What's The Thing With Chairs?

 My former students send me pictures of chairs....stacked chairs, arranged chairs, etc.  A couple have sent me a picture suggesting I get a tattoo they have seen.  At first, I did not know what it was...then I recognized it.  It was stacked chairs.  Youth Ministers send me pictures of the setup they have done for their Wednesday night youth meeting.  Executive Pastors send me pictures of chairs they have stacked up while they are changing the setup of a room.  An executive at a large corporation sent me a picture of the setup she had done prior to leading her first staff meeting.

So, where does this chair madness come from??  I have always believed that the setup of the room for an event helps determine people's response and involvement and I am picky about it.  I attend a meeting occasionally for which I am not the leader.  There are about twenty five normally in attendance and it is held in a large room with with probably 10-12 tables with five or six chairs around each.  People sit randomly throughout the room and there is not much interaction.  Yes; it drives me crazy and it is usually not a much participation.  It gives the impression that the meeting is not very important or not much thought has been given to it.  Why should people feel an event or meeting is important, if everything about it is random?

Some "Chair Principles"

1.  When people walk into an event for the first time, the setup of the room is their first reaction to what will happen and how they feel about it.  First impressions are huge.  We don't get a second chance to make a first impression.  If the chairs are all jumbled and random, it gives the impression of something that is jumbled and not well done.

2.  The setup of the chairs can affect their involvement.  Most of my speaking to students involves interaction and letting them ask questions and make comments throughout my talk.  If chair rows are more circular and students can see each other, they are more likely to speak up.  Plus, being able to see others when they are speaking is a plus to connections and interaction.  

3.  Sometimes tables help and sometimes they hinder involvement.  I learned that with some of our Leadership Team meetings.  Tables set up in a rectangular or square made them think and interact more "business like" and we got more serious stuff done.  But, it varied by different groups.

4.  Chairs should not be too close together.  People do not like being jammed up against each other.  I make sure there is about 3 to 4 inches between chairs....not too far, but not jammed together.  Unless a couple is dating, people don't do well jammed together unless it is absolutely necessary.

5.  The arrangement of the chairs can make a huge room not feel cavernous and too large for the event.  Sometimes you have to experiment to find it.  But, think about it.  Don't just set up 25 chairs in any random fashion in a large room.

6.  There needs to be enough chairs, but not too many.  So, how many you think will be there?  Have that number.....plus a few more.  First, there may be more people show up than you expected...always a great surprise.  Second, If 2 people come together and planning to sit together, are there two open seats together?  New people especially need to be able to sit with who they came with.

7.  Have some extra chairs strategically and conveniently placed.....but NOT just setting in the middle of everything.  Once in awhile, way more people come than anticipated and we can add them without much difficulty.  Or, you can easily add a quick back row as chairs fill up.  In some of our events, the back would fill up first and newer people arriving after it started would have to go more toward the front to get a seat.  So, we would add a backrow AFTER it started.

8.  Change your chair setup occasionally.  It gives a new vibe to the meeting and doesn't just feel like the same old same old.  Also, different groups respond differently to different setups.  Find those or the one that works best for your meeting or event.

It's the little things that make a difference and chair arrangement is one of them!

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

An ALWAYS POPULAR Post.....How to Feed 50

 Some years back one College Ministry Newsletter was able to track what articles were opened the most.  It was always the same....recipes.  Through the years Sue Dickerson has led cooking seminars for student events.  At many of these she would give out a little booklet that contained some of the recipes that she had demonstrated in the seminar.  Years later, we hear about them still using it.  Often, when some of our former students have gotten married, she has given them a notebook containing some of her and students' favorite recipes.

Most of the time our Lunch Program meal was provided by a church, but when it was not, Sue would cook for as many as 250.  Here is her recipe for 50 that fits lots of groups or you can multiply out as needed.

Here is Spaghetti for a Crowd of 50:

10 lbs lean Ground Beef

2 or 3 teaspoons oregano

2 or 3 chopped onions (or use Onion Flakes)

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

10 Large Jars or Cans (26oz) Spaghetti Sauce

5 - 7 lbs. Thin Spaghetti

2 Large Cans (28 oz) Tomatoes cut up

2 Large Cans (16 oz) Mushrooms

Brown meat with onion in skillet.  Drain in a colander and put in large heavy pot or pots.  Add sauce, mushrooms, tomatoes, and spices. (This can be prepared the day before and refrigerated.)  Over low heat, stir frequently for 20 or 30 minutes.  Cook spaghetti in boiling water, drain in a large colander and rinse in clear water.  Mix sauce and spaghetti together in large pans.  You can cover pans with foil and place in a low heat (200 degrees) oven.

