Why We Need MORE EXPERIENCED and OLDER College Ministers....10 Reasons

 I wrote recently "Larger college ministries are most often led by wise, experienced older College Ministers.  If we want larger college ministries, we  must pay so wiser, experienced College Ministers can afford to stay."  As College Ministers gain and grow in experience, they often have families that are growing up and being more expensive....even having children going to college themselves.  That is not to mention braces, etc along the way.  Supporting growing and maturing families just gets more expensive.  Also, having and affording good health insurance becomes more necessary.  If we want to reach MORE college students, we must make it possible for the wise pros to stay for the long term.

10 Reasons Larger College Ministries are Usually led by Older College Ministers:

1.  College students are looking for wise and experienced mentors.  Therefore, they are able to develop and empower strong and effective student leaders.

2.  Experienced College Ministers see the importance of relating to college and university officials and are able to do so more on a peer level.  These officials can open or close doors.

3.  Younger College Ministers just starting out want to work for an experienced pro and be mentored by them.  It is easier to recruit top notch staff.

4. Older College Ministers know the difference in the trendy and the principles.

5.  Proven College Ministers are able to draw more financial support from both churches, individuals and alumni who have seen the value of what they do.

6.  Older College Ministers have come to grips with who they are, how God has gifted them, and are able to lean into those strengths.  They are not trying to copy the latest "Golden College Minister".

7.  Older College Ministers have more likely been through the ups and downs, joy and pains of life that have tested their relationship to Christ and strengthened it.  They can pour that mature and solid Jesus relationship into the lives of others.

8.  They are secure in their calling and not just looking and hoping for a call to First Big Church as the pastor.

9.  They have planted their life somewhere and often have been on the same campus for several years, which continues to open doors in the community, on the campus, and even throughout the entire state.  Never underestimate the power of a College Minister planting their life on a campus.

10.  We need the older, experienced and wiser College Ministries to continue in the college ministry family, so they can mentor the younger ones that are somewhere on a campus by themselves.  They need training, encouragement, and knowing that somebody "gets" what they are working on and through.  This kind of relationship speeds up their development and decreases the possibilities of them walking away in frustration.

Joe Graham, college ministry pro in Georgia, says  there is a need to "move beyond making disciples to making disciple makers."  I believe that is one of the strong suits of the wiser, experienced and even older College Minister.  They see the big picture.

Denominational leaders must see the need to provide salaries that will allow their "wise old pros" to stay for the duration.  One State Baptist Convention now allows their long time College Ministers to raise some salary in addition to what they receive from the State Convention. This gives their salary a boost that the Convention was not able to provide. 

Those of us who believe in the benefit and need for seasoned pro College Ministers must advocate for good salaries and benefits for those people.  wise words spoken at the right time are heard.

Arliss Dickerson is a friend to College Ministers, husband to Sue, dad, granddad and lousy golfer.  Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX

When it has Been a HARD Semester

 All of us have been there in college ministry and everybody in college ministry is tired at this point.  I visited with a College Minister friend recently and he shared how tired he was.  Some of it was just end of the semester, some of it was student drama.

What do you do when it has been a REALLY HARD semester?  I shared in my little book, Fixing a Broken College Ministry, how my first year at ASU was harder than my year in the war emotionally.  Students would come into my office to tell me they wished I wasn't there and a couple would even be disruptive in our weekly events.  I even ground my teeth in my sleep. You may not be any where close to that, but it has been hard and you are one hundred yards past tired.

So, here are some suggestions for when you are TIRED and when you are REALLY TIRED:

1.  If you are married, obviously, you have shared things as the semester has gone along.  BUT, as this semester ends, beware of dumping too much on your spouse.  Someone has said, "This is like throwing up on somebody; you feel way better, but it didn't do much for them.

2.  Connect to a ministry pal that knows you, loves you and that you can tell anything to and let them help you process.  They can see things from a more distant viewpoint and give you some feedback. It helps for you to get it off your chest.  Sometimes, we have been too close to it to see it all accurately.  Plus, just spewing it all out can help.  I have a graduate degree in Guidance Counseling.  One of the great things I learned is, just listening to people helps them process things.

3.  Do some things for YOU during this slower period.  Read, go to the movies, go to the gym or whatever helps you chill.  Go to lunch with some friends....just for going to lunch with some friends.

4.  Enlist some people to pray for you and the ministry in an on-going way.  You don't have to tell them everything, but just you need some folks praying.

5.  Put off some of your evaluation and planning until you have been able to detox and see things from a little better perspective.  I have always reminded myself of this little saying, "When things are going well, they are probably not going as well as I think and when things are going poorly, they probably are not going as poorly as I think."  I believe God is always doing more than we know..

6.  Remind yourself that is not the size of the crowd that determines the good and bad of the ministry.  I really, really like big crowds, so this was one I had to really, really remind myself about.

7.  A CRAZY TRUTH my wife told me in one of my down times.  "EVERY semester cannot be better than the one before....it just can't.  College ministry years come in waves and cycles.

8.  Do some project that you have been wanting to do and that you can complete.  It will give you a sense of satisfaction in doing it and in accomplishing it. Lots of our frustration comes from not seeing an end result in much of what we do.  It might be to paint a room (at home or work).  It might be to write a Bible study series.  Just make it some you WANT to do...not have to do.

If you are in the painful spot of feeling like the ministry you are leading is broken, here is that book, Amazon.com/dp/1521876665.  Reaching MORE College Students is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

Facebook Live Posts

 Occasionally now I am doing a Facebook Live post instead of doing a Blog article.  I just posted one on developing student leaders.  

You can check it out on my Facebook page.  So far, I have done two.  The first was "Reaching More Students" and the second one today was "Developing Student Leaders".

I would love to have any suggestions for topics you would like for me to do.  It is my plan that each will be about 10 minutes.  

Many Blessings to you today!

Arliss

Should There be a Difference in Campus Based and Church Based College Ministry?

I spent 41 years doing campus based college ministry and 2 1/2 doing church based college ministry.  Out of both sides of that, I had the strong conviction that they should not look just alike.

One reason that churches often do what I would call a version of a campus based ministry is that the College Minister or volunteer leaders were active in a campus based ministry that blessed  them and so they do what they saw and experienced.  That is a pretty natural and likely happening.  One campus based College Minister told me that area churches hire his graduates and they then do all the same things that his ministry on campus is doing and students see all the same things instead of benefitting from both ministries.

So, what differences should there be in the two and how do we understand them better?  Church based college ministry have the great opportunity to expose students to and connect them to Christians of a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and vocations.

Campus based ministries should and most try to resist the temptation to become the students' church.  But, it can easily happen even when the ministry does not intend it.  So, campus based ministries should be pointing student toward local churches.  But, when students see the same thing at both places, why should they invest the time and energy in both?

Church based ministries must point students toward their church wide events....not just their student only events.  Why does that matter, if they are getting community and solid Bible teaching at student only events?    If we teach and show students that faith communities will always specialize in their needs and interests, we can be contributing to a "consumer only" view of faith and church.

Both campus based and church based offer opportunities to serve.  But, the church can offer a wider variety of opportunities..  These in turn help prepare students for service in churches for their entire life time.

It has been my experience that campus based ministries can be more specific and intentional in doing leadership training and it is one thing that churches should expect of their campus based partners.

Campus based ministries can and should be more specific in speaking to student topics and questions.  You will not hear many Sunday morning church services or even week night events centered around sex, getting ready for marriage, doing healthy relationships, accepting and giving forgiveness, how to witness to your roommate, etc.  Campus based ministries often do and should offer training in time management, setting goals, etc, etc.  They are not spiritual topics, but needed ones.

Most church college ministries are done by larger churches and cannot offer students the opportunity to lead the worship, play in the band (as a new experience), even to speak at the service, where a campus based ministry can, which is usually not as large.  I have sat through the first time college students played in a band together and led worship.....it was sometimes painful and I have then sat in church a few years later and seen and heard those same students lead worship in a large church.

The SECRET SAUCE OF CHURCH BASED COLLEGE MINISTRY is all the lay people of different ages who can bring students into their homes and show them Christian families doing every day life.  Christian teachers, lawyers, business people can give students a view into what the students are pointing their life toward with their majors and how to live it as a Christian.  Church ministries can and should lean into that.

