One of the great things about college ministry is that there are clear beginnings and endings. Semesters do that. No matter how good your ministry has been this semester or maybe even how poor it has been, it is about to be history. There are some thing you can do now that will benefit you and your ministry when the term begins in January.
PERSONALLY: There soon will be some time for resting and catching up from all the very long days and even a few all-nighters on Retreats or at conferences. Taking care of yourself in the right way is a benefit to the ministry. If you are like me, you usually don't get much reading done during the semester. So, now is the time to tack some fun reading that is relaxing for you personally. Remember, exercise is one of the things that rests and renews us. It is a time to do a little extra in family time. Most likely you have cheated your spouse, children, and anyone else you love in time and focus.Is there something you promised to do with or for them that didn't happen? Perhaps, it is not too late. Some have found that it is beneficial to schedule a whole day away from everybody and everything just for reflection, prayer and being still.
MINISTERIALLY: As a semester is ending, it is a good time to look through your list of regulars and realize who you didn't see the last few weeks of the semester and make contact with them. You might also look at the list or pictures of your Freshmen Welcome events that first couple of weeks and see those that you had such a great impression of and now realize they have disappeared. Perhaps, at the end of the semester they are realizing they goofed. The last few days of the semester are a great time for evaluation and feedback from students. Invite some of your core students for pizza and ask questions like, "What most impacted you this semester?" Or, "Where did we goof this semester?" Or, "How can I be more what this campus and you need next semester?" Maybe you could invite 5 or 6 freshmen who became very involved this fall and have a coke or coffee and ask questions about what drew them there and what has made them feel connected. If you are a regular speaker at your worship event, now is a great time to lay out ideas or topics for next semester. It might even be some topics that come out of your listening sessions. Write some personal thank you notes to some people who were a huge blessing and help to you and your ministry this semester.
SPIRITUALLY: How is your personal Bible study? Not study for speaking, but just YOU study? Now is a good time to stockpile three or four books that you will read during the Christmas break. There are so many special worship events during this season. Resolve to go to them not as a professional religious worker, but as one who loves the Lord and want to honor Him with you life. It may make a huge difference in what you receive. And, take some time to review your calling to college ministry. Why and how God called you and how you see that playing out in your life. Remember to thank God that you have the opportunity right now to serve in your calling. Finally, pray for friends in college ministry who are struggling with some big issue or those that are raising their salaries and working on that for the coming year. Call a pastor or two and just tell them how much you appreciate them.
Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.
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