I will post the Lasagna recipe for 50 soon.

Books for Student Study Groups or Gifts:

Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9

7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship Amazon.com/dp/B0DTTRJH38

A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTNB1

5 Questions to Ask this Time of Year

1.  Who are you having lunch with this week?  Lunches are connections times.  People are just more relaxed over a meal and you see their real self.  Is it a pastor, another Campus Minister, a student considering a ministry calling?  Some lunches need to be away from work, but lunch is a super valuable ministry building time.

2.  Who is a regular at your events that you have NOT seen lately?  Students disappear not by intent by life.  Three weeks of crazy tests or a change in work schedule can throw them off.  But, if no one notices they are gone and seeming don't care, why should they come back?

3.  Which one of your student leaders needs some special encouragement and help right now? All student leaders struggle at some time or other.  Again, it may be three weeks of crazy tests or getting a handle on their new leadership role.  Instead of their calling this summer and saying I decided to drop out of my leadership position, now is the time to invest in them a little special attention and perhaps even appreciation.  Sometimes a leader is doing great, but their role is hard and they are not getting the response they had hoped for.  They may just need to hear they are doing great or that you see them.

4.  What is something different you need to try that might be a change to make for fall? Yes, I say this EVERY YEAR at this time.  The most obvious possibility is checking out something different for your weekly event.  Does it need to be another day, time, or place maybe?  Try it now.  Some things you just don't know about until you do it.  Do you need somehow to vary the format of one of your weekly events?  Try something different now.

5.  What do you like and not like about our weekly main event or what is something we need to do better? Do evaluations and suggestions at your large group event now instead of at the last one of the semester.  Often, by the end of the semester, you are down to the hard core that are going to come no matter what.  Doing evaluations earlier in the semester, often gets you a better cross section of replies.

Bonus Question:  What are some topics, questions, or biblical issues you would like to see addressed next year in our programming?  What are questions students on campus (not in any ministry) are asking or talking about?

Looking for Student Studies or Student Gifts? Tips for College Freshmen Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9, 7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship Amazon.com/dp/B0DTTRJH38, A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1

I was WRONG....There are 7 College Minister Types!

 I have long held to the "6 Types of College Ministers" as listed in my previous Blog.

The Administrator

The Cool Dude or The Personality

The Rainmaker

The Pastor

The Counselor

The Hybrid

But, as I have gone back and thought more through it and I think there are actually seven (7). Someone asked me how many Rainmakers I knew. As I began to think about it, I decided that I have only known two that I would honestly describe as Rainmakers.  I am not saying there are only two.....just two that I know and have observed personally. Then, as I thought about it, I had to admit that they were total opposites in their gifts and strengths.

One is a great speaker and the other is not a speaker.  I think we automatically and I too have automatically thought of the Rainmaker as being a great speaker.  And, I think that is what a lot of people who are looking for a Rainmaker think of....a great speaker.  And, a really good speaker can be a spark to a ministry that will bring about real growth numerically.  Yet, they are not a Rainmaker.  You can be a good speaker and not be a Rainmaker.

What do these two Rainmakers have in common?  They both consistently work hard and are always looking at and thinking about new things..  They are super assertive.  Some might describe them as pushy.  But, they are always moving forward and not content with where they are and where the ministry is. They are not afraid to try something new and even push the envelope.  I would go as far as to say, there is even something mystical about a Rainmaker.  You cannot exactly put your finger on what it is that makes it all possible....other than working night and day.  But, there are lots of hard workers that are not Rainmakers.  It may be God just chooses to bless and use them in a particular way.

College Minister Type #7 is The Speaker.  Their speaking is a key part of the ministry.  The event where they speak is key to the whole ministry.  This event is usually the entry point to the ministry and most frequent connection point. Yet, the ministry does not instantly boom due to their speaking.  It is more of a steady and influencing factor.

So, there are both Rainmakers and Speakers!  Some Rainmakers are speakers and some are not.