Instead of competing or ignoring each other, campus based and church based college ministries should be communicating and talking about which can do what for students that is best for them and for God's kingdom in the days to come.

One question we must continually ask is, How is what we are doing now helping point college students to church involvement, leadership and service in the years to come? Neither ministry can just be about the present.  College ministries must be raising up the church leaders of the future....both lay leadership and ministerial.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry, is available at  Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

Teaching College Students About Character

I believe we have a crisis of character in our society.  There is it seems even more frequently stories about pastors (of big churches) being forced out, stepping away, or resigning over character issues.  In a recent survey of American voters, a large number said the character of a candidate did not matter to them, if they believed he or she would vote in accord with their priorities.

If you read any of my stuff, you know I am all about leadership development in college ministry.  And, I believe the most transformative thing we can do with students is meet with them regularly on a one to one basis.  Some College Ministers in their meetings with their student leaders have a list of topics they work through.  I don't do it that way.  I always say that we will meet for an hour and the first 30 minutes will be about you personally and the second half will be in regard to your leadership responsibility.  We talk about everything from grades to dates, parents, etc.  Some go very deep quickly and others stay pretty surface.  But, I do ask questions.

One day one of my best leaders said, "I'm writing a report right now on a book I haven't even read."  I said, "Do you think that is honest?"  She said something like, "I've never even thought about it."  I left it there and we went on to other topics.  The next time we met, she said, "I read the book."  It wasn't that she was intending to be dishonest or cheat, if you will.....it never occurred to her.  That is part of the change about character that is permeating our society.

If you speak regularly at your college large group event, should Character be one of your regular topics?  If Christians are not teaching and talking about character who will?  If you are planning your speaking topics for next semester, I hope Character will be one of your topics.  And, maybe it will come up as you meet with students individually.

"....we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope."  Romans 5:3

Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry is available at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

 

How Long Should a Christian Speaker Speak?

 There has been a trend in recent years for Christian speakers to speak longer.....some do 45 minutes regularly.  Some are of the opinion that if you do not speak long, then you are not being deep.  I lean to shorter because I would rather be heard than considered deep.

Is there a PERFECT time length to speak?  Maybe not perfect, but here is what some "experts" know and say.

TED Talks are 18 minutes long.  Nobody gets more than 18 minutes.  TED Talk Curator Chris Anderson says, "18 minutes is short enough to hold people's attention, precise enough to be taken seriously, and long enough to say something that matters.”

Biologists say the brain starts to tune out after 10 minutes.  So, it is at the 9-10 minute mark that a gear has to shift or something done to bring the audience's attention back again.  One motivational speaker who makes BIG money speaking says when he sees the audience's attention shifting,  he will say something startling or he holds up one finger and says, "Let me tell you a joke."

I am convinced that stories catch people's attention and connect them more than any other thing a speaker can do or say.  People relate to stories about other people or about you as the speaker and funny stories or self deprecating stories are really well received and draw people into what is being said.  One of my first Christian speaker heroes was a man named Ed Seabough.  Ed always told a story or two with maximum impact.  He told me he did not just tell them off the top of his head, but that he would practice telling them out loud.

I learned from Ed.  I practice not only a story out loud, but I do my public presentations out loud in a room by myself at least twice before I speak.  And, unless it is a workshop setting with give and take discussion, I speak about 20 minutes.  I would always rather people say, "I wish he had gone longer than I thought that was never going to be over."

You can find Arliss' books at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX or just search Arliss at Amazon books.

Just Some Quick Thoughts on Dealing with Criticism

I write occasionally on dealing with criticism because if you are in a leadership role, you will get some.  So, here are my Quick Notes on Criticism.

1.  If you are in a leadership role, you will get some criticism.  It just goes with the territory.  It is one of the free benefits!

2.  Consider the source.  That can determine how seriously to take it.

3.  LISTEN!  If criticism is not from a continually negative person, listen and evaluate.  You probably are not perfect. 

4.  Leaders sometimes have to make decisions based on less than perfect choices.  Just remember, when you did the best you could with the options available to you.

5.  Communication is key.  Often when people know why you did what you did and what your heart is about it, much of the criticism will disappear.

6.  Always try to treat people with the respect you would hope they would extend to you....even if they don't!

7.  Have someone to whom you can pour out your frustration from criticism.....other than dumping it on your spouse all the time.

8.  Sometimes criticism comes as a result of someone feeling jealously toward you and or your ministry.  Understand that may be their way of expressing their frustration with their own situation.

9. Remember, it is easy to hear the negative voices and give them more attention than they deserve.

When we are in a leadership role, we will be criticized.....some will be fair and some will be false or unfair.  Thank God every day for your calling and His use of you....even on the hard days.  It helps remembering why you are doing what you are doing.

A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 and Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

Which Style College Worship Event Do You Do and Why?

 Over simply put, there are two styles of college student worship events.  Which do you do?  Why do you do it that way?

1.  It is a Worship Service.

Of this type is held in a church setting and it is worship music and preaching with an emphasis on teaching scripture.  A few of these are verse by verse. Some college ministries today are using a team of students to speak at different times and helping them prepare and even helping them evaluate and learn when it is over.  I love the idea of teaching students how to do it.  Others focus on the College Minister speaking every week. Also, great emphasis is given to the quality of the music and may even include non-students who are excellent musicians and singers. These often utilize the College Minister as the speaker while some utilize area pastors and youth ministers.   In many ways, this style is a church service. 

2.  It is more casual and fun with teaching and worship led by a student band.

This style often features ice breakers, mixer games, and informal student testimonies.  The casual format can lend itself to more topical teaching.  The topics often come out of a student team that develops topics related to what they see as needs, questions, and concerns on campus.  The topics may be contemporary, but the teaching/speaking always has a biblical background or leads to a key biblical principle that is explained.  In the casual, fun format the music may not be of professional quality, but it is always student led and is used as a student teaching/training opportunity.

Which should YOU do?  

-Are there churches reaching out to the campus that do quality worship services for students?  Offering the same type thing may work contrary to their reaching students.  How can you be the best partner?

-Are your students very "churchy" or do they not have much church background?

-Is speaking one of your gifts?  Don't speak just because some think that's just how it is done.  Some of the strongest college ministries in the country are led by "non-speakers".

-If you are on a campus or at a church reaching out to a campus with multiple ministries aimed at students, what are they doing and should you offer a different alternative.  Beware of just copying the "It Ministry".  Find your niche is the advice one College Minister gave when it comes to being one of multiple ministries.

Every campus is different and the gifts of the College Minister vary.  Be YOU on the campus WHERE YOU ARE!

A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 and Reaching MORE College Students is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

Church Plants and Campus Based College Ministries

I am unabashedly an advocate of campus based college ministry and the value it brings to Christian witness and ministry to the college campus.  In recent years, there has also been a movement of planting churches for the primary purpose of reaching and ministering to college students.

I was visiting with a friend who is going on staff with a large church plant that started about five years ago to reach a nationally known college campus.  Within that five years, they have grown to an attendance of one thousand (1,000) on a normal Sunday.  That is a jaw dropping success story, which should be celebrated.  

In situations such as this, there has often been a campus based ministry that has not had nearly that numerical success.  Some point to this as evidence that the church plant is the only way to go.  That is not my conclusion, but it raises the interesting question,  what are the differences?

From the outside looking in from a distance on these church plants, I see four distinct differences from most campus based ministries.

1.  They start with a core.  In many of these church plants, a core group of people move there to begin the church. It is not just the pastor and family.  There are 20 to 30 to begin with.  So, the ministry and outreach is shared and there is something to invite people to join into.  I helped a friend once try to begin his school year with some specifically freshmen programs and topics.  One night we had enlisted some upperclassmen to be a part and then publicized it to freshmen.  At the last minute, all of the upperclassmen notified us that they could not come.  Two freshmen we had never seen showed up and it was me and the College Minister and the two freshmen.  We did what we planned to do and they never came back.  They did not feel they had come to anything.  Having a core to begin with is huge!

