Pray for Louisiana College Ministers

 As you pray for Louisiana, I wanted to share some specific college ministry prayer requests.  Matt Middlecamp is the BCM Campus Minister at Southeastern Louisiana at Hammond.  Last night a tree crashed through their house.  They went across the street to stay with neighbors and then two more trees hit the house. At least one limb went through the roof into the interior. Steve Masters, the BCM Campus Minister at LSU, is taking a travel trailer to them.

Corey Oliver, the BCM Campus Minister in New Orleans, and his family evacuated to Dallas.  He said he was prepared to come back to damage or no house.  A video a neighbor sent showed some damage possibly to the roof and there was no awareness of the interior.  The neighborhood is without power and may be for as long as 30-40 days.  Pray for Corey and his family.

The August book sale ends tomorrow/Tuesday. amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX

Asking Questions and for Advice

Sometimes we are reluctant to ask questions or for advice in our ministry situation.  I think we fear that it will show that we have no clue what we are doing or that we are incompetent.  Probably, the opposite is true.  Wise people ask questions, seek advice, and THEN make their OWN decision.

Recently, I was visiting with a friend who had led a large college ministry several years ago in another location.  I asked what he knew about his former ministry.  He said, "The new guy has called me a couple of times to ask questions."  I was impressed with "the new guy".  You see there have been two or three College Ministers who had followed my friend.  This was not his immediate successor.  Yet, "the new guy" is wise enough to call and see what he can learn.

Why ask questions of someone who has not been there in a while?  It gives some context to why some situations are as they are.  Has this always been an issue here or is it new?  Sometimes, the reason something is being done that way is no longer an issue.  So, a change is not a problem.  Plus, when someone has been very successful somewhere, as my friend had, it never hurts to hear anything they have to say.

Asking advice does not commit you to taking it.  What would you do in this situation is a great question.  But, what two different people with two different gift and skill sets should do are not necessarily the same.

Seeking advice sometimes surfaces a different idea.  What the person suggests may cause you to think of an entirely different idea or response.  But, it came out of what you heard and the questions you asked.

Asking questions helps me think out loud.  For some of us, thinking out loud with someone is more productive than solitary and silent thinking.  

Asking for advice or information demonstrates respect.  It is never wrong to demonstrate respect for someone who deserves it.  But, to demonstrate respect, the question needs to be genuine and listened to...not necessarily acted on, but heard.

I notice Jesus asked a lot of questions.  Do I need to say I don't think He was incompetent?

Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are on sale in August at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX

 

Why Do College Freshmen Drop Out of Church?

Every survey or expert I see write on it agree that college students who were active in church while in high school, mostly do not go while they are in college.  They only disagreement is on the numbers.  Some say nine (9) out of ten (10).  Some say it is "only" seven (7) out of (10).  Why?  I believe it is a combination of things.

1.  High school seniors feel like they have graduated from church.  Youth ministries have more and more become separated from the church as a whole. Wednesday night youth service is usually more largely attended than Sunday Bible study and worship.  Larger churches even have Sunday Worship just for youth. Many churches make a big deal of Senior Sunday and it just has the feel of graduating  We must do a better job of having "next steps" and their seeing and doing those next steps. 

2.  College is busier.  I genuinely believe that mosst do not go with the plan to drop church.  It just is a fact that college is busier and more demanding than high school with demanding classes, activities, and for many, part time jobs.  It is easy for a college freshmn to just assume that church will somehow fall in somewhere, because it has in the past.  The first month passes and they have not connected anywhere and that usually is the end of it.  What a student does the first 2 to 3 weeks often determines their habits and activities for their whole college career. A Christian student has to be intentional about connecting to a church at the beginning.  Intentionality is the key!

3.  Parents OK dropping out.  I hate saying this because it is an unfair statement in many ways.  Here is what I mean.  Many parents who are active believers and very involved in their church were not active when they were in college, but they came back. So, they assume that their son or daughter will drop out but will come bask as they did.  Somehow, that message is communicated to the freshman.  Here is the problem:  we don't see new college graduates coming back in a big way these days.  But, if they do, they come back with decisions they made and the priorities they developed while away from Christian nurture and influence.

4.  Freshmen mess up!  Freshmen go to college looking for friends and fun.  There is nothing wrong with that.  But, often in finding friends and fun, they are exposed to and participate in things they had considered wrong just a month before.  Sometimes, they get drunk for the first time or have some sort of sexual experience due to new friends and trying to find a place they fit.  This "mess up" on their part leads to guilt feelings and Christian activities are just a reminder of the guilt or sense of failure they are feeling.

