"Hosting Students at Your Home".....by Adam Venters

 Why every college minister should schedule at least one gathering this fall at their home!

Depending on your context, I know it can be sometimes challenging to have a gathering of college students in your home.  There are some  in more urban environments where hosting more than 3 or 4 people is a real challenge and in more rurl situations where driving out to someone's home can be a trek and then factor in gas and carpool.

However, i would like to share a few reasons why, if possible, you should open your home at some point this fall to students.

1.  Castle vs Weapon

I am personally a big fan of the idea of the power of the  home that has been highlighted in the movement of church planting.  One viewpoint is to see the home as a castle, where the walls are high and entry into the castle is only through the slow drawing of the bridge.  Home is haven and a refuge.  And, there is a reality that the home should be a safe place and a refuge for the family.

The other....I am not really a castle guy....is using the home as a weapon for the Gospel. Dhati Lewis, NAMB VP, has popularized, maybe coined, the terminology regarding the home.  Instead of seeing the home as an isolated citadel, it is more like a weapon we are wielding.  We can use the Gospel as a refuge but for more than just ourselves.  It can be a safe haven for students who are out in the world more of the time and s seeking a place of comfort and love, a place that can remind them of God's faithfulness.

2.  Relationships with your family

One student who was the president of our BCM became like an aunt to our boys.  When she arrived on campus, her dad hoped that she would get connected to friends and families that love the Lord.  Our boys were 2 and 1 then.  The student's father commented how he loves seeing his daughter have such a close relationship with them that she is like an aunt or second mom to them.  It takes a village! Our boys have many students that are like family to them and they call them their "friends."  They always look forward to having their friends come over to the house to hang out or to have a Bible study.  Our families are often stronger when we bring others in.  Students, especially ones from out of town, are often looking for a home away from home and love to have families that treat them like family.  Share your life with them like we are reminded to in I Thessalonians 2:8.

3.Events to try

A.  Cajun Christmas Party. - My wife is from Louisiana.  Typically, the Saturday before finals we have students over to eat Gumbo and Jambalaya.  Last year we read the "Cajun Christmas" book.

B.  Freshmen Leadership Team - We hosted freshmen each Sunday night during the semester for games and leadership talks.

C.  Game Nights - We have hosted small group Bible studies for game nights. It helps them connect in a deep and fun way.

D.  Christmas Drop In - You can give them all a little gift bag or ornament Christmas present.

E.  Tailgating/Watch Party -Away games are a great time to host students at your house.

F.  Halloween Party/Bonfire - Doing a bonfire or a fire pit at your house might be a good option.  Everyone love some smores!  Also, everyone loves dance parties on Halloween complete with costumes and fun.

G.  International Student Fishing -  If you have a pond, bring students over to fish.  You just need a pond, some bait, and a pole.

H.  Swim Party - If you have a pool, invite students over to swim.  It doesn't have to be your entire ministry. You can do girls or guys or a certain class.

I.  Game Night - There are all kinds of games you can play at your house.  To keep cost down, you can provide desserts and drinks.

Adam Venters is the BCM Campus Minister for the Metro ministry in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com/dp/B091F5S1RF or the already classic, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY is at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX

5 Things Church College Ministries Can and Should Do

 I strongly believe that there should be some differences between campus based ministries and church based college ministry.  Often, a church based College Minister will have come out of a strong campus based ministry and then will just copy what the campus ministry did.  It often seems to "work".  But, the problem in my mind is often a campus based ministry and a church based ministry that are supposedly working together look just alike and therefore become "competitors".  And, the students do not experience the benefit of a really "CHURCH BASED college ministry".  

5 Things Church College Ministries Can and Should Do:

1. Connect college students to older adults.  College students have a need and desire to learn from older and more mature adults.  And, it is a win win situation for everyone involved.  Plus, it connects them more to the church rather than just the college ministry.