2. Resources - Most of these type plants have a sponsoring church or multiple churches and begin with some resources that they provide.  These resources not only provide needed equipment, funds for special events, etc, they give a message of the significance of this new thing. For a variety of reasons, campus based ministries often do not have any or much significant sponsoring partnerships, at least in the beginning.

3.  Multiple Staff - Many of these type church plants have more than one staff member as a result of people raising their own salary from other places in order to be there and minister there.  More campus based ministries are now moving toward having multiple staff raising their salaries,  It is a simple fact:  more staff reaches more students.

4.  Entrepreneurship - I believe THIS is the single greatest difference.  These church plant pastor/leaders usually see the issues, situation, etc and look at and develop new ways to address these needs.  They don't think it has to look exactly like something else.  One state wide College Ministry BCM leader said that one of his sharp young College Ministers left because the State Convention Business Office would not let him use a Square Reader to allow students to pay at their Lunch Program.  It didn't work in their system.  Hooray for entrepreneurship!!  

Many campus based college ministries are sponsored by State Baptist Conventions or other state or regional organizations.  They have guidelines and generally approved methods.  While these provide some obvious benefits, they also can be a hindrance, particularly relative to number 4.  

For campus based college ministries, we must see and maintain the advantages of our organization and templets, but also encourage new thinking and approaches.  I continue to believe there is both the need for and value of campus based ministry and church plants aimed at campuses.

Campus based ministry, church college ministry, and campus focused church plants are cousins, but not triplets.

Check out Reaching More College Students at amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 .

Why Do Student Leaders Often Not Succeed?

 If you know me at all, you know I am a huge proponent of developing student leaders in a college ministry.  The two greatest factors in a ministry (apart from the work of the Holy Spirit) are the College Minister and the student leaders.

Some Reasons Student Leaders Often do NOT Succeed:

1.  Right Student....Wrong Spot - They are a great student who loves the Lord and we just have put them in the wrong place.  it is particularly easy to do with one who will do anything we ask.  Proper placements by gifts and temperament is huge on our part.

2.  We HAD to have someone. - This is closely related to number 1.  We have a position and we feel the pressure of having someone there.  So, we place them in a position they just don't fit.  Some times we just have to say, we don't have anyone to fill that spot.  That is tough, but usually works out best in the long run.

3.  They are overwhelmed with discouragement. - Sometimes, a student does everything that can be  done and there just is not the result anyone would desire.  That is where we must help them evaluate on effort...not result.  And, help them never feel alone.  Be a partner with them.  Praised them for effort.

4.  They were never taught how to do what they are asked to do. - Some believe  the way you teach leadership is to throw someone into a role and let them sink or swim on their own.  I believe this is a recipe for disaster.  One of the reasons I strongly believe in weekly meetings with student leaders is that it is a continual coaching and teaching time.

5.  They wanted a position....not a responsibility. - Everyone wants to be chosen.  Everyone wants to be recognized.  One of the difficult things in selecting student leaders is discerning if they just want a position or are they really willing and able to accept the responsibility.

6.  They were not told clearly what the responsibilities were. - We must communicate clearly what the responsibilities are and what it takes to accomplish them.  We can tell them some of what has been done previously by others who served in that role, but give them room to do it in their style.

7.  THIS IS THE WORST ONE:  Seeing a student with GREAT potential and putting them in a role they are not ready for.  I have seen freshmen and sophomores ruined for future leadership because they were thrown into roles that overwhelmed them.  Some ministry leadership roles are Junior or Senior roles...they just are.  That negative experience can cause them to back away from future service. 

Check out these college ministry materials by Arliss Dickerson:  Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX or Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

Some Rules for College Ministry

1.  Believe and act on the fact that God is ALWAYS doing more than you know.

2.  Ask a student to do it, if at all possible.

3.  Affirm student leaders, express appreciation for their service, and help them grow personally and as a leader.

4.  Play fair with the school and with all other ministries.....even those you don't like.

5.  Build on previous years while realizing every year is brand new.

6.  Look for partners.

7.  Always express thanks to those who serve and support the ministry......personal notes are never out of style.

8.  Model what you expect from students.

9.  Make the most of each campus season and of each personal season.  They all have pluses.

10.  Never let the ministry take the place of your relationship to the Lord.....beware of the temptation to love the work more than the Lord.

11.  Work wisely hard and take care of your family.  

Arliss Dickerson's college ministry resources can be found here starting here:  amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 

Some Ways to do College Ministry WRONG

I have often said there is more than one way to do college ministry right.

So, are there DIFFERENT ways to do it wrong?  

1.  Copy another ministry.  No two situations are alike.  No two ministries have all the same resources.  No two campuses are totally alike.  No two College Ministers have the same gifts and abilities.  You get the idea.  Learn from others, use the same principles and essentials.  

2.  Become a closed group.  This can happen two ways.  The first is philosophical.  "We are a discipleship ministry and only for those who are ready to be serious and go deep.  That does not leave much room for the student who has questions about faith.....either as a Believer or Non-Believer.  And, it usually precludes the the Believer that has strayed and struggling with how to "come back."

The Second is when a group just becomes an unhealthy clique.  Everyone is best buddies and you have to be best buddies with the group to be in the ministry.  There is a fine line between a group being caring for each other and not shutting others out.  If we are honest, most ministries struggle with this to some degree or other.

3.  Fight or Ignore the Administration.  Some ministries take great delight in breaking the campus rules.  The campus may say, "No flyers put on windshields."  The ministry says, "We are telling people about Jesus, so it is ok."  The more rules we break, the more rules and restrictions tend to get put on religious groups.  A rule breaking ministry can harm all other ministries.  Doors get locked to these ministries.

Second,  some ministries just ignore the administration.  When campus administrators see our ministries as partners or at least, not harmful, it is beneficial.  Doors open to helpful partners.  If administrators  don't even you or your ministry is there, how does that benefit anyone?  Know and befriend those that need to know you.

4.  Church college ministries that separate the college ministry from the church as a whole.  In the short term, this may seem beneficial as everything is college student friendly, directed, and some would say, it keeps students from seeing unpleasant church stuff.  But, here is the thing, will these students love the church and fit into the imperfect church with all kinds of different people in the years to come? Doing real church over the long haul usually means being with a bunch of people who are not just alike and all on the same page.

5.  Thinking YOUR ministry is the only one God can use or cares about.  There is a story about a city wide church progressive dinner organized by the campus based ministry for freshmen to be exposed to different churches in town.  The first stop was at the large and strong college ministry church that had a super attractive set up with lots of different games, etc.  When, the food was winding up and time to go to the next church, it was announced, "If you want to stay here for the evening, our bus will take you back to campus later."  Many of those students stayed and did not go to the remaining churches.  REALLY?

6.  Thinking it is all up to you and that the Lord is lucky to have you leading it.  

Some people read and are helped by Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books.  If you might be one of those, you can start checking them out here, Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

5 SECRETS of Successful College Ministers

 For a number of years, when I was working as a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway, I was privileged to travel around the country and see a number of different college ministries....large and small.  One thing I learned, many of those asking for help and new ideas were already doing a terrific job.

Here are 5 "SECRETS" of those doing it really well:

1.  They keep looking and learning.  They never think they have it all figured out.  They are even open and willing to learn from those with whom they disagree theologically, etc.

2.  They don't make major changes each year.  They just tweak it a little here and there.  They keep building on their campus situation and personal spiritual gifts. They continue to be students of their campus and situation (resources, etc).

3.  They build up their ministry by building up their student leaders (both spiritually and numerically).  They both look for and develop student leaders.

4.  They look for and enlist others to counterbalance their weaknesses.  They are not afraid to promote others or put them in the spotlight.  They are even fine to hire people that might outshine them.

5.  They understand that a ministry of any size must have at least adequate funding and they are willing to commit time and priority to develop relationships and communication that draws people to support the ministry.  They connect with alums and others who see a need for college ministry and have a desire to invest in ministry that is well done with a kingdom vision.