5.  Freshmen go where their friends go.  It is simple.  If none of their new friends go to church, they probably will not go.  It is hard going by yourself.  Making some Christian friend connections in the beginning is a key factor for the future.

6.  College churches are often much larger.  It is just a fact that the majority of churches are small.  Students have often grown up in and attended what I call, "Cousin Churches".  They knew everyone in the church and their aunt or next door neighbor was their Sunday School teacher.  At college most churches reaching out to students are larger and students who visit often feel uncomfortable and come compare it to their home church.  It is different and feels very uncomfortable.

7.  Freshmen are exposed to a variety of ideas, questions and even those critical of faith.  One of the things that happens at college is students are exposed to different beliefs, religions and skepticism about Christian faith.  A professor may openly ridicule Christian ideas and beliefs. We must help students know that doubt and honest questions are not contrary to a healthy faith and that everything a professor says about faith and the Bible is not necessarily accurate.  But, it is easy to feel like the person up in front of the class is an expert in all they say.

8.  Freshmen feel overwhelmed.  It is not unusual for a freshmen to say they are just scared.  It is not one thing they are scared about.....it is just the bigness and change of it all.  Consequently, students tend to withdraw and isolate themselves because it is just overwhelming their system.  Why go one more place where they don't know anybody or what to do.?

Psychologists have said that the two greatest times of change in a person's life are birth to age one and high school graduation to Christmas. We don't leave new born babies on their own and expect them to survive. 

Home churches and parents must be intentional in encouraging and helping freshmen connect to a church.

-Youth Ministers must help prepare students for the transition and walk with them through it.  

-Churches and/or parents can make sure that the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) or a local church has their son or daughter's contact info....and the earlier the better. 

Arliss Dickerson has spoken to hundreds of freshmen at university and Christian sponsored events.  His college ministry books are on sale in August at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.

Six Reasons for Colleges to Work with Religious Groups

Increasingly, some college and university administrations are becoming a little less friendly to religious organizations it seems.  Depending on where and who, some are friendly, some are neutral, and some are negative.  I believe in freedom of religion and that that is part of who we are as a country. I get a public university not promoting it.  But, I also don't get some being negative toward religious groups.  In fact, I believe there are good reasons that they would cooperate with Christian groups for their own benefit.  I am not including non-Christian religious groups because I have no direct knowledge of their activities. I would assume many of these same reasons would apply to them also.  While I would not share the beliefs of all religious groups, I believe they have the right to be on campus.

6 Reasons it is to the Advantage of College Administrations to work with Christian Campus Ministries:

1.  RETENTION -  Retention is a buzz word these days for colleges.  As the number of high school graduates is decreasing, enrollment numbers will begin to struggle. So, keeping students is key.  Some say as many as 30% of freshmen drop out before the end of the first year.  Christian college ministries work individually with students doing informal counseling, encouraging, etc.  I have gotten lots of phone calls from parents and pastors asking me to check on and work with homesick freshmen.  

2.  CHRISTIAN GROUPS ARE FREE TO STUDENTS - Colleges give a great deal of attention and help to fraternities and sororities because they provide a place to belong and participate.  Studies show that students active in a student organization are more likely to be happy and stay in school.  Greek life costs and can even be very expensive.  Participation in a campus Christian group is free.  It provides  group opportunities and belonging for students and at no cost.  So, working with Greek organizations and religious groups falls into the same catagory.

3.  CHRISTIAN GROUPS WORK WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - Colleges want International students for a variety of reasons and one of those is they are money makers for schools.  International students pay all the fees and highest tuition rates.  They do not get in-state tuition reduction, etc.  Most Christian ministries reach out to International students and provide a variety of opportunities.  Many offer the opportunity for an American Host family and provide conversation partners.  These are things the school wants to see happen among a highly prized population.

4.  CHRISTIAN GROUPS ARE RECRUITERS - In the south there are many well known and large Christian campus ministries.  A factor in many Christian students choosing that school is the presence of that ministry.  Christian parents often encourage their son or daughter to attend a school with a strong ministry group and  that can be a factor in a choice between two schools.

5.  CHRISTIAN GROUPS ARE NO COST TO THE CAMPUS - The school does not pay the Campus Minister and where there is a campus center or house, they do not pay for its construction, maintenance or operation.  Faculty and administration do not work for free.  Campus Ministers are a free benefit to the campus.