2.  Give students the opportunity to serve in the wide variety of ministries the church offers.  No campus based college ministry can offer children's ministries, opportunities to chaperone youth and children's events, feeding and clothing programs, etc.  Teach them how to serve in a church.

3.  Teach them why they should belong to and commit to one church and ask them to do so.  Many Christian college students attend events at more than one church.  Some go to this one on Sundays and to that one on Wednesdays....and maybe are in a small group at a third.  The problem is that is not a workable lifetime pattern for church involvement.  Don't badmouth other church ministries, but encourage students to connect to and give their energies to one church.....EVEN, IF IT IS NOT YOURS!

4.  Connect those who feel called to ministry to a church staffer who does that already.  Seeing what different ministers do helps students know, if they can see themselves there.  Plus, it gives them hands on experience that can lead to internships, part time ministry positions, and even to full time work.

5.  Teach and encourage them to give financially to the church. Everyone knows students do not have any money. Except, I have known lots of students that had money and spent it on lots of different things.  If part of being a Christian is being a steward of what we each have, then we need to be teaching and asking students to do that now.  And, if they start giving when they have a little, it will be easy to just keep that habit up as life and incomes develop.  Young adults who have already bought a house and two expensive vehicles find it hard to start "tithing".  There is no extra wiggle in their budget. Help them develop this healthy habit.

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

What About 12,000 College Students Called to Ministry?

 BCM ministries and Baptist Colleges/Universities report 12,256 students who have indicated a call to vocational ministry.  Local BCM ministries have indicated there are 3,532 involved in those ministries and 8,724 in Baptist institutions.  Until recently, nothing was being done within Southern Baptist life to help these students and those in high school who have either made a commitment to ministry or are considering it.

A new and great resource has just been developed and released.  It is sbccalled.com.  It is loaded with great information.  There are four major sections: PREPARATION, RESOURCES, EDUCATION and SBC INFO.  To me one of the most readily helpful to a young person exploring God's call is under the RESOURCES section where it has a description of twenty three (23) different ministry positions and what they do.  One of the struggles of many in wrestling with their call is seeing where they might fit, if they are not a preacher or a singer.

The PREPARATION section has super practical topics like Mentoring, Marriage Preparation, Financial Planning and there is an article titled, "Suggestions for Those Who Are Called" that just lays out a good general outline of how to proceed either in determining this call or beginning to figure it out.  There is a listing of books related to calling and ministry, plus some websites that the student can go to for more help.

The EDUCATION section lists the different SBC Seminaries (with links), why consider seminary, Doctrinal beliefs of Southern Baptists, and even information about how SBC Funding works through the Cooperative Program.  For high schoolers, there is a listing of Baptist colleges and universities which they might consider.

I highly recommend this resource to you as I am not aware of anything else out there like it. AND you do not have to be Baptist to benefit from it.  This resource came about as a result of Bill Noe, who was the SBC Leader of Collegiate Ministry, and Steve Masters, BCM Campus Minister at LSU seeing the need.  Steve was a part time Contract Worker with the Collegiate Ministry Office under Bill at Lifeway when this project was conceived.  When Lifeway Christian Resources defunded the Contract Workers, Steve still believed this was such a need that he continued the development of sbccalled.com simply as a volunteer. I think what he has done is invaluable.

A COUPLE OF SUGGESTIONS:  One, tell your students about it.  Second, as you meet with students who are sensing or have made a commitment to vocational ministry, walk through it briefly with them. I think it will be easy for those who go to it the first time on their own to be overwhelmed and not find the parts most helpful to them at that point.  Like most tools, it will take a little adjustment to learn to use it.  But, it can be a super plus that they would refer back to as they develop in this process.  And, we need to keep helping students sense God's call to vocational ministry.

Check out sbccalled.com.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, "A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA". is available at amazon.com/books.  College ministry pros say, "Must Read!!!"; "I read everything he writes."; "Quick read full o practical takeaways"; "Based on a successful career of leading and training leaders.".

