The BE ATTITUDES of a College Minister

 1.  Be Intentional.  Have a plan for your ministry.  Be working that plan.  Don't just show up every day and see what happens.  The plan will adjust and tweak as time progresses, but there is always a plan.

2.  Be Grateful.  Never forget to express gratitude to those who give, help, and are just supportive.  A handwritten note communicates appreciation.  They do not have to be long.  Three or four sentences can be plenty.  

3.  Be Prompt.  Return messages within 24 hours (Unless you are on vacation).  When you tell a student you will meet them at a certain time, be there on time.  It communicates you take them seriously AND you are teaching them how to act in their relationships and work.  Apologize when you are late.

4.  Be in Contact with Alumni.  You can continue to be a spiritual influence and resource in their lives.  This is not just true of campus based College Ministers.  If you are a church based College Minister, consider having an "Alumni Reception" for alums on Sunday of Homecoming Weekend.  Lots of young adults have walked away from church involvement following college without meaning to do so.  Encourage them.

5.  Be Evaluating.  Always be thinking about why things are going well and why they may struggle.  Every success or FAILURE is an opportunity to be learn something.  Don't miss it.

6.  Be Tweaking.  As students change, campus schedules change, etc, your ministry must adjust.  What is perfect today may need adjusting tomorrow.

7.  Be the Best You.  You are the best tool your ministry has.  Keep growing, learning, and leaning into the best use of your gifts and strengths.

8.  Be Aware Student Leaders are Volunteers.  Never forget that your student leaders are FREELY giving their time.  Make sure they know that you appreciate it.

9.  Be a Witness.  Intentionally work at relationships with non-believers.  Your weekly times in the cafeteria, food courts, and at Intramural games offer great opportunities.  Don't miss them.

10. Be a Friend.  Too many College Ministers do not have a friend apart from work.  Make a friend or two that do not do college ministry.  

As you begin to reach out to graduating seniors for this fall, what can you give them or use as a thank you for providing their contact info?  Check out Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.