A few College Ministers are gifted speakers. They draw large crowds and students are drawn to their style and great presentation of biblical content. There are others who have that magnetic, charismatic personality. People instantly like them, want to be around them, and follow them. Then.....there are the rest of us.
There are only a handful of gifted speakers and charisma is not a gift we all have. But, we still are called of the Lord to reach students. I believe there are three characteristics/actions when practiced make for an excellent College Minister and college ministry.
3 Difference Makers:
1. Effort - Working hard gets a lot done. Showing up every day when you are supposed to and giving it your best goes a long way toward God given results. Effort demonstrates we care and encourages as well as inspires others. It rubs off on the students who lead in our ministry. They see the example of effort and it encourages them to give their best effort. Supporters find it easy to support someone they see who gives it their very best effort every day. Effort honors the Lord.
2. Consistency - Being the same person every day matters. Doing what you say you are going to do matters. Students and others know they can trust your word and that your best effort will be given every time. You model what you expect from students. "Let your yes be yes and your no be no." Matthew 5:37. The ministry is consistent. It is not something new every year. It is tuned and adjusted as needed, but there is an on-going plan. Students and supporters know what to expect and the ministry builds one year on top of another.
3. Intentionality - You have a plan and you work that plan. You show up every day and work that plan. The plan adjusts as the campus changes and as student leaders demonstrate different gifts each year. But, there is a purpose to what is being done. There are priorities and those priorities are represented in what is done and how it is done. Experience matters and helps benefit intentionality. Usually the largest college ministries are led by older and more experienced College Ministers. Their experience gives them wise intentionality. Younger College Ministers can be intentional about learning from others and being a student of their campus. Be intentional about having a plan and working that plan!
Even if you happen to be gifted as a speaker or have a charismatic personality, the impact of your ministry will increase as you practice these three difference makers. And, likely if are especially gifted and not practicing these, your are likely short changing your ministry and your own growth.
Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen: 124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades, is available at amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.
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