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