6.  CAMPUS CHRISTIAN GROUPS DO NOT BRING BAD PUBLICITY - There are news stories every year about campuses where a Greek organization is in trouble for hazing or even involved in the death of a student.  Athletic departments generate negative publicity with cheating in recruiting or grade issues.  Very, very rarely does a Christian ministry have to be punished by the school for a violation or that it makes the news in any negative way.  In fact, the news of good things happening in a campus ministry is a plus in the reputation of a campus for many.

College administrations should be a willing and fair partner with any group or organization that is working for the benefit of their students and that campus.  Some recognize that and practice it while others do not.  That is to the loss of those campuses who do not. Campus ministries are the best bargain a college has!

Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are on sale in August at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.

How to Make it in College: 5 Tips for College Freshmen

 1.  It's ok to change your major or not have one.

-Freshmen year is meant to be a time of adjusting and learning about yourself.

-On average, college students change majors 3 or 4 times.  But, each change can lengthen your time in college.

-It is best to take required basics the first semester.

-Don't let the pressure of not having a major rush you into a wrong decision.

2.  Your first 2-3 weeks set the pattern.

-What you do the first couple of weeks often set the pattern for your whole college life.

-Get into a regular pattern of classes, study, rest and fun.  Balance is important

-College infirmaries  are packed at the 6 weeks mark with those who have not eaten and rested right.

-Many fall behind in their classes the first couple of weeks and never recover.  When classes start, you start.

3.  Choose friends by your priorities....not your priorities by your new friends.

-In the rush to make new friends, freshmen often get with the first people they meet and without thought begin to engage in whatever activities the new friends do.

-Decide what is important to you (faith, grades, etc).... then find and choose friends who share those priorities.

4.  Emotionally go to college.

-Many freshmen do not have a good experience because they are not there emotionally.

-There is more to being a college student than taking classes.  Decide to be a part of it.

-Students who live on campus tend to make better grades because they "feel" a part of college.  But, a commuter can choose to be a part.  Don't just take classes....go to college!

5.  Become part of a group.

-Studies and surveys indicate the happiest and most successful students are part of a campus group that shares their goals and priorities.

-If you are a Christian, find and connect to a Christian group on your campus at the start like the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM).  You will find friends who share your priorities and adult mentors to help and encourage you. These ministries will help connect you to an area church  

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

Help College Students do the "Non-Spiritual"

I believe with all my heart that good and healthy college ministry is about more than the spiritual.  We are in the business of teaching young people about life and how to do it.  In these days of dealing with so many who are not believers and young believers who have grown up in church, but know so little about the Bible, we are having to do a ton of "spiritual teaching".  But, I think we cannot quit doing the "non-spiritual".

During my ministry on two campuses, we were fortunate to have a nice Center.  In each of those situations, we had a dorm type room for "Live-In Caretakers".  They would clean, open and close the building in return for their living quarters.  Overall, it worked well.  I received a message today from one of my long ago Caretakers who said this, "In many ways this job taught me more about life than any other."  He went on to become a high level insurance executive.  He and others joked about how I made them sweep out the cracks in the floor and my other "admonitions" when they did not do well.

The  Chancellor of the University where I served for many years publicly shares that he came to Christ as a result of the ministry of a Baptist Student Ministry in Texas where he was given a job as a Caretaker. He says, he was the "worst janitor in BSU history".  I am sure that College Minister talked and worked with him on how to do his work.  This Chancellor is a much loved and hard working college leader today, who is the President of our conference.  The ministry of that Texas College Minister continues to reverberate.

I have helped students make their resume.  I have taught guys how to shave.  One of my guys shared with me his single mom had taught him how to shave and he cut himself a lot. So, he didn't shave regularly or looked cut up.  Today, he is a Christian attorney who always looks professional.  

All of us have worked with students on time management.  One guy told me he just could not get everything done.  We looked at his schedule.  He played video games until 4:00 a.m. and then got up at 10:30 to go to his first class and there just were not enough hours in the day.  Wow; what a surprise!  He was a good guy, a smart guy and committed to the Lord.  But, he was being lousy with his time.  

One critic of college ministry said all we do is "play ping pong and get Christian couples together for marriage."  That is a FALSE statement.  But, College Ministers are and should be a force in helping godly couples learn to do life.  So, we need to keep talking about dating, marriage, and how to do healthy relationships. 

