1. Sloppy handling or reporting of ministry finances. I have never known of a College Minister who I felt was dishonest or stealing ministry money. But, I have seen lots of instances where the sloppy handling and reporting gave the appearance of possible dishonest behavior. College Ministers should go above and beyond in financial record keeping and reporting.
2. Use of alcohol by a College Minister where such behavior has not been discussed and agreed on as acceptable behavior. In Baptist life there is often a divide between older Baptists and younger Baptists on this issue. It must be clearly discussed and there be an understanding on both sides.
3. Poor care and maintenance of college ministry centers. Why should people give money to a ministry when the appearance of the ministry center tends to give the impression of poor stewardship? Remember, many people will only ever see the OUTSIDE of a center. What does the yard and bushes look like and say about your ministry?
4. Not cooperating with local church ministries...even though they sometimes are not cooperative. God's kingdom is always bigger than our ministry. We must be about HIS kingdom. That is true even when trying to cooperate with those who are not cooperative. It is a tough issue, but we must work at it.
5. Not returning messages or calls in a reasonably timely manner. When we do not return messages or calls in a timely manner, it gives the impression we are not working or are lazy....even when the opposite is true.
6. Misbehavior or the APPEARANCE of misbehavior with students of the opposite sex. Always, ALWAYS be thinking about how your behavior with students of the opposite sex looks. Yes, College Ministers have been fired for "poor appearance" behavior. That does not matter if it is "fair" or not. It will bite you and even if it does not get you fired, it can hurt the ministry in the eyes of students.
7. Breaking unwritten rules or "Everybody knows" rules. Every job has unwritten rules and expectations. It just is. Ask old pros what they are and be alert to them.
8. Posting things on social media related to politics or commenting on divisive issues. This is a tough issue because some controversial things need a wise comment or correction of facts. But, beware of policies and use your best judgement.
9. Not keeping a supervisor in the loop on major issues or key changes in the ministry. This protects BOTH the College Minister and the supervisor.
10. Breaking work rules.....even though they are dumb rules. Yes, there are some dumb work rules. Don't be dumb about them.
Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are available at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX .
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