And they read my Blog…at least sometimes  

Arliss Dickerson writes college ministry books that some find helpful.  You can check out one here:  Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

College Ministers and Fund Raising for Salaries - Part 2 Eric Reiber & Ben Neiser

 Eric Reiber serves as a College Minister at Penn State University and Ben Neiser started a college ministry at Brigham Young University and then transitioned to a church plant near the campus.  Each responded with their thoughts as ones who have raised their salaries.  These were their first thought responses to my previous blog and are re-posted with their permission.

Eric Reiber:

As someone who has raised his salary for years, it has confused me when conventions are reluctant to allow this.  A couple things come to mind:

1.  Campus Minister to Campus Missionary mindset.  We are not here for the 1,000 or so Christian students but the 45,000 on campus.

2. There is a lack of awareness that support self funded guys have been in our SBC ranks for years!  When they see the stats, ours are included, but most assume and may not be corrected, that we are salaried.

3.  In the SBC world, the North American Mission Board (NAMB) actually has put us in great position to fundraise.  They have a platform and cover the overhead to make it possible that our donating partners give 100% of what is donated to the specific ministry.  This is a part of the Cooperative Program giving.

4.  God will provide for those he called to a place.  Much of it is fear, fear of losing control, fear of coming off as a beggar, fear of letting God do more than our infrastructure can handle until we catch up.

5.  It may actually help relations with the state conventions.  As the worry of being cut for funding, or on the other side, taking away tough decisions to cut funding, allows for a space for good faith partnership to occur.  It will probably look different than what is currently  in place.  College Ministers are becoming a bit more autonomous as they have a slew of stakeholders in their ministry now, but trust and good contractual agreements can cover that gap.

Ben Neiser:

It is unfortunate to say but the most substantial work I have EVER done as a Southern Baptist happened when I was not held accountable by a Southern Baptist entity, ie. State Convention, NAMB, etc.

It happened when I was held accountable by local SBC churches and SBC individual partners.  I took seriously consistent reporting to my partners.  I was held accountable by them.  The local church that I was a member of, housed my finances that I raised.  So, they knew what my salary was and helped me set it.  I was 1099, not W-2

Whatever the setup is, financial partrners need to be confident that their gift is actually going to the individual they are supporting.  If an entity eliminates that position, then those funds need to roll into the operational budget of that campus ministry.  If an entity wants to  provide oversight and accountability, then THEY ALSO NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT.

In conclusion, set the bar high for ministers.  Provide clear training of how to raise funds and provide consistent and clear reporting.  Let the supporting local SBC churches and individuals hold a local minister accountable in their way.  Allow the entities to provide training  and encouragement - not oversight and control.

Arliss Dickerson writes college ministry books that some read and find helpful, if you might be one of those, go to Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and you can start there.

College Ministers and Fund Raising for Salaries??

 Southern Baptists for many years proudly said, "We pay our people and they don't have to go around begging for money for their salaries."

In the area of college ministry, many nondenominational campus ministry groups have been raising their salaries for years.  And.....much of their money was coming from individual Southern Baptists.  In recent years, as giving has declined and expenses have soared, some Southern Baptist State Conventions have cut back on their number of BCM College Ministers.  Declining offerings and increasing insurance costs, etc are not a good combination.  So, we have seen the cutback of the number of BCM College Ministers in different states.

Did you know that Texas Baptist Student Ministry has 126 college ministry staffers raising all or part of their salaries?  As a result, there over 200 people doing college ministry in Texas. They still have people who receive their salary (about 40) without fund raising.  But, as college campuses have grown and more and more young adults have not confessed faith in Christ or are stepping away from church involvement, the need for college ministry has only increased.

Why are we afraid or reluctant to let college ministry staffers raise their own salaries?

1.  For Southern Baptists one of the main concerns is that it will affect people's giving to their local church, which will in turn affect the Cooperative Program and simply cause ministry funding to decline even more.  That is a logical argument.  Yet, some who have studied that issue say it is not accurate.  One factor is that more and more people today want to give some of their money directly to things they care about and see the need it is meeting.  So, they are going to do it and we can choose whether or not to offer them a channel or let them go elsewhere with their gifts.

2.  If people raise their own salaries, they are not answerable to anyone or "you can't control them."  Again, this is a reasonable argument.  I know the day I drove by a car wash and saw a sign that said it was raising money for the BSU Gospel Choir.  Yikes!!  I did not know anything about that.  But, many places outside of the south have been allowing Baptist Collegiate Ministers to raise their salaries and have established excellent working parameters and partnerships that have benefitted all.  It can be done.

3.  They can raise some outlandish crazy salary.  Somebody please point me to a College Minister who is getting rich raising their salary.  Surely, there is at least one.  Somebody point him or her out.  Usually, those who are working in conjunction with a Baptist ministry, their salary figure is set in accord with a formula.  And, many are working with only a part of their salary figure raised.  In those situations they are usually required to have a certain percentage raised before they can start work or be full time.

4. “But, we have a Baptist College Minister on our campus” is one response.  Hooray!  Glad that is true.  How large is your campus?   How many students are there?  Did you know that nondenominational ministries that do fund raising for salaries sometimes have as many as 15-20 staffers on a large campus?  One large denominational ministry (not Baptist) in Georgia that has  as many as 75  Interns raising their salary for one year of service has had as many as 1500 students at their weekly worship event.  The number of staffers with a solid strategy has a direct proportional effect on the number of students being reached.  Are you satisfied with the number of students that are being reached on your campus or in your state?

It is time for Southern Baptists, as a whole, to have a healthy conversation about fund raising for college ministry salaries.  It is uncomfortable, but NECESSARY!

Arliss Dickerson writes some college ministry books that a few read and find helpful.  If you might be one of those, go to Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and you can start there.

"The IT Factor" - Part 2

 6 Things College Ministers with "The IT Factor" Do:

1.  Encourage - All of us need encouragement.  But, today's college students report high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.  A positive word often goes farther than we would even begin to realize.

2.  Affirm - Tell college students the potential you see in their life.  Affirm the gifts and abilities you see in them.  Many have never had anyone do that for them.  Most Christian college students will say they have no idea what their Spiritual Gift(s) is or are.  Yet, it is key to Christian living and service.

3.  Give them feedback.  - One of the most important things we can do for our student leaders is to give them feedback in their area of service.  What are they doing that is working?  How could they improve?  You can always brag on effort!

4.  Develop and Train - The two greatest impact factors in a college ministry is the College Minister and the Student Leaders.  We can't ask them to fill a role without training and showing them some ways to do it.  Our job is to help them feel and be successful.  If they are to serve in the church in years to come, they need training.  Many student leaders feel a sense of failure as a result of not knowing what to do or a clue how to do it effectively.  "IT College Ministers" coach!

5.  Pray with them and Teach them to Pray. - Every time you meet with them, pray with them.  Ask them to pray.  Many Christians have never prayed out loud with another person.

6.  Express Appreciation - Student leaders and any student who does anything in your ministry from greeting to setting up chairs is benefitting you and the ministry.  Make sure they know that you appreciate it.

Arliss Dickerson's book, Reaching MORE College Students, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

Developing "The IT Factor" in College Ministry - Part 1

 What is it that makes students listen to and be connected to a College Minister?  Is it Charisma?  Is it being beautiful or handsome?  Is it about being a talented musician?

"The IT Factor" in college ministry is RESPECT.  If you have to choose between being liked or being respected.....NEVER settle for just being liked.

How do you have or develop "The IT Factor" in college ministry?

    1.  Consistency -Be the same person in all situations...not two faced.  And remember, you are never off duty in terms of who you are and how you behave.

    2.  Time - As students see you live out who you are, your opportunities and how you are heard will just grow.

    3.  Don't just be one of the gang. - Students have lots of buddies.  You are to be a friend and mentor that has a different life perspective.

Ways you EARN Respect:

    1.  Demonstrate or model what you are asking students to do.  Don't do everything yourself, but don't hesitate to do whatever needs doing.

    2.  Don't play favorites. - Obviously, you will connect with some students more than others.  Don't always sit with or talk with the same students at events.

    3.  Be on time for meetings.  Respect students' time....just as you hope they will respect yours.

    4.  Be willing to stand up for what is right....even if its not popular.  We can disagree without being disagreeable.

    5.  LISTEN 

    6.  Don't try to impress students.  Be you!  Cool is way over rated.  It wears out at some point.  Forget pretending to be younger than you are.  If anything, students think you are even older than you are.