Principles or Trendy?

 A young College Minister from a struggling ministry told me I did college ministry “the old fashioned way”. After looking at their ministry and ours…I picked our way. 

BEWARE of just being TRENDY!

There are PRINCIPLES in everything. They never change. They may be expressed different ways. But, they are the bedrock of a strong ongoing ministry. Trends often come from copying one successful, well publicized ministry.  Years ago there was a trend that came off a phenomenally successful ministry. Many of us tried it to no avail. Soon that College Minister went on to lead a high profile ministry. 

It did not go well…and we learned he had falsified his numbers on that first much ballyhooed campus ministry. 

Learn from everybody and collect new ideas, tweak your ministry as needed, but never forsake principles!

Arliss Dickerson’s brand new book, “A College Ministry Success Formula”, is available at Amazon.com/books. College ministry pros say, “I read everything he writes.”; “Built on a successful ministry of leading and developing leaders”.

College Ministry Vote at SBC???

For those of us not attending the annual SBC meeting in Nashville, it has been a little difficult to get a clear understanding of what happened regarding the vote on who will have the college ministry assignment (national office).  Early in the pandemic with churches not meeting, Lifeway Christian Resources lost considerable income due to churches not buying Sunday School literature and they cut $25 Million from their budget.  As part of these cuts and layoffs, they announced  Lifeway would no longer have a college ministry office and personnel, which at that time was one full time person and four part time contract workers.  It had been reduced to the number over the years from as many as eighteen full time staffers.  One significant change that many are not aware of is that Lifeway for many years had given approximately $250,000 to college ministry in states outside the south.  The loss off this money has been huge for the college ministries in those states.

Since the college ministry assignment had been given to Lifeway by a vote of the Southern Baptist Convention, no other SBC entity could take on the national college ministry role.  So, at the SBC meeting yesterday, there was a vote on a recommendation that Lifeway could alter its current ministry assignments.  The next recommendation was then that the college ministry assignment be given to the North American Mission Board (NAMB).  But, the request for Lifeway to change their ministry assignments was voted down by a vote of 4,448 for and 5,850 opposed.  So, that made the recommendation for the assignment to be given to NAMB "moot".  

Roland Slade, Chairman of the Executive Committee who brought the recommendations, said that Ben Mandrell of Lifeway and Keven Ezell of NAMB would be asked to work together "to determine a plan to be presented to messengers at a future annual meeting."  So, next year at the annual SBC would be the earliest this would be resolved.

IS THIS A GOOD THING OR A BAD THING?

This is just my opinion, but I think it is not a bad thing and could potentially be a good thing.  The national collegiate ministry office does not direct college ministry done through BCM's and churches.  Each state and church determines what they will do.  The national office "waves the flag", provides resources, coordinates national meetings and national strategies.  So, collegiate ministry will continue to be done at this point.  The State Directors of BCM ministries have a group of officers who are taking on some national tasks such as Collegiate Week, etc for the time being..

WHAT ARE SOME GOOD POSSIBILITIES?

1. Possibly, NAMB will clarify and announce what their plans and strategy would be for college ministry.  Some college ministry leaders oppose NAMB having the collegiate ministry responsibility because their focus has been campus church plants and have even been viewed as less than supportive of BCM ministries.  Where they previously paid the salaries of BCM  College Ministers on key campuses outside the south for as many as forty (40)  places where local Baptists did not have the resources to do so, those salaries were deleted some years ago.

2.  Alternatives can be discussed.  One plan advocated by some college ministries pros is for the college ministry leader position by added to the office of the Executive Committee where that person would be able to relate to all agencies on an equal footing instead of just being  a small part of one agency.  One pastor said, "Take $750,000 and establish an office with a leader and 3 or 4 staffers in different key areas.  It is a small price to pay for the future."  

3.  Hopefully, we will highlight college ministry and have a national dialogue about the need, priority and best steps forward in Southern Baptist life.

