We need more long term College Ministers. It is not just something to be done until we can get our own church. Larger ministries are usually led by long term College Ministers because of their experience, the trust they have established with others, and their reputation for investing well in students. Too many move away from college ministry when they are at the point of really taking their ministry to an even more productive level.
Try on these tips for staying the long term:
1. Act your age. Since some buy into the myth that college ministry is only for the young, they try to act younger than they are. Students see through that. They have buddies their own age. You can benefit them from an older life experience perspective.
2. Rest and prepare when students are gone. When students are not around such as breaks and even Fridays is the time to rest, prepare, read. Do long term prep. Also, it is a great time for evaluation.
3. Tweak...Don't burn and Obliterate! Unless your ministry is a total failure, it does not need to start from scratch every year. Build on what is working and adjust to student and campus changes.
4. Don't Compare. Don't compare yourself to the "Golden College Minister". There is always a current Golden Boy or Girl of college ministry. They and their ministry are not perfect, just as you and yours is not. Learn something from them, but do not compare. It is usually destructive.
5. Go to meeting and DON'T sit in the hall all the time. There is a temptation since you have done college ministry for a while to think you will hear nothing new. Two things: you will be reminded of things you never need to lose sight of AND there will probably be some things you have never heard or they click this time.
6. Communicate your love for college students. YES, that will help you survive longer and do it better. It will remind you of God's calling to you for this ministry. It is why you came in the first place. Plus, it will help you do your ministry better. AND, when you sit with and eat with students, you get to eat more french fries!
7. Mentor younger College Ministers. That actually will help you stay longer and do it better. It causes you to continue to think about what and why you do things. AND, it will help you stay current with how younger generations think. PLUS, they will tell you all the latest aps and ways to use tech in your ministry. It is a win win.
8. Listen and maybe even learn from those with whom you disagree. There are lots of different ways to do college ministry well. While we may disagree theologically or even style wise, there are ideas other are practicing from which we can benefit. But, we have to be willing to talk to them and listen to them. Have you ever hosted a coke, coffee, and prayer time for all the College Ministers on your campus?
9. Invite your spouse to some events. While your spouse may work in another area and have a more than full life apart from your ministry, let them see and be part of your world. It will help them understand why you come home an hour later than you said you would. Students will benefit from seeing a healthy marriage relationship.
Could your college ministry be reaching MORE college students? Check out Reaching MORE College Students: Next Level College Ministry at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.
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