NEXT:  5 Things College Ministers with "The IT Factor" do.

Arliss Dickerson's book, A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 and A College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

UPDATED: 10 Things that Affect College Ministry Attendance

 Everybody in college ministry wants to reach as many students as possible for an initial relationship to Christ or to continue and grow in that experience.  

So, what are some things that affect attendance?

1.  Student Leaders - The abilities, commitment, and training of student leaders is a huge factor in how many students are reached.  Do they know what to do and how to do it?  Are they willing to invest in and reach out to new students?

2.  What other ministries on campus or relating to the campus are doing?  On some campuses there is only one really strong and functioning Christian ministry.  On other campuses there are multiple ministries that are serious about reaching out to students and that affects the number of Christian student leaders available and just how many students are available.  When there are multiple active ministries, it is even more imperative that a clear and workable strategy be central to all that is done.  What students are other ministries reaching?  Where are the unreached groups?

3.  Meeting Place - Where the ministries meets can be huge in terms of accessibility, attractiveness, how many it will accommodate and is it in the same place each week.  Many ministries must use school meeting rooms and often are forced to move around each week. Obviously, that is never a plus.  If the meeting space is yours, is it as attractive, student friendly, and functional as possible?

4. Momentum/Past History - When things are going well, they tend to continue to go well.  A ministry that has a strong and positive reputation is more likely to continue to do well.  When a ministry has a long term reputation for doing well, others recommend it.  Student leaders have seen it done well in the past and tend to emulate what they have seen.  Resources are more readily available to the ministries with a strong past history.

5.  Resources - Having the money to do attractive start of school events involving food, give aways, etc obviously is a positive factor.  It is much easier for involved students to invite others to events where there is food, etc.  Money does not make a ministry, but it can have a significant impact by what can and cannot be done.

6.  Quality, Time & Day of the large group event - A large group worship event does not have to be perfect or a "Hollywood Production" to be well done. Any event can be well planned and organized.  The schedule of a college campus changes from semester to semester.  Is your event at a time that is free for a significant number of students.  Does it start on time and end on time?  Is the message applicable to the students?  Is it addressing their needs and concerns?  Is the Christian message presented in a way that connects to the students?

7.  Follow-up - When a student comes for the first time, does someone connect with them to let them know they were welcome?  Are they a Believer?  The sooner a follow-up contact is made the better that is.

8.  Personality & Tenure of the College Minister - God uses our individual personalities.  Each College Minister must make sure they are maxing their personal gifts.  Most larger ministries are led by long term College Ministers because they know the ends and out of that campus, each year builds on the past, and their tenure opens many doors for the ministry.

Ryan Scantling, former BCM Campus Minister at the University of Arkansas, suggested these two excellent additions and reminders:

9.  Time of Year - If you expect the same attendance late Spring as you do in early fall, you will set yourself up for disappointment.

10.  Enrollment is a Huge Factor - When the school shrinks by 10%, the number of reachable students decreases.  I also had to  remind myself that I wasn't doing a much better job when crowds increased because the school was growing.  There were just way more students looking to connect.

Questions for YOU to Ask in Regard to Your Attendance:

1.  Am I or the speaker prepared each week and speaking to a student need?

2.  Is my meeting space as attractive (clean) and functional as possible?

3.  What can I do to make sure students feel welcome when they come?

4.  Do our student leaders know what to do, see how crucial they are and feel appreciated?

A Limited Time Opportunity:  Several of my college ministry books available at Amazon Books have been marked down to Amazon's lowest possible price for the next few days ranging from $9.85 to $5.75.  They can be accessed here:  Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.

College Ministry Position Available and Percentage of Students Reached at One Campus

 TWO THINGS:

College Ministry Position:  There is an opening for a BSU College Minister at the University of Central Missouri at Warrensburg.  This is a campus of 12,000 students with a BSU Center.  Jerome Stockert has been serving there and within the last month he has been named as the Director of College Ministry for Missouri.  You can go to Jerome's Facebook page to see more detailed information about the position.

Percentage of Students Being Reached:  I said in the introduction of my little book, Reaching MORE College Students, that national leaders of college ministry generally believe that across all campuses in America counting campus based and church based college ministries that about 6% of the total U. S. college student population is connected in some way to one of these ministries.  Obviously, that figure varies from campus to campus and regions of the country.

John James, College Minister at Fredonia Hill Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas ministers to the Stephen F. Austin campus and he believes that the different ministries there are reaching about 13% of the total student population.  He indicates that he believes about 60 to 80% have a church background.

What percentage of students at your campus are connected to all the campus ministries combined?

I would love to hear from you.  How many on YOUR campus are connected to a ministry?

Arliss Dickerson's book, A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 and Reaching MORE College Students is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

3 Shaping Factors in a College Ministry

 1.  Identity - Are students on campus even aware the ministry is there?  If so, what is their impression of the ministry?  It can be negative through no fault or actions of the ministry.  But, usually the identity problem is students are not even aware the ministry is there.....and.....available and open to them.  Should you do something to promote the awareness of your ministry on campus?

2.  Ownership - Do students, especially student leaders, feel like the ministry is theirs?  Or, are they just observers or participants?  Of course, there will be many students who are just participants.  But, the more students who feel ownership, the more they will invest in the ministry, and the more effective the ministry will be.  Ownership comes partly from students, again especially leaders, feeling like their thoughts and ideas are heard and valued.  But, the College Ministers must continually do what he or she thinks is best for the ministry....once students have been heard from.

3.  Example - The example of the College Minister can never be over estimated.  Following that, the examples of the student leaders is huge in how other students perceive the ministry and their willingness to connect and be involved.  Be aware that whomever is given "platform time" is viewed as a leader whether they are in such a role.  There is no such thing as, "I'm just in the band."  Should students who are not in leadership roles be given opportunities to serve and do something before the whole group?  Absolutely!  But, the more a person is up front, the more they will be seen as representing the ministry.  And never forget when it comes to example, a College Minister is never off duty.

Arliss Dickerson's book, A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity, Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 and Almost Everything About College Ministry, Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX , are currently marked down to their lowest Amazon allowed prices.

5 Ways to ENLARGE Your College Ministry......Only #5 is Guaranteed

 Now at the end of the 2-3 weeks of intense outreach to freshmen and other new incoming students, some are celebrating some record numbers and others are a little frustrated that their efforts did not bear as much fruit as they had hoped and prayed.  

As you think through and evaluate your initial outreach, here are some possibilities that can help you reach MORE and Yes; #5 is guaranteed!

5 Ways to ENLARGE your ministry:

1.  Add another staffer (full or part-time) with the sole responsibility and job description of reaching out to a totally different group on campus such as a Freshmen Dorm, Greeks, the band, etc.  Or, could there be another ministry team formed for that sole purpose?

2.  Add a different time or night to your weekly big event.  Have a 7:00 o'clock worship and a 9:00 o'clock worship.  This is an obvious option to those that are seeing that their space is likely limiting their numbers. If you meet on Tuesday night, what about a Thursday night repeat of the same event.  But, beware that each of these take either more student leaders/volunteers or a greater time commitment on the part of your leaders, band, etc.

3.  Reduce your number of events to focus on one or two.  It is possible to have so many different events that the quality is diluted, as well as the promotion and preparation.  Should you drop something to bring sharper focus to your main event?

4.  Combine multiple events into one night.  Many ministries have small groups that meet at different times throughout the week.  What if your Discipleship Groups or Freshmen Family Groups met following your large group event?  All that energy is directed at one night.  BUT, that limits everything to students who are available on one night?  Does that increase or decrease your outreach?

5.  Lie about your numbers!  It works.  Everyone loves stories of huge crowds.  Several years ago there was a national program developed based on the huge success that a College Minister had developed on a small campus.  He was "promoted" to a nationally known flag ship campus and his method was touted and emulated nation wide.  No one had the success he had had.  Later it was discovered that he had lied about his fabulous numbers.  For the record, I don't recommend this method. 