Having done campus based college ministry long term and church based a couple of years, I believe that campus based has a bit of an advantage and opportunity to be involved in the daily "non-spiritual" activities of students lives.  As we share Christ, teach students how to have a quiet time and talk about going to the ends of the earth, let's not lose sight of being involved with them in the "non-spiritual".

Are you helping college students learn to do every day, "non-spiritual" life?  That is good and healthy college ministry.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus....."  Colossians 3:17.

Arliss Dickerson's brand new book, A College Ministry Success Formula, is on sale in August for $4.99.  Almost Everything About College Ministry is $8.99.  Check them out at amazon.com/dp/B091F5S1RF

MOST Embarrassing College Ministry Experience?

All of us can think of times we have said something dumb, etc, but for most of us there is that one glaring moment or experience that is easily the most embarrassing.

My first year as BSU Director at Henderson State University, we were told that Arkansas was going to do a joint International Student Retreat with Oklahoma to be held at a camp in Oklahoma.  We were to contact the international students on our campus and try to enlist them to go.  That was not a major task for me as at that time, there were only eight (8) internationals on our campus.  I contacted all eight and told them about the event.  Three indicated that they wanted to go.  So, I let the state office know.  The bus was leaving from Little Rock and we were told what time to be there.

The day came and I took my three students to Little Rock to get on the bus.  It was then I noticed that the other BSU Directors were not just there bringing their students.  They were getting on the bus too!  It had never dawned on me that I was supposed to go.  One or two of the other BSU guys said, "Aren't you going?"  

I was so green it had never even entered my mind that I was to go.  And, I am sure it never entered the minds of my supervisors to tell me I was supposed to go.  Of course, the College Ministers were going with their students.  As I drove home that day, I thought two things:  how stupid am I and I wonder how hard my co-workers on the bus are laughing at me. I have no memory of my boss really chewing me out.  I think he knew I had totally realized I was an idiot! 

I still get a little red when I think about it. Some of my take-aways from that most embarrassing experience has been to try to NOT ASSUME new people know things and to give a little GRACE when something happens because they did not know and I did not tell them about it.

What is your MOST embarrassing college ministry moment?

 Arliss' books are on sale this month:  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is $5.50 at amazon.com/dp/1521876665.  "Arliss' tips and suggestions for a 'broken ministry' can be used to elevate a healthy one to the next level." You can connect to "A FORMULA" and "ALMOST EVERYTHING" here also.

"6 Questions to Ask About Your Start of School Events"

If the first two to three weeks define our whole school year, we must continue to evaluate our plans as realistically as possible.

6 Questions to Ask:

1.Do my events the first two weeks have at least some fun element attached to them?  I am a little contradictory here in my feelings.  I am all about doing fun events to meet and connect with new people.  HOWEVER, I think it is possible to be so fun event focused that new students have no idea who or what hosted this event. In more recent years, I have leaned toward doing more regular event (Worship, Lunch, etc) but with fun and food attached to it.  That way they knew what we did on Thursday night.  The Lunch Program would have a very attractive or fun speaker, but it would still be our Lunch Program. 

2.  Am I serving student friendly food and making that clearly known in the publicity and promotion?  Food serves two purposes.  It helps students decide to come, but it gives them a reason to stay afterwards and talk to people.  Eating is a connection time.  I am aware of one ministry that served pizza cut up into what they called "cocktail size" servings after every worship ALL YEAR.  It was a reason to hang around and visit without feeling dumb and awkward.

3.  Am I teaching and training my core students the importance of their actions at these opening events?  If returning students are just hugging and visiting with friends from last yew, new students will quickly feel left out.  Or at best, they will not get connected to anyone that will help them return.  Don't just assume your core students will know how important their actions are.

4.  Do I have a QUICK follow up plan? Not only is it important to follow up on those who have come for the first time, but it matters how quickly it happens. Make it a goal to have a contact with every new person within 24 hour of their visit.  My second goal was for it to be a student AND staff follow-up.  There are lots of reasons for that.

5.  How does my budget and level of excellence in these first events compare to fraternity/sorority enlistment/rush events?  Some would argue that is not an apples to apples comparison. But, many students will make that comparison.  Is it ok for Christian events to be second rate?  And, excellence is not just about money.

6.  Are my website/social media posts and starting schedule up to date NOW?  I am still seeing lots of social media/website posts that are left over from spring or even prior to that.  Many believe that the first time many students visit your ministry is on social media.

My axiom for the first 2 to 3 weeks::  Spend wisely extravagantly!.....Whatever is extravagant for your budget.

Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are on sale in August at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.