday Lunch, and Thursday Nite Together.  As I think about it, those were "Minimum Happy Numbers" for Lunch and Freshmen Night.

I have confessed in the past to caring about numbers..  So, this lack of spirituality on my part should not be surprising.  But, here is my point, I think all of us in ministry have "Happy Numbers".  It is just whether or not we admit it to ourselves.  And, part of admitting it is to ask three questions:

First, is my "Happy Number" realistic?  Wanting to have a thousand students every week at my event would be great....but that is in no way realistic.  Is my number a realistic number?

Second, is my "Happy Number" challenging in some way or other? I believe we must in some way try to be responsible to the size campus we are on, what are resources are, and the openness on our campus to the Gospel and Christian connections.  Bigger campuses do not necessarily call for a bigger "Happy Number".  In some ways, bigger campuses make it harder to reach more students than smaller campuses.  But, is our "Happy Number" too small?

Third, have I properly adjusted my "Happy Number" as a result of the consequences of the covid related adjustments that were necessary the past two years?  Almost no ministry was able to do normal enlistment or events over the past two years that will take another year or two to work past in many instances.

So, how about you?  What are your "Happy Numbers"?  Do they need to be changed or adjusted in any way for normal years or this crazy abnormal year?  Admit it...I bet I am not the only one with "Happy Numbers".

Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen, 124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades, is available at amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9