Here is the bottom line:  Have you considered doing something different to reach more....not work harder.....not be on campus 24/7......do something different?  Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

An Opportunity:  Right now several of my college ministry books are marked down to Amazon's lowest allowed price for the next few days.  They range in price from $9.85 to $5.75.  You can check it out starting here:  Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX.

What Should a College Minister's Week Look Like?

 I am of the strong opinion that if you do not plan your week, someone else will.  Here are six suggestions for scheduling a week.

If you speak at your regular large group meeting, plan time in your schedule each week to prepare.  Lack of preparation or winging it will hurt your ministry and set the wrong example for your students.  I also am all about laying out your basic plan for each week for the whole semester.

Have a set time and or days to eat where students eat.  It may be be in a cafeteria, campus food court, etc.  It is great for mixing/mingling, meeting new students and just having a sense of the campus.  Sometimes have set appointments to meet one or more students and other times just go and see how God uses it.

Schedule weekly meeting with your student leaders.  I favor having a set time each week and that makes it more likely to happen.  When possible schedule these meetings in clumps instead of spread out all different days through out the week.  I believe this is some of the most important time of your whole week for the ministry and for their future and the future of the church.

Schedule a paperwork time or day.  There are reports that have to be done, thank you notes and letters to be written, etc.  Tuesday mornings somehow worked best for my campus routine and responsibilities.

Set a time following your main event to follow up with new students that have come.  On Thursday mornings, I followed up on new students who had been to our Wednesday Lunch Program.  On Friday mornings, I followed up on new students who had been to our Thursday night event.  The sooner the better is a strong belief of mine.

Plan to walk through the Student Center and across the campus EACH day.  This can be at random times and does not necessarily have to take that long.  It will give you a better sense of of the vibe of your campus.  You will have "bump visits" that God can and often will use.  Doing this at a class change time is usually the most productive.

Someone asked, "What about your own private devotional life?"  That is a home thing, not at the campus.

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

College Ministers to Lead Pastors

With the news that two well known Campus based Baptist College Ministers are transitioning to a Lead Pastor role, it is a reminder of a shift in how College Ministers operate and how expectations have changed.

In the past, when a College Minister went to a church, it was to be the Executive Pastor, Minister of Education, or Discipleship Pastor, etc.  Now, it is more common to hear this announcement of "Our new Lead Pastor is a former College Minister."  

One reason for this shift is in recent years is, many of those who hire College Ministers want someone who is an upfront speaker.  In past years, that was not the case.  Several years ago, some would say a College Minister was not doing their job, if they were up front.  They were to be training and putting students in up front roles.  So, College Ministers now work at and try to be good up front speakers.  It is one of the expectations.  It has gone from a negative to a frequent expectation.

Also, as churches struggle to reach young adults these days, why not get a pastor that is an expert with experience in reaching young adults?  Of course, there is always the question of whether the church will want to do some of the things that are needed to connect with young adults.  Several years ago, a College Minister was known for being a great speaker and speaking at large young adult events.  A big First Church contacted him and indicated they wanted him to be their Lead Pastor, but they would need him to make some adjustments....like not wearing jeans all the time.  His response was great, "You don't want me then." 

Another deep down issue here, that may be a part of the equation, in at least some situations, is a concern among many College Ministers about the future of college ministry.  Will they have jobs in the future?  Or, are they going to continually be asked to do the same or more with less? Those in Baptist life can point to many places where cuts have been made in college ministry due to declining offerings.  There is concern about the future.

I am not going to say anything about Lead Pastors making two or three times as much as a College Minister.  Large college ministries are usually led by long time, proven college ministry veterans and if we want large college ministries, we must pay salaries that make it possible for College Ministers to stay long term and provide braces for teeth and college tuition for their own kids.

The College Ministers I know that have transitioned to Lead Pastor roles have all been deeply committed and I have no doubt about their sense of God's leadership and direction in their decision. And, why wouldn't a church hire some of the hardest working, most creative people in the world.

  And this trend may be one of the ways God is going to redeem this generation to His church.

"See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."  Isaiah 43:19

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.

An Idea God has Used in College Ministry

 In 1988 a group of Baptist Campus Ministers met for 3 days to share ideas, laugh, encourage one another and even play bad golf.  That gathering developed after a regional College Ministers Meeting at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth.  One night after the session was over a group went to a Grandy's Chicken and Cinnamon Rolls and sat around a table sharing ideas.  Someone said, "This is even better than the conference, wouldn't it be great if we could do this for 2 or 3 days.  So, in 1988 a group met in Jonesboro, Arkansas and did just that.

There was no program, just how do you do this and that.  Two of the College Ministers that came were Dave Jobe and  George Loutherback from Texas.  Jobe shared how the campus where he was in Texas was opening the dorms a week before school started and freshmen would move in, but there was very little for them to do.  He came up with the idea of having a 3 Day Event called Freshmen Survival.  It included get acquainted games, Family Groups, Breakout sessions on Growing as a Christian, Dating College Style, How to do a Personal Devotional, Getting Along with a Roommate, etc.  Freshmen flocked to it and his ministry boomed.  George Loutherback served at Baylor and he shared a much larger version of that idea that he was doing at Baylor.

All of us that were there thought it was the best idea we had ever heard and each of us said we were going to do some version of it.  Some did a weekend version of it just before classes started and others did a one day or a 6 or 7 hour version.  I attribute Freshmen Survival as the number one best thing we did at Arkansas State to reach students.  Each year at our End of the Year Cookout, I would ask how many came to Survival their freshman year.  The overwhelming majority in the room would hold up their hands.  Freshmen Survival multiplied our ministry many times over!

That idea is still being done on many campuses in Baptist College Ministries 36 years later....and I would not be surprised if it is being done in lots of other ministries.  I have seen one campus had 400 students at their Freshmen Survival event last week.   Lots of others are having 50 to 100 Freshmen attend what now goes by names like FreshLife, Basic, Rookie Razorback Weekend, and still Freshmen Survival. 

Four Reasons I share this story:

-Dave Jobe and George Loutherback deserve a ton of credit.  Literally thousands of students have been impacted for God's kingdom because of this idea.  Thank you Dave and George!

-Second, if you are not having some form of a "Freshmen Survival" event, you should consider it.

-Third, you never know how God will take an idea you are doing and use it in far larger ways than you ever thought.

-Fourth, Keep talking to other College Ministers and sharing ideas.  You never know all that will come out of it. 

Arliss Dickerson's book,  A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and Reaching MORE College Students is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN

The #1 Reason Students Stay Involved in a College Ministry?

 All of us who work in college ministry have the frustration of students starting to be involved with our ministry or coming the first couple of weeks and then disappearing.   

What happened?

Many years ago when Billy Graham was doing the huge football stadium evangelistic events and literally hundreds were making professions of faith, they did a survey.  They did a follow-up study as to whether those who had made first time commitments to Christ had become involved in a church.  They were disappointed with the percentage of who had gotten involved in a church.  It was much lower than they had hoped and anticipated.  

But for those who did connect to a church, they found one overwhelming common factor......They knew someone in the church.  There was a personal relationship.

No matter how strong your ministry is....no matter how good you are as a speaker.....no matter how great your worship band is.....no matter how funky your lighting is, most students will NOT stay connected and involved, if they do not develop some positive relationships in the ministry.  Right now everyone in college ministry is working night and day 24/7 to reach new students.  Many of them will come for 2 or 3 weeks then disappear......IF they do not develop relationships within the ministry.

So, what do you do?  First, help your leaders understand this and help them develop a mentality of being intentional about connecting to newcomers.  Look for those who are by themselves.  Watch for those who come in late because they did not want the awkwardness of being alone and not knowing what to do or having anyone to talk to.  Have some of your great "relaters" hang back and go sit down with them or make an effort to connect to them as soon as the event ends.

One reason I am high on food after an event is.....It gives people a reason to stay and visit.  It can just be chips and iced tea.  It provides something to do and easier to stand and talk.  One ministry I know of would have pizzas cut in what they called "Hors d'oeuvre" portions.  They were out on tables at the back with napkins and drinks.  They were not an attempt to feed a meal.