So, what am I? I am not and have not been a Rainmaker.  While I have been privileged to lead a large ministry, it did not happen quickly, but was a result of several years and putting one year on top of another. I am a Hybrid of The Administrator and The Speaker.  I am a good speaker, when prepared, but not a great speaker and I am all about leading, directing, and building a ministry organization.

Do you know any Rainmakers?  If so, what is their key characteristic?

Honestly now, what are YOU?  I think understanding what type you are may be key in the ministry being all God would have it be.

Check Out:

A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV

Tips for College Freshmen Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9

7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship Amazon.com/dp/B0DTTRJH38

The 6 Different College Minister Types

Being a College Minister, by necessity, is a Jack of all Trades calling.  Yet, I believe partly through our spiritual God given gifts, campus situation, and age we tend to function in one type.  I think it is important for us to identify what our type is to lean into the strengths of it AND to identify the weaknesses.  It is easy to just try to be what you have seen someone else be and you are trying to do that, but that is not really your type.

1.  The Administrator/Facilitator:  This person operates through organization and sees themselves as strictly someone who operates through the student leaders and provides the resources and structure necessary for a strong ministry.

2.  The Counselor:  Lots of students are dealing with issues and this College Minister spends a large amount of time listening to students who are struggling.  Another aspect of the Counselor can be one who is helping students make life decisions for what is next, etc.

3.  The Cool Dude or The Personality:  This person operates out of the force of their personality.  They tend to be very trendy and operates through a wide variety of relationships and connections.

4.  The Pastor:  Often this College Minister is very ministerial in appearance, actions and attitude.  In guys, they often are known as "Brother_________".

5.  The Rainmaker:  This is that one that instantly draws a crowd, by presenting a large vision and really able to quick draw lots of students into that vision.  Large crowds develop almost over night.  In my observation, lots of us would like to think of ourselves as Rainmakers, but we are not.  And, there are very few Rainmakers.....but in talking to lots of ministries looking to hire a College Minister, that's what or who they are looking for.

6.  The Hybrid:  Due to specific gifts, needs, or intentionality, this College Minister is really able to combine a couple of these styes.

Think about WHICH YOU ARE.  Identify the strengths and make sure you are leaning into them.  Get honest with yourself about what the weaknesses or limitations of that style are.  If you are long term, consider whether age leads you to a different style.  That is NOT necessarily a bad thing.  It just may be an adjustment to a new chapter in your ministry.  

Perhaps, wherever you are age and experience wise, you may need to work at bringing another role in which would move you to The Hybrid.

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and Tips for College Freshmen is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9

Four Common Complaints of Campus Based College Ministers?

 Some years ago when I was doing some consulting for the national BCM office, I was in a meeting of Church College Ministers from all over the country.  In their discussions, it was obvious that their number one complaint was often not being able to get to the campus due to meetings at the church.

What is the Number One Complaint of Campus Based College Ministers?  I polled a number of veteran Campus Based College Ministers and got a variety of answers.

1.  Lack of understanding of and appreciation of College Ministry and it being a valued calling.

Many shared how people did not understand college ministry as a lifetime calling and saw it simply as the road to getting a pastorate or a church staff position.  One shared that his mother asked him, "When will you get your own church?"  I had the experience of speaking in churches and someone would come up, be complimentary and tell me they thought I was good enough to have my own church.  Do people tell a Dentist they think he is good enough to be a Doctor?

2.  Pressure to produce numbers to justify existence.

Many outside of college ministry do not understand that to some degree or other a college ministry population turns over EVERY YEAR.  Students graduate; some have to go away for a semester to student teach or do an internship. You have to re-enlist your whole ministry again each fall.  A church that averages 100-200 may have most of the same people over a year or two time.  A college ministry that averages 50-75 may minister to more different people than that church of 100-200 did over a two year period.

The most dreaded question is "How many did you have last night?"  What is the magic number for people to feel you are doing a good job?  On some campuses having 35 is a miracle of God.

3. The competitiveness of ministries

One of the good things happening today is that more churches are being serious about reaching the campus near them.  But, often churches and their denominational ministry on campus bump into each other.  One College Minister said, "My churches want me to direct students to them, which I see as part of my job and do. But, then the church gets them so busy they drop my ministry."  One College Minister told of inviting all the local Church College Ministers to be introduced at his fall kickoff event and say something about their ministry.  One Church College Minister announced and invited the students to an event he had each week at the same time as the campus worship event.  Was that fair? Working together, building our ministry and not being "competitive" takes effort and communication.