WHY DO WE NEED A NATIONAL OFFICE?

If college ministry is directed and done at the state and local church level, why does a national office matter?  The simple answer is VISIBILITY, TRAINING  AND RESOURCES.  First, someone must continually articulate the need for reaching college students and to show the good things that are happening.  Second, a national office can be key in providing training both in national settings and in state and local areas.  Everybody should not have to reinvent the wheel.  Finally, training materials for both College Ministers and students are a must.  I am told that NAMB has begun producing some blogs, podcasts, and doing some personal coaching.  That is a plus and may that continue to grow.#  As financial cutbacks happen in many places, volunteers and part timers in college ministry become more and more significant, as well as helping new full time College Ministers start strong.  Plus, we must do all we can to help College Ministers to serve effectively for the long term.

These are just my thoughts.  I look forward to hearing many others.  LET'S HAVE THE CONVERSATION!

# I had said in my first edition of this that no SBC entity was developing materials to help College Ministers.  My friend, Paul Worcester, has made me aware of efforts NAMB is making in this area and that more is to come.  I would apologize for the inaccuracy of that first statement.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com/dp/B091F5S1RF. The new classic, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX

Collegiate Week is BACK!!

As our lives begin to return to normal, one of the great signs in the college ministry world is Collegiate Week 2021 to be held at Falls Creek in Davis Oklahoma.  Collegiate Week is a double bonus in that it is inspiring to students AND it is a growth networking point for College Ministers.

The program features Grant Patrick (Passion City Church), Mary Jo Sharp, Jason Thomas, and Michael Kelley and the Breakaway Worship Band from Texas A&M.  One College Minister said to me that his students are challenged by seeing what a great nation wide movement they are connected to.  Plus, many state groups stay together in lodging and do meals together which builds a great statewide fellowship.  And, nothing beats learning and hearing what others ministries are doing.

For College Ministers, it is a tie on which is most helpful, the Leadership Track or the time spent together in informal discussions and just being with a whole bunch of other people who get this crazy calling to reach the college campus for Christ.

Personally, I am excited to get to host the New College Ministers Fellowship.  And, we will even have a few door prizes!

Go to www.collegeministry.com/collegiateweek for more info, promotional ideas, registration, etc.  And, I will see you there....AND probably at the fried pie store for sure!

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com/books.  College ministry pro's say, "Must read!!!"; "I read everything he writes."; "Quick read full of practical takeaways"; "Based on a successful career of leading and training leaders."

Update on College Ministry Legend, Milt Hughes

Milt Hughes wife, Ruth, shared with me that they recently found out that Milt has a thoracic aortic aneurysm  4.9 cm.  Blood pressure had been high for several months.  Medication is helping slow down the heartbeat.  Surgery for Milt is not an option.  

Ruth indicated that their Cardiologist is very thorough and helpful to them in understanding what to expect.  Ruth asked for our prayers and to pass the word through the campus ministry community.

For those that do not know Milt, he served on the national BCM staff for years and wrote much of the discipleship and evangelistic material that was used across the country.  I believe that Milt is 90 now and he and Ruth do International ministry in California.  So, please remember Milt and Ruth.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com/books.  College Ministry pro's say, "Must Read!!!"; "I read everything he writes."; "Quick read full of practical takeaways"; "Based on a successful career of leading and training leaders." 

REACHING FRESHMEN: Welcome/Info Table Giveaways

 Whether doing Welcome Tables at summer orientations or Info Tables at the beginning of school, having a giveaway is always an enhancement for people to stop at your table.  Hopefully, it is one that attracts people and/or puts something in their hand that will tell about your ministry.  Also, having a giveaway creates more opportunity to talk to someone while handing them whatever.  Here are some.

LOWER BUDGET ITEMS:

Candy like Ring Pops

Bubble Gum or a choice of different kinds of gum

Dorm Room Door Hangers - They can have "Do Not Disturb" one one side and ministry info on the other or have a list of restaurants that give student discounts.