Of course, the biggest "connection factor" is if they become a part of a small group.  Some ministries now do small groups following their large group worship event.  But, another way to do that is at the end of your worship event, simply have people turn their chairs around into groups of six or eight and have everyone share their name, maybe anyone could share one thing that stuck out in the message and someone close in prayer.  If you do this, it is important to have your leaders spread out all over the room, so you don't wind up with groups where everyone is new and no one is comfortable saying anything.

Relationships are the number one reason students stay involved......or leave!

Arliss Dickerson's book, Almost Everything About College Ministry, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

The First 5 to 10 Minutes of Your Welcome Week Events???

 It has been said that, "The first 5 to 10 minutes a person attends a new event determines if they will come back."  Wow.....if that is even just somewhat true, it is mind boggling and maybe a whole lot frustrating.

As you are doing events for Welcome Week on your campus or at your church, how much thought and preparation are you putting into the first 5 to 10 minutes?

Some Questions to Ask:

Is it obvious for new people where to go?

Should you have Name Tags?

Are there greeters that are making newbies feel welcome?

Are we attempting to get their name and contact information?

Is there music playing or should there be? 

 Should it be all Christian or a mix of Christian and popular?  If you are looking for a good playlist, go to Collegiate Collective where Tim Casteel has dropped his annual playlist.  He is the BEST at this.

Are you doing your prep well ahead of time so you are free to be mixing and mingling?

Have you given your student leaders the information and training/prep they need?

Have you got a little cheat sheet in your pocket you can write names down on it, if you need to?

AND REMEMBER:  God is always doing more than you know!

Arliss Dickerson's book, Reaching MORE College Students, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

Supervision is NOT a Dirty Word.....It's an OPPORTUNITY!

I have had lots of supervisors in my life from a Lieutenant Colonel in Vietnam to a Summer League Baseball Coach showing me how to rake the baseball diamond.  I have had great ones and one or two not so great.

Many campus based college ministries now have one or two year Assistants or Campus Missionaries.  Many church based College Ministers have Interns or part-time Student Assistants.  Several years ago, I was given the responsibility of helping our one year Outreach Coordinators and working with their supervising  College Ministers.  Some of these recent college graduates were having a great experience, making a real difference on their campus, and others were frustrated and even confused.

What was the difference?  I believe the simple answer was.....supervision.  One College Minister said he told his newly appointed college grad Coordinator, "I am going to  treat you like a professional.  Go do what you think needs doing."  Here was the problem with that:  the newly appointed Coordinator with no college ministry experience had no idea what needed doing and especially what was beneficial.  He was not a professional and had never done this before.

Two Things Lack of Supervision Can Cause:

Lack of Focus -  I found those without supervision tended to jump from one thing to another. It was sort of whatever way the wind was blowing that day or whomever dropped by to visit.  And, it was not connected to any long term strategy of what the ministry was all about.  Consequently, their efforts did not make any significant difference in the ministry and left them frustrated.

Less than a Positive Experience - Those who did not have good supervision tended to leave their one year position with less than positive feelings about it or ministry as a whole.  And, many had signed up for that year to see "Is this possibly something God is calling me to do?"  There are more and more reports of young adults feeling called to ministry.  We need to be doing everything possible to help young adults experience and respond to God's call to vocational ministry.

Two Things GOOD Supervision Does:

It Teaches - Usually, a supervisor is in that role because they have previous experience and a positive track record.  One thing a Supervisor  can do is help pass on that experience without them having to learn everything the hard....and sometimes painful way.  One of our jobs as a Supervisor is to help them be and feel successful.  Part of that is to help them process and evaluate their experience....both good and bad.

It Encourages - Good supervision encourages!  First, it help them not feel they are in it alone.  One of the biggest killers of College Ministers is the sense of eeling alone and that I am the only one that cares.  Just knowing someone else care is huge.  Even when something does not go well, we can help someone know their effort was good and worthy!

One More Thing Good Supervision Does:

When there is more than one College Minister, and even if the one or two other staffers are experienced, there has to be somebody in charge.  Besides encouraging and teaching, they work at everybody being on the same page and pulling together in the same strategy.  There are lots of different strategies that God uses.  But, they usually are not successful, if multiple staff members are working on different strategies.  So, if you are a Supervisor, make sure those with whom you work feel appreciated and cared about......and that everyone is on the same page in the strategy and what their role is in that strategy.

I will go way out on a limb and say not only is supervision not a dirty word, it is one of the tools that God can and does use.

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Strategy, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

Some College Ministry Truths and Reminders

Nothing will affect the ministry more than who the College Minister is as a person.

A college ministry is about leading college students to the Lord and growing students in that relationship.  Anything different is just a club.  But, that does not mean it cannot and should not have fun events and just plain encouragement.

What do YOU do best?  What are the gifts God has placed in your life?  Are those gifts being given the time and priority in your weekly schedule to benefit the ministry?

The more people who know the College Minister on campus, the more it will benefit the ministry.  Walk across the campus and through the student center every day.

Never forget that sometimes the custodian or administrative assistant is the one who "holds the keys."

Your priorities will show in the ministry.  The longer the College Minister leads the ministry, the more it will be a reflection of him or her.

Spend wisely extravagantly at the start of the semester.

One of the killers of College Ministers is feeling alone and that no one else cares.  College Ministers need friends other than students and family.

Every campus is unique.  What is unique to your campus?  Is it a minus or can it be a plus?

The most destructive thing to having and developing student leaders is putting them into a role they are not prepared to handle.

If the most transformative thing we can do is to meet with students individually, that must be a priority in the allocation of our time.

We must see as one of our most important tasks the raising up of godly lay leaders and vocational ministers for the future church.

Act your age!

There are pluses to every age or season and there are minuses to every age or season.  Play to the strengths of your age and allow others to mitigate the weaker areas.

Do not compare yourself or your ministry to the hot new College Minister or "It Ministry".

There is a difference in presiding at a meeting and leading a meeting.

When the College Minister's family is happy and well cared for, the College Minister is likely to be happy and semi-sane.  Don't lose your marriage or family while doing ministry.

No College Minister is too good or too important to not mop or sweep, if that is what is needed.

Affirm the gifts and potential you see in students.  Many students have never had anyone tell them how capable they are and what their life potential is.

Many students carry a sense of guilt about some past behavior.  If that is true with a student, help them sense and accept God's forgiveness.

Students go where they are valued.

Believe and act on the fact that God is always doing more than you know.

Adapted from Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula.  Check it out at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

 

My College Ministry is Small, so I CAN"T.........

 It is easy to focus on what you cannot do, if your college ministry is small or you have just taken over and school is just around the corner.

It can go like this, My College Ministry is small and I can't...

-Do big events.

-Have a Back-2-School Retreat.

-Have a big welcome event with free food.

-Have a specialized freshman ministry

- You can fill in the blank.

HERE is what you CAN Do....and I would definitely do.

Do a freshmen Bible Study Group.  Find 3 or 4 freshmen that would like to be in a Bible Study Group and find a time that works for them,   If you connect to some more freshmen two or three weeks later, start another one. But, do AT LEAST ONE.

3 Things I would suggest:

1.  Make it highly relational.  Talk, laugh, help them to get to know each other.  Have a fun ice breaker or question each time.

2.  Make sure it is topics or scripture that relates to some of their issues and questions.

3.  Only go for six or seven weeks.  The longer it goes, the more likely freshmen will drop out due to the increasing pressure of papers, big tests, etc. Make sure they finish with a sense of accomplishment and wanting to do another study next semester.  It is always better for them to complain they wish it had gone longer.

Don't focus on what you CANNOT do....focus on doing what you can!  AND, one thing anyone can do is at least ONE FRESHMEN group.  Do it! You are building for the future  

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

What do you do all Day?......100 Tasks of a Campus Minister by Tyler Hoffpauir

 All of us have been asked, "What do you do all day?"  Or, "is that a full time job?"  Tyler Hoffpauir gave an answer.