4.  Feeling alone and that no one else cares.

This and comparison to other ministries are the top two killers of College Ministers.  Campus Based College Ministers are not faculty, they are not church staff, and many work by themselves.  Someone has said, "we are neither fish nor fowl."

Arliss Dickerson writes some books.  Check one out here Amazon.com/dp/B0MW8NPMN.  7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship is available at Amazon.com,dp/B0DTTRJH38. 

A Vietnam Memory and Lessons

 I got a message today from a friend who was in my unit in Vietnam.  Those contacts always bring back lots of thoughts.  I was and am blessed to have not experienced debilitating injuries or recurring nightmares as some have.  Out of those memories, a while back I wrote down some of my,

Lessons Learned in Vietnam:

People you do not know and have never even met can have a huge influence or impact on your life.

I went to Vietnam as a Chaplain's Assistant fresh out of training with orders for the 18th Engineer Brigade and then would receive further orders from there.  When I got there I learned that I had been scheduled to go "up north" to one of the Battalions operating in bad news territory.  But, some of the Clerk Typists who worked in the Personnel Section at Brigade Headquarters had looked at my file with my background information.  They saw that I had a background of working in various ministries.  

They thought I might should stay at the office of the Brigade Chaplain (who was over the other Chaplains of the 18th Engineer Brigade spread out over the country) and sent me down to interview with him.  As a result, he said yes, he would like me to stay there.  So, I spent a year there instead of in a much more dangerous situation.  We only were shot at during the night and experienced pretty normal days.

A fascinating fact about some of these "Clerk Typists" is that three of them were graduates of Harvard Law School.  One had been Editor of the Harvard Law Review and another had served as an Assistant Attorney General of New York.  One day on KP Duty in the mess hall, we were peeling potatoes, I learned there is no difference in how a Harvard Law Grad peels potatoes and how an Arkansas State Speech Major peels potatoes.

How would my life have been different had these men I did not know made a decision about me? 

Your Past Influences Your Future!

We can never forget that what we did in the past....good or bad.....can affect the opportunities or lack of opportunities that come our way later.

Live your best NOW to live for the best days, weeks, and even years down the road.  It all counts!

Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9 and 7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship is at Amazon.com/dp/B0DTTRJH38.

Two Different Types of Students

 Following a worship event recently, I saw one student standing by himself looking for someone to connect to.  He is awkward, not good at conversation, and sometimes not dressed quite appropriately.  He is a great reminder to me.

I am all about strong student leaders.  I have been blessed to have lots of strong, even charismatic type student leaders.  If you read any of my stuff, you know that I rale on about the necessity of reaching and building up student leaders and how that benefits the ministry.

I have shared previously an experience from the past where at the end of one of our worship events, the person speaking had us join hands to sing and close in prayer.  One one side, I was holding hands with one of the prettiest and most sought after girls on campus.  On the other side, I was holding hands with a girl with physical deformities and a grating personality.  

It was a BIG God Moment for me.  Our college ministries are supposed to be like that.  I hope you are reaching leaders and growing them.  But, I also hope your ministry has some students that no one else on campus cares about.  For sure, it is complicated and sometimes calls for delicate conversations.

Last year I was waiting to visit with a college ministry friend and asked how he was doing.  He said, "I just had one of those hard conversations where I had to tell a guy if he was going on our Spring Break Mission trip, he had to take a shower every day.  Those are not fun conversations.

But, I think they are God conversations.  A college guy who does not know to take a shower regularly needs to be told and taught to do so.  He also needs friends around him and that will help him feel loved and included.  I was glad he was getting to go on their Spring Break Mission Trip and I was glad the College Minister was tough enough to have that conversation with him.

What about your ministry?  Do you have a few students nobody else wants?  Are you saying things lovingly into their life they need to hear?  No, a college ministry is not supposed to be just a gathering place for those who have no other place, but just as it is building up leader types, it needs to be speaking love and godly counsel into some that are not charismatic leaders.

College ministry is hard, but wonderful!

Arliss Dickerson's book, Reaching MORE College Students, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0MW8NPMN and Tips for College Freshmen is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

Getting Freshmen Names

Steve Masters at LSU is the king of getting freshmen names.  His focus this spring is contacting Christian schools and getting their list of graduating seniors contact info, religious preferences, and where they are headed to college.  He is also partnering with the Catholic ministry at LSU and they are getting senior info from the Catholic schools and passing on the non-Catholic names to the BCM.  The BCM is passing on the Catholic names to them.

