Two Types of College Worship Events....Which Is Yours?

 A while back I participated in an on-line workshop in doing college ministry large group worship events.  I was struck by the variety and good thought that has gone into it different places.  I think it is important to remember that the type and style of event must be shaped by the campus setting and the gifts of the College Minister.

1.  ITS A WORSHIP SERVICE.

Often they are held in a church setting and it is "preaching" and worship with the emphasis on teaching scripture, even verse by verse.  One striking thing was that many are using "teaching teams" which are made up of students rather than the College Minister speaking all the time. One of the great pluses of this is the training and preparation of students for ministry for the future. There is a bit more of an emphasis on "the production" in this style.

2.  IT IS MORE CASUAL AND FUN WITH TEACHING AND INTERACTION.

This approach may lend itself more to a topical approach with mixer type activities and student questions and surveys in the midst of it using different tech options. This style appeals a bit more to that student who has been turned off to church and don't feel they are just attending another church service.  Students can switch from fun to serious instantly and back.   

WHEN DO YOU HAVE FOOD?

Even in the area of food for events there are two different approaches.  Some do food/snacks before the event or even a Coffee House prior to the event starting. Others do food or snacks after the event is over.  But, the goal for most is helping students connect and be comfortable being there.

WHICH IS THE ENTRY POINT?

For many years it was commonly said that students come first to the large group event and as they get more comfortable, they would move into the small groups.  Others say their entry point now is the small groups.  Students come to those first and then move to the large group.  One observation is that this depends on the personality of the campus.  Engineering major type campuses do small group first and people major campuses do large group first. Again, it goes back to the principle that every campus is different and you must be a student of your campus.

WHAT IF YOUR EVENT IS NOT THE MAIN RELIGIOUS EVENT ON CAMPUS?

One speaker shared that his campus has the largest college ministry in the country of another denomination.  They are not "the event" on campus.  He said what I think is the magic formula for all ministries, "Find your niche."  I believe this is true no matter your situation.  Do what you and your ministry do.  Play to your personal strengths and the strengths of your ministry.  And yes, being small can be a strength or a plus in many ways.

MY PERSONAL LEANING  is to the more casual teaching with fun mixed in to the worship, etc with lots of interaction. One reason I lean away from the "Straight Worship Service" approach is I think it helps promote the issue of students making the college ministry their church. But, that is me and what has worked well for me.  Be you.  Be the you God gifted you to be and don't copy what someone else is doing just because it is working for them.

Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are available at amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.