1.  Pray for God to move on your campus.

2.  Set up a meeting with chancellor or other administrators to build rapport and ask how you can help the school.

3.  Build/maintain relationships with area pastors/churches.

4.  Prepare messages for weekly campus ministry meeting.

5.  Train volunteer student leaders.

6.  Find and Recruit staff.

7.  Interview new student leaders for next year.

8.  Hire staff and do all the paperwork.

9.  Clean the building.

10. Recruit freshmen at Orientations (there could be 5 to 20).

11.  Enlist churches to serve meals at weekly meeting.

12.  Create a tee shirt design for the fall.

13.  Order some promo material like stickers, banners, buttons, table cloths, back drops.

14.  Prepare a couple of training talks for your student leader team.

15.  Speak for a week at an associational camp.

16.  Mentor younger campus ministers on nearby campuses.

17.  Prepare the agenda and run the weekly staff meeting.

18.  Help a student who just walked in with his pornography addiction.

19. Redo Bible study rooms this summer.

20.  Get a band and speaker for your fall retreat.

21.  Spend a few hours accounting for your monthly expenses.

22.  Hold 5 plus one-on-one meetings with students per week for leadership, discipleship, evangelism to new student you met on campus or who were guests at your weekly meeting.

23.  Ooops the sink is broken, gotta YouTube that or call the plumber.

24. Plan the next great monthly event for your ministry, order supplies, cook food, decorate, etc.

25.  Stop by your ministry's weekly outreach table on campus to meet someone new and encourage your volunteers.

26.  Write notes/mail to incoming freshmen.

27.  Prepare and send out an alumni newsletter to help alumni stay connected and pray some will become donors.

28.  Have lunch with the new Youth Minister in town.

29.  Prepare for your discipleships group or class that meets every week.

30.  Host a weekly or biweekly leadership team meeting.

31.  Organize and execute 5-10 Welcome Week events.

32.  Follow up with all those new students from Welcome Week.

33  Host senior preview night.

34.  Plan ministry, lodging, transportation, meals, etc for your upcoming mission trip.

35.  Host the person/group who is at your weekly meeting to recruit for summer camp or other summer missions projects.

36.  Attend 2-5 associational meetings and gve a report about your ministry.

37.  Plan your weekly worship service songs, activities, testimonies and games with your student leaders.

38.   Talk to the student that is ready to quit school or your leadership tea,/

39.  Attend the state convention annual meeting and encourage a pastor or two by taking them to lunch.

40.  Turn in next year's budget.

41.  Supply preach one Sunday per month to help out area churches.

42.  Give an alumni, pastor or incoming freshmen a tour of your building or the campus whenever they stop by.

43.  Pay the bills.

44.  Send thank you notes to donors.

45.  Look through the list of building rental requests and approve or deny.

46.  Trim the bushes in the flower bed.

47.  Organize coffee and prayer with other denominational campus ministers to build a kingdom mindset.

48.  Serve the band/greek life/rugby team, etc with a meal or snack.

49.  Renew your registered student organization status on campus.

50.  Speak to a local youth group this Wednesday night.

51.  Post about every ministry event on social media and then post pictures afterward.

52.  Fix the hole in the wall a student made last week.

53.  Walk across the campus and meet some new students you could evangelize to or invite to be involved.

54.  Check in with your volunteer coordinator to make sure we have people to greet, check-in, serve.

55.  Come up with a game for Freshmen Night.

56.  Outline next semester's teaching plan.

57  A freshman just walked in and has 3 tough theological questions they have been wrestling with for months but need answered right now.

58.  Send out a report to all your churches and associations that support you financially.

59.  Be a good example to your students by attending your own church and volunteering there.

60.  Find a new faculty advisor.

61.  Attend state-wide campus minister's staff meeting zoom once per month.

62.  Complete your annual evaluation with your supervisor.

63.  Find and reserve vans for your next mission trip.

64.  Have a training with students on how to evangelize.

65.  Organize an appreciation banquet for your volunteer team.

66.  Hold a weekly or biweekly event to reach out to international students.

67.  Email every youth minister within a 2 hour radius asking for contact info on incoming freshmen.

68.  Mentor your staff and top leaders through weekly meetings.

69.  Start a ministry on a nearby community college campus.

70.  Meet with and encourage a struggling pastor or youth pastor.

71.  Hype your next retreat or trip and follow up with those that have not paid.

72.Find individuals or churches that will scholarship students for their mission trip.

73.  A girl just walked in that broke up with her boyfriend and is in crisis.

74. Make tea for 100 people who coming to your event tonight.

75.  Organize the intramural sports sign up and attend a game to let your students know you care.

76.  Order a new microphone for worship because a student accidentally broke the last one.

77.  Order more toilet paper and paper plates.

78.  Organize volunteers to take international students to the airport to travel for the holidays.

79.  Turn in your month ministry reports to your supervisors.

80.  Text all your students to see how you can pray for them and remind them that you care.

81.  Order gifts and hand write notes for graduating seniors.

82.  Print handouts for a weekly meeting.

83.  Get more ink, paper, & office supplies.

84.  Run to Sam's to get food for the next event.

85.  Check in with your local church-based college ministers.

86.  Send out invitations for your freshmen leadership team.

87.  Organize a local service project and promote to your students.

88.  Talk to a local church about 2-3 students that can be their next youth or music minister.

89.  Write several references for students applying for institutional scholarships or jobs.

90.  Send your band to a church for a special music night.

91.  Perform the weddings of several of your students each year.

92.  Speak at another summer camp or DNow weekend.

93.  Attend the weekly associational pastor's coffee or breakfast to hang out with pastors and keep them informed about your ministry.

94.  Host the group of alumni or associational volunteers who will do a little work on your building.

95.  Redo your website to have all the latest info about your events and take payments.

96.  Meet with school officials to renew your land or building lease.

97.  Redo the photos in your building because students have graduated.

98.  Replan your events because the school scheduled a major event or sporting event during your event.

99.  Talk to your inside man or woman at the housing office about your leaders moving in early or mission trip students being able to stay over the break.

100.  Dream and pray about the next big move for your ministry and cast that vision to your staff and student leaders.

Many of these tasks I am fortunate enough to be able to delegate to other folks.

Tyler Hoffpauir, Baptist Campus Minister, Arkansas State University

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

A Simple Recipe for College Success

 The right ingredients is what makes every dish taste good.  There is a simple recipe for college success for freshmen.

1.  Intentional Priorities -  Decide what is important to you.  Make those things the center of your activities at the very start of school.  If you are a Christian, make sure that is part of it.

2.  Friends - Make friends by your priorities.  If your friends have similar priorities, you are more likely to practice and live by those priorities.

3.  Schedule - Be intentional in planning and living by a weekly schedule that has time for sleep, study, and fun. Make sure to establish a good schedule at the start and adjust it as you progress.  But, START with a schedule.

Adapted from Arliss Dickerson's book,  Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.  Also, check out A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1

Beware of College Ministry "Experts"

 It is a bit of a paradox for someone who writes and speaks on college ministry to say, "Beware of experts".......after all, I am always encouraging newer College Ministers to learn from old pros.  But, here is the thing, it is easy to confuse notoriety, a big presence on social media or a proximity to someone as expertise.

A friend said they had read an article on college ministry by a person in Baptist life I had never heard of.  The article was being circulated because he was at the church of a well known preacher.  Some years ago, a pastor told me he was frustrated by going to conferences where someone would speak on growing a church whose church was located in a booming suburb.  He said, "They know nothing about how to grow a church like mine."

Here is the point.  Sometimes, the best person to help you and for you to learn from is not somebody famous.  Rather, it is someone who is working in a similar situation to yours.  Their ministry may not be huge and they may not be the featured speaker at a conference, but they have dealt with many of the same issues you face.  I was visiting with someone who leads a a very large college ministry and many would correctly call him an expert.  In the midst of my conversation, he told me he had 24 staff members.....most college ministries I know are 23 short of that.  You may hear him at a conference and you should listen to him.  

But, someone else may be YOUR most helpful "expert".  Who is working in a similar situation to yours?  Who is someone that works with similar resources to yours?  Who is on a campus that would be similar to yours?  Maybe the two of you should visit regularly.....AND he or she might even learn something from you!  Also, I am all about networking with College Ministers outside your state as they often have a little different view and bring some different insight.  Networking is part of a growth formula.

Beware of college ministry experts......including this one!

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1. You can get Tips at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.