Never underestimate the possibility of partnering with other ministries for the benefit of all.  They are also working with all the full time FCA staffers in Louisiana to get Senior contact info.

Steve says March is the perfect time to contact the Christian schools and that later they are too tied up in moving toward graduation to provide the information.

What do you do to get incoming Freshmen names and make contact with them?  Other new ideas????

Reaching MORE College Students is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0MW8NPMN and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

The Two Sides of Mentoring

 As I have said, when I think about it, I am embarrassed about how little I really knew about college ministry when I started out. I was fortunate as a student to have been in a good ministry and walked into one in my first job.  So, my philosophy was basically, "Monkey see; Monkey do".

I am all about newer College Ministers having a veteran mentor.  Everything does not have to be and should not be learning it the hard way.  Sometimes, it is the hard way that forces folks out of ministry...or at least college ministry.

I believe it is valuable for every newbie to have a mentor AND every wise vet to be mentoring someone.

There are two sides to mentoring.  First of all, it benefits the new guy or gal who can ask questions and just share frustrations.  Being able to unload on someone besides your spouse it always a plus.  Obviously, we need to talk to our spouse about our ministry, but I think too much of that puts an unfair burden on them.  One of the two biggest reasons that people get out of college ministry is feeling alone! (The other is comparison.)  They are not a professor; they are not a pastor or church staff.  And unfortunately, many outsiders do not think college ministry is a full time job.

Just having somebody to unload on occasionally is huge.  But, even more, just being able to ask somebody that knows how to handle a situation is huge. Asking the why of some things is important in understanding more about ministry.  Why do you change leadership teams when you do?  Why do you send out an alumni newsletter?  Why do you work at a relationship with the administration?  Why does that matter?

The Other Side of Mentoring:  So, what's in it for the Vet beside helping out someone?  Usually, the newbie is going to be younger than the vet.  Often, that newbie is going to be way more tech savvy than the vet and can tell them some things that will help.  Instead of using pen and paper sign-in sheets, there are different tech options available these days.  Which social media AP do students most use and follow?  Why do students think this way about that issue?  It also helps the vet to really think about the why and not just the how.

I believe College Minister Vets mentoring Newer College Ministers is a winner for everybody.  

So, how do you get a mentor?  It can be a formal arrangement where you simply ask someone you respect to meet or talk with you by phone or in person once a week or once every couple of weeks.  Also, you can just call up a wise Vet and say, "Can I ask you a big question?"  It does not have to be an on-going thing.

Call up a Vet you think knows some stuff and ask if you can come follow them around for a day.  It is amazing what you will see and pick up on that you would never thing to ask.  When I first came to ASU, I went to Texas A&M and followed Ron Wells around for 2-3 days.  

Call someone you think has it going on and ask them to send you a copy of their printed materials.

What if I am willing to Mentor a Newbie but it's weird to call them up and volunteer? Just call up a newbie and say, "You came to my mind today and I wanted to see how you are doing."  Maybe, just maybe, it will be one of those days they are thinking about quitting and selling insurance looks good.  At the very least, they will know someone cared enough to call.  You can do that with different ones.  Just call and say, "How are you doing?'  Maybe even tell them you will pray for them.

"To Timothy, my true son in the faith:  Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."  I Timothy 1:2  Wouldn't you have liked to have heard some of Paul and Timothy's conversations.

A mentoring relationship is a plus to both sides!

Thanks so much for messages I have gotten from some telling me you have gotten my new book, 7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship.  You would do me a huge favor, if you would go to the Amazon page and write a quick 2 or 3 sentence honest review.  Here is the link:  Amazon.com/dp/B0DTTRJH38.  If you are looking for something to give to some high school seniors, check out Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9

Resources for Newer College Ministers and Any Others

 Here are some resources for newer College Ministers that have been suggested by some great veteran College Ministers.  And, you don't have to be new to benefit from it.

Beverly Parrish Skinner in Georgia recommends in the area of Leadership Development several Jeff Iorg books.  "The Painful Side of Leadership" is one that they have read and discussed in their monthly staff meetings.  Some of their newer College Ministers are going to do "The Character of Leadership" by Iorg.  Beverly also recommends Mark Miller's easy to read fable style books on leadership.  He is a Chick Fil A VP.  

