Recipe for a LARGE College Ministry?

 What is the guaranteed recipe for a really large college ministry?  First of all, there are not many really large college ministries as some people think.  The simple answer is, it is a movement of God and I believe that, but I also know God works through and uses our efforts and situations.

So, WHAT are some characteristics of really large ministries?

-There was a Methodist campus ministry a few years ago that averaged 1500 at their large group event.  Over simply put, they had about a hundred (seriously) one year interns and then some more permanent staff layers above that.  If each intern connect to and involved just 15 students, that is 1500.

1. The size of staff is likely the NUMBER ONE factor in a really large ministry. It is not unusual at all for larger ministries to have 10-20 staff members, either full time one year types, part time students, etc, etc.

Of course, everyone  in college ministry knows the story of the really large crowds at the Breakaway ministry at Texas A&M.  Gregg Matte and others have been the speakers for this event.

2.  An outstanding speaker is the quickest factor that leads to big growth.  The easiest example of this is Louie Giglio and his story at Baylor which was then emulated by Matte at Texas A&M.  Unfortunately, many of these ministries do not maintain that size and response when that speaker leaves.  And, let's face it, there are not that many GIFTED speakers.

-I have a college ministry friend who gets $50,000 checks from alums.  That is crazy right??  He can do some things most ministries cannot do.

3.  Money/Budget is an obvious factor in the size of a ministry.  It shows itself in events, staff size, extras, etc.  Money does not make a ministry, but it sure helps shape it and its hard to have much ministry with out money.

-The first 2-3 weeks of a freshman's college career often defines their whole college career.  The friends/connections they make, the habits they develop etc are huge.

4.  Outstanding, well organized freshmen events at the start of school and on-going Freshmen ministry.  The start of the fall term is just a window that never repeats itself and the really large make the most of it in every way.  And, there usually goes that budget thing again.  But, planning and effort can cover lots of ground.

-Being the IT MINISTRY on campus.  There may be multiple ministries but one is sometimes just known better and seems to stand out.  Everything is compared to it or loses luster in comparison.

5.  Long term leadership and tradition are often the keys to being the IT MINISTRY.  The lead College Minister is a veteran who knows what to do and has made a place with the college administration and has won the trust and cooperation of pastors in the area.  AND, alums give financially and point students that direction.

-"The band is better at......" is my least favorite statement in college ministry.  

6.  While the quality of the worship/music is definitely a factor in a large ministry, I do NOT believe music alone will sustain and grow a large college ministry.

7. Large ministries make student leadership recruiting and development a HIGH priority and give them major responsibility. Students reach students College Ministers cannot and it allows the College Minister(s) to focus on things that the pros need to do.  Plus, one of our tasks is developing leaders for the church of the future.

Reaching a large number of college students requires there are a LARGE number of students.

8.  Almost all really large college ministries are on a large campus or a metro area with multiple colleges.  A ministry may be large in terms of the number it is reaching on a small campus.  Don't let that attendance number make you crazy.  Put it in perspective!

Are you depressed that none of these describe your situation?  Here is the deal: Pick one or two of these and focus on addressing it. There is a WHOLE LOT of great space between "Not much happening" and "Really large".  And we need a whole lot of ministries there!

What are you giving high school seniors or to incoming freshmen who will give you their contact information?  Check out Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

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