DRAWINGS:  Every one who fills out an info card at the table is eligible for a drawing at the end of the week, every orientation, or whatever period of time.

Dorm size refrigerator

Hammock

Gift Basket with all school related merchandise.

WalMart Gift card

Huge box of all of students' favorite snacks

FREE TEE SHIRT:

Everyone who fills out an Info Card gets a free tee shirt.

First 50 to sign up get a tee shirt.

Ten people each day or week will get a tee shirt.

MORE GIVEAWAY IDEAS:

Koozies with ministry logo and website

Can opener with ministry logo and website

Pens with ministry logo and website

Cup with worship day and time on it

Sunglasses with logo

Free Ticket for first Lunch program with time, date and program topic or well known speaker.

One way that some are maximizing their outreach and connections is by getting all ministries to partner (I know its crazy!)  and to share names and give one prize through a drawing.  All names are shared or each gets the names of those of their denomination or group preference.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com/books.  College ministry pro's are saying, "Must Read!!!"; "I read everything he writes"; "Quick read full of practical takeaways"; "Based on a successful career of leading and training leaders."

Reaching Freshmen: Freshmen Only Events

 Some years ago, I wrote an article where I said, "An intentional freshmen ministry is the secret to doubling your ministry."  That may sound like an over-promise.  But, I believe it can be a game changer!  I credit adding two specific Freshmen events to our regular schedule, for propelling the growth of our ministry.  

FRESHMEN ONLY EVENTS

FRESHMEN SURVIVAL - I credit Dave Jobe, who was a College Minister in Texas, with this idea and the name.  Years ago his campus would open the dorms to freshmen a week before classes started and yet have very little for them to do.  He started a three day Survival event with all sorts of "how to" seminars, get acquainted and fun activities.  The response was huge and his ministry ballooned.  Many of us copied it in some form or other.  Some did a weekend and others of us did a brief one day version.  Some use titles like Rookie Red Wolf  Party", or some other title specific to the campus.  I believe the two main components must be fun, get acquainted activities and great, practical tips.  We found students responded to topics around "Academic Survival", "Dumbest Mistakes Freshmen Make"; "Spiritual Survival".  Our Survival event always was heavy in small group activities with upper class leaders and lots of great tip breakouts to choose from....and LOTS of PIZZA...of course!  Those who pre-registered got a sharp tee shirt and that continued to be seen around campus, which was a great promotion for our ministry throughout the semester.

FRESHMEN NIGHT - These are worship and fun events in the regular weekly schedule which can last a whole semester or just the first month of school.  Depending on resources, it can involve a student band for worship.....and even a freshmen band, (which helps recruit freshmen musicians), a fun activity and a small group Bible study led by upper class leaders.  Another way to do it would be doing a different "Survival Tip" each week, instead of or in addition to the Bible study.

FRESHMEN LEADERSHIP TEAM (FLT) - Many students come to school having been leaders at school or church and looking for leadership opportunities.  FLT can be a way of recruiting leader types and developing leaders for future roles in your ministry.  Some ways to start are:

1.  Invite freshmen contacted over the summer to apply or commit to join.

2.  Announce FLT the first couple of weeks with an open invite or with an application process.

3.  Allow each Freshmen Bible study group to elect one or two representatives to the FLT.

FRESHMEN BIBLE STUDY GROUPS - These can be built around specific "Freshmen topics" such as, "How to Have a Quiet Time"; "What About my Doubts?"; "Answers to Tough Questions" or simply be a basic Bible study.  It can be as simple as starting with just one Freshmen Bible study group. 

FRESHMEN RETREAT - Some do this event early or even just prior to school, while others hold it late in the semester.  Another option is to have a "Freshmen Track" at your regular Back-2-School Retreat....and a special Retreat price just for freshmen.