Jonathan Clark at Murray State recommends Jeff Iorg's Leadership Podcast which he says are FANTASTIC and very practical.

One thing that several mention is having a veteran mentor.  If no one assigns one to you, seek out a veteran College Minister and ask them to meet with you occasionally in person or by phone.  It could be once a week, every two weeks, etc.  

There are a series of eBooks developed by Paul Worcester that are available for free through Paul at Gensend.org .They are:  A Guide for Campus-Based Collegiate Ministry by Ryan Scantling and Gary Stidham; A Guide for Church-Based Collegiate Ministry by Wes Smith and Jared Gregory; A Guide for Collegiate-Focused Church Planting by Keith Weiser and Troy Nesbitt.  

Ryan Scantling, formerly at University of Arkansas, says the best thing he has written is "Calling for a Response" at arkansasbaptist.org.  Just type in the title in the search box.

Paul Worcester recommends that you check out their Collegiate Coaching Network at Gensend.org.

A Church Staffer recommended "The 6 Types of Working Genius" (Be aware there is profanity) by Patrick Lencioni.  It is helpful in understanding the necessity and value of having different type people on a student leadership team or a multiple staff.

SOME SUGGESTIONS BY THESE WISE PROS:

Ben Maddox of Tennessee Tech says, "In my early years, I was guilty of telling students to evangelize and disciple, but not providing them with consistent resources (always trying the next new resource).  My more experienced self would say find some proven ways to evangelize and disciple and stay with them so a culture of  reproducibility takes place. And adjust the technique when necessary."

Steve Masters at LSU suggests these topics to learn about:  1. Reaching Freshmen: 2.  Relating to local churches; 3.  Developing a strong financial base for the ministry from churches, alumni, and parents.

Please pass this along to newer College Ministers who would benefit AND let me know of other resources that you would recommend.  My goal is to grow this list. Newer College Ministers should NOT have to learn everything the hard way!

Please let me know MORE helpful resources!

If you want to check out any of my college ministry resources, you can start here: , Almost Everything About College Ministry, is at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

The Collegiate Ministers Fellowship Returns!

 The Collegiate Ministers Fellowship began in the 1980's when a group of Baptist College Ministers decided to meet for 3 days in the summer to exchange ideas and learn from each other.  

This year the Collegiate Ministers Fellowship will be June 23 and 24 in Pensacola, Florida.  Adam Venters, BCM Campus Minister at the University of South Carolina, is helping to organize the gathering this year.  Some feel this would be ideal to tie a professional development experience with a family vacation.  Or, a group of College Ministers can carpool together and make it extra budget friendly.

A prime part of the Fellowship has been Whiteboard Sessions where anyone can list a topic they want discussed, questions answered, or even to ask someone to speak to an area they are known for doing well.

There is NO REGISTRATION FEE!  You provide your own housing and meals.

For more information or to register, contact Adam Venters at 423.202.6512.

You can check out "Reaching MORE College Students" at Amazon.com/dp/B0MW8NPMN or "A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula"  at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

The 5 Building Blocks of a College Ministry

 When I was asked one time to tell everything I knew about college ministry in one sentence, I said, "Be you on the campus where you are."  It is as simple and as complicated as that.  The five building blocks are all about utilizing the gifts that God has placed in your life in the unique setting that each campus offers.  

Every College Minister is different and every college campus is different.  Every campus is a little different every year and the students in the ministry will be a little different every year.

Be a student of your campus and believe that God has created you uniquely and wants to use you in the way He created you. But, don't let that be an excuse that keeps you from doing some things that need doing, but just are not your thing.  That is part of why it is called, "a job.". 

 These 5 Building Blocks are all about YOU and YOUR Campus:

 1. Who YOU are Personally.  Proverbs 10:9

2.  Having a Strategy That is INTENTIONAL and fits. Proverbs 21:5

3.  DEVELOPING and Utilizing Student Leaders.  Psalm 78:72

4.  Making the MOST of your Resources.  Luke 14:28

5.  Making CONNECTIONS that Build the Ministry.  Philippians 2:3

This is adapted from my book, "A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula" Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.  

Check out Reaching MORE College Students at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

God is ALWAYS Doing MORE than You Know!

 I strongly believe that God is always doing more than we know in college ministry.  I recently published a book titled "7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship" (This is NOT a plug for it!)  This was a talk I did some years ago that I have been requested to do multiple times.  And, I put the outline in my Blog some years ago and told anyone to feel free to use it and different ones told me they had.

