6 Secrets of Successful College Ministers

 I have been blessed to be around a lot of great College Ministers.  When I served as a part time consultant for the college ministry office at Lifeway, I traveled to lots of different campuses and saw them in action.  Here is the first thing I learned, most of those who asked for help were already doing a terrific job. They were always evaluating and thinking. Through a period of years I have gotten to be around some of whom many would say are some of the best.

Let me share what I think are their "secrets":

1.  They keep looking and learning new things.  They never feel like they have it all figured out.  They are always looking at others ministries and asking questions.  They are willing and open to learn from those who are not as "successful" or experienced as they are.

2.  They don't make sweeping changes every year.  They just tweak it a little here and there.  But, they will make a major change when they are convinced of the need for it.....such as adjustment to schedule, etc.  They continue to be students of their campus and how it is changing and how they may or may not affect their ministry.

3.  They build up their ministry by building up their student leaders (both spiritually and numerically).  They look for and develop leaders.  And, they are not afraid to let them lead....especially in areas where they are not strong.  Yet, they are willing to say no, when necessary.

4.  They look for and allow others to counter-balance their weaknesses.  They are not afraid to promote others or put them in the spotlight.

5.  They understand that a ministry of any size must have significant funding.  So, they are willing to invest the time and energy at key time to raising money to develop and expand their ministry and or staff.

6.  They give time and priority to doing what they do best.  Some are speakers and some are behind the scenes organizers.  They recognize what they do well and they lean hard into it.

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