Good Falls Are Made in the Summer!

I love summer and have since I was a little kid.  One of the key Axioms of College Ministry is "Good Falls Are Made in the Summer".  I was reminded of that saying this week by a College Minister friend.  If that is true, WHY is it true?  And, I do believe that it is true.

1.  There is time for clear headed evaluation and thinking.  For most College Ministers, the school year is so busy and dealing with one issue from another, that it is hard to see the forest for the trees.  Summer is the best time to evaluate and ask questions like, "What is not worth the time and effort I or we put into it?" Is there a change that needs to be made?

2.  There is time to study and develop speaking outlines for the main events, if you are the speaker.  I am a big believer in laying out your topic, scripture and simple outline for every week of the fall.  That relieves lots of weekly stress.  And, you can always change, if need be.

3.  Incoming Freshmen Contacts are made and Freshmen Orientation events are attended.  Contacts may be at large events or through area churches that have students coming to your campus.  Social media is huge with this generation.  Are you using it in the fullest to reach out to students coming to your campus?  What about posting a "Freshmen Tips of the Week" on social media?  What about having a "Coke or Coffee Time" in some area communities for students coming your way? 

4.  Potential student leaders can be contacted, enlisted, and encouraged.  Our ministry is always only as strong as our student leaders.  Are there incoming freshmen students you have been made aware of that indicate the potential for being a leader?  Invite them to be on your Freshmen Leadership Team for when school starts.  Enlist them now.

5.  Meeting places can be spruced up.  If you have a campus Center or Campus House or a specific meeting room at the church, how does it look?  Does it need new paint?  Does it need re-organizing?  Could there be a new "Feature Wall"?  What about making some "Posters" out of some great pictures from last year and hanging them?  If you have some sort of building, how does the yard, shrubs, etc look?  By the way, painting and yard work can be a great place for volunteers.

6. Invest some extra time in marriage and family!!!  That is good for you and good for them.  Go on walks in the evening with your spouse, kids, or friends, if you are a single.  Many singles have friends that are family to them.  

7.  Communicate gratitude to supporters.  It can be taking some key people to lunch and just saying thanks for encouraging me this year.  For some, it is thanks for your financial support.  Or, thanks for bringing that meal.  Who needs to hear of your gratitude?

8.  Send an Alumni Update.  One of MY sayings is, "A College Minister ought to be fired if they are not doing something with alumni."  It can be a great newsletter with news of alums or it can just be a letter letting them know what is happening.  I also say, "Never send out an alumni newsletter without a return envelope in it."  Don't beg for money, but let them know it matters and again, you are GRATEFUL.

9.  Make some intentional effort to learn more about college ministry from somebody who knows more than you.  Maybe, you know a lot.  But, maybe someone's large group event is particularly successful.  Or, maybe someone else really has it going on in one to one discipleship.  Make an appointment.  Go see them.  Take them to lunch.  Ask to follow them around and ask questions.  If they have a Center, House or meeting place, see what it looks like.  Sometimes, it is the little stuff that make a difference.

10.  Communicate appreciation to your student leaders for their time and investment.....not just, "Here are all the things I need you to do this fall."

11.  Think of one thing you might do new or different that would touch a few new students.  If you are desperate for ideas, look here,  Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9 and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.