A couple of months ago, I decided to put it in book form as at different times people would ask me about it.  Now that it is available, I am getting messages from former students saying, "I still have my handwritten notes from when I heard you do it at ASU."  I got a message from a pastor who said he heard me do it on his campus several years ago and he still has his handwritten notes.

Here is my point!  God has used that talk way beyond any expectations I would have.  Who still has notes from a talk they heard a College Minister give years ago?  I usually cannot find the notes I took during last Sundays' sermon.....LAST SUNDAY.  Probably that speaks more about me.....but, people have notes from a talk they heard years ago.

One former student sent me this message:  "I bought this book for my church's youth ministry because it impacted me so when I heard it."  This was from a former student I don't think even liked me very much.....you know there are some in your ministry like that.

This is NOT about how great the talk is or was.  If I had to rate it, I would probably give it a Medium.  But, God has used it way more than anything I would anticipate.

Two Take-Aways:

One, in these cold days of winter, when students are not there because they don't want to get out or they have the flu and cannot attend.....Or, they have the flu and come and HUG you! Know and believe that God is doing MORE than you know.

Second, usually, when I did this talk, we would hand out an outline that they could take notes on, fill in the blanks, etc.  It would list the scripture passages where I said there were principles that related to dating.  For some reason, students seem more likely to keep these printed outlines as well as it helping them follow along.  I had some student secretaries that were really good about formatting them and putting some art work on them that made them more attractive just than a blah sheet.

Three (I don't count well.) It is a reminder to me of the importance of our speaking to issues they are wrestling with and need help on.....and nobody else is speaking to.  I wish people would tell me they remember when I spoke on the book of Revelation or Forgiveness or The Plan of Salvation.  But, here is the deal, I am not the only one most of my students hear speaking on these and similar topics.  They remember when you scratch an itch no one else is scratching!

God is ALWAYS, ALWAYS Doing WAY MORE than you know!

You can check out Reaching MORE College Students here Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

Three Books for College Ministry

 I wanted to share with you 3 new books I am aware of that might be beneficial to you and your ministry.

After College (Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and Faith) by Erica Young Reitz  This is an update of a book she did a few years back.  I got to know Erica when she was part of our program at one of our Collegiate Ministry Summits.  She did college ministry with Christian Coalition at Penn State and directed Senior EXIT.  This would be a great book to use with a group of Seniors or simply as a gift to your graduating seniors. As you know, lots of students have a difficult time right after college making spiritual connections and continuing to grow.  There are 3 sections in the book:  Real Faith:  Faithful to Christ; Real Life:  Faithful to Community and Real World:  Faithful to Our Calling.  My favorite chapter is "No Perfect Church" as so many of my grads have said they are waiting to find and join the perfect church.  This is an IVPress book.

Tribes Revisited by Ric Howerton - Ric has long been a friend to College Ministers and is THE Guru on small groups as far as I am concerned.  This book is super PRACTICAL which is always a must for me.  If you take this book serious and apply it into small groups, it will revolutionize your groups.  One application of it would be to use it with upperclass groups for serious discipleship.  Two of my favorites in it book are his listing and explanation of different types of people in a group and the Four Quadrants of Group Life.  It will come out in March.

Resolve:  What It Takes To Survive And Thrive in Hard To Reach Places by Ben Neiser - This is a brand new book available at Amazon Books that came out of Ben's ministry at Brigham Young University......yes that HARD place.  Ben started out doing college ministry there and was doing such a good job, the Morman administration invited him to leave the campus.  He and some others started a church that has grown and thrived there in the middle of the Morman capitol.  Ben uses his own personal experiences to illustrate principles.  You will find it very engaging.  It is in eBook format now with a print version available shortly.  You can check it out at Amazon.com/dp/B0DVMQ96PR.

Here is a freebie:  I just released "7 Red Flags In A Dating Relationship" which came out of a talk I had only planned to do once, but became one that different campus and youth groups kept asking me to do.  If you are interested in checking it out, you can find it here:  Amazon.com/dp/B0DTTRJH38.

Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books are available at Amazon:  Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN

Should We Criticize Other Ministers?