FRESHMEN FOCUS - We did this at the church where I led the college ministry.  For the first three weeks of the fall semester, we had Freshmen Focus for 3 weeks for an hour proceeding our regular Wednesday night large group worship.  It helped connect them to our regular event and allowed us to focus on knowing them and their needs.  The topics were along the "Survival Tips" line.

Each of these ideas could have fifty variations.  Think about your campus, what the needs are and what your resources will allow.  Remember:  What a student does and the friends they make the first 3 weeks often determines their whole college career.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9 and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at  Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

REACHING FRESHMEN: Getting Freshmen Names....by Steve Masters

I believe Steve Masters, who is the BCM Director at LSU, is the best College Minister in the country at getting Freshmen names AND following up on them.  Here are 14 things Steve does...and some benefit many others..  You will find something here you can do or that will stimulate a new idea that will work for you.

1.  LSU has a question on their Admissions Application requesting religious preference.  These names and their contact information is made available to the religious organizations at LSU.  We secure the Baptist preference names.  This is our BEST method of securing names.  We get six times as many names form this as all of the other methods we use combined.

2.  From LSU Orientations for incoming freshmen.  And for high school junior and seniors that are considering LSU.  We are at all LSU Orientations.

3.  From local churches.  We ask each of them to provide us with the names of their graduating high school seniors.

4.  From Louisiana Baptist Churches.  I coordinate an email for all of the BCM's in Louisiana to all of the Student Ministers and church secretaries asking for the names of their graduating high school seniors.

5.  From local and state Christian schools....Baptist and Non-Denominational.  I send them the Transition Cards and ask them to have them filled out for us by the graduating seniors. Transition Cards ask for name, address, name of parents, church membership, their choice of schools, and if they experienced a call to vocational ministry.

6.  From our Baptist  Association Camps and Conference Centers.  I send them Transition Cards and ask them to have seniors to fill them out and they mail them to me.

7.From the State wide Student Evangelism Conference for 6th through 12th grade students.  We secure the names of juniors and seniors that attend.

8.  From our "Parents Letter" to the parents of all incoming freshmen whose names we secure.  We ask them to share the names and contact information of friends of their son or daughter.  There have been sever times where the friend got involved and the son or daughter did not.

9. From the Freshmen whose names we secure.  We ask them for names of friends that we can invite to the BCM. 

10.  From Centrifuge and Student Life Camps.  We get names every year from them from the Transition Cards.

11. The National Collegiate Ministry Coalition.  This is a network I set up several years ago to secure names from Non-Denominational camps and Conference Centers.  The coalition is made up of CRU, the Navigators, Intervarsity, and other national ministries.  Dan Allen is in the national collegiate ministry office for CRU.  He is paying for the printing of cards I designed.  He is contacting over 20 Camps and Conference Centers about getting names of their seniors.....Kanakuk, Pine Cove, Sky Ranch, Camp Ozark, etc.  He is going to provide me with names of Baptists.

12. From Instagram. Our Associate Director and Intern check out Instagram Grous such as LSU  Class of 24, LSU Freshmen 21, etc.  They comment on posts and invite students to the BCM.

13.  From Zoom Calls.  We invite freshmen to participate and we ask them to invite their friends.

14.  This is a new one this year, Freshmen Hangouts.  We are going to have several across Louisiana at the home of a freshman or a BCM Leader in Shreveport, New Orleans, etc.  A BCM staff member and BCM Leaders will eat dinner with freshmen and connect with them.  We will invite freshmen whose names we have secured in the area to attend and to invite friends.

Steve Masters is the Baptist Campus Minister at LSU.  His email is lsubcm@eatel.net.  He makes some of these lists he obtains nationally to different state college ministry offices.  

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A COLLEGE MINISTRY SUCCESS FORMULA, is available at amazon.com/books.  College ministry pro's are saying, "Must Read!!!"; "I read everything he writes."; "Quick read full of practical takeaways."; "Based on a successful career of leading and training leaders".