 Obviously, you know what raises this question.  Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde angered many by asking President Trump to show mercy during the inaugural prayer service. Others speak negatively of Franklyn Graham due to his support of President Trump.  This is not meant to be a political post in any way.  But, rather how we do ministry and how we relate to other ministers.

There are two issues or questions raised by this discussion:

1.  What is appropriate to say when we are to pray or speak at some sort of official event?  I like most of you in college ministry or any other ministry have been asked to pray at lots of different events.  I prayed at a college football game immediately following 9/11.  I have prayed at Board Meetings, graduations, etc.  I have even received a message from a University Attorney giving me some boundaries before I prayed.  

I try to do two things.  First, I try to represent the Lord and my ministry well that will open other doors for ministry.....and most of all, not give the Lord a bad name!  Second, I don't want to be just a formality, but benefit what is happening and pray or speak in some way for the good of the event and those involved.  

Some say it was inappropriate for her to say something controversial and speak about an issue that was opposite of the president's position.  Others quote the Prophet Samuel in 2 Samuel 12:7 when he pointed to King David and said, "You are the man!" confronting the king about his relationship to Bathsheba and having her husband killed in battle.

Here would be my guide:  Prayerfully decide if what you plan to say is for the benefit of the situation OR are you trying to make a name for yourself and show how courageous you are?  We are to speak the truth and be wise in when and how is the best way to do that.

2.  Should we speak negatively of other Christian Ministers?  My simple answer is NO.  We can say I disagree with what that minister did or the way they did it.  But, to say that another Christian Minister is not a Christian is inappropriate or to say they obviously are not called of God because of some of their actions or beliefs is to speak to something that can only be known for sure by them and the Lord. And, it infers that we think we have no sinful actions in our own life,

I fear that when we say another minister cannot be speaking the word of the Lord because of things in their life we think are wrong, we are claiming perfection for ourselves and our ministry.  My thought is we may not have their "sins" ......we have our own.

Bottom Line:  Disagree with what another Minister does and says, but don't say they obviously are not a Christian or are not called by the Lord.

Just my thought on it.....which with $2 or $3 will buy you a coke or coffee.....some places.

Arliss

You can find Arliss Dickerson's college ministry books at Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX and Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

It Ain't Rocket Science!

 It ain't Rocket Science to know that to reach more students you need MORE people doing it with a good strategy. A friend of mine is observing a booming college ministry outside the south.  I asked him what he saw as the keys to their success.  NUMBER ONE was they have 5 full time staffers and 3 parttime.  the second thing he mentioned was they work at developing small group leaders who connect to students, encourage and invite them to the big event!

If you want to reach MORE students, you need more people working at it.  They have 8 working at it.  Several years ago I was visiting with a Church College Minister outside the south who had a large group gathering of 1500.  I asked his key.  His first response was, "I have 150 Adult volunteers."  He told me that he had a parttime worker who did nothing but recruit and work with volunteers.  How is that for multiplying one parttime worker?

It ain't Rocket Science.  To reach MORE students....you need MORE people doing it!

There are 4 Categories:

1. Fulltime Staff - The key with fulltime staff is having a strategy that connects them to different groups of students and everybody is not working with the same students all the time.

2.  Parttime Staff - This is crucial in finding their niche and utilizing them in the most effective way.  And, all parttime staff do not have to have the same gifts, strengths.  Different people connect to different groups of students.  Also, a parttime staffer might not work year round.  What about mothers who want to be home when their children out of school? There are some awfully sharp moms out there.

3.  Adult Volunteers - Help them know what to do and feel appreciated!  Adult volunteers can lead Bible Study Groups.  A Sorority alum can connect to her Sorority and lead a Bible study and connect them to the ministry.  Could a Marching Band alum connect to them and lead a Bible study?  You get the idea.

4.  Student Leaders - Training is key with student leaders. Train them well and, build into their lives personally and let them know they are appreciated.  Make sure it benefits them and not just "uses" them.

Many years ago there was a saying in college ministry, "One person can reach and work with about 50 people."  For a variety of reasons, I think that number is a little low these days.  But, go back to the 150 volunteers for the 1500 meeting....that averages 10 apiece.  What if every volunteer you enlisted could add 10 more students to your ministry?

So, which are you doing?  Which could you do or which could you do better?

Arliss Dickerson writes some college ministry books.  Here is one:  Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.

Are You a Teacher, Preacher, Or Speaker?

 I am sure some of you have heard me tell the story of as a boy asking my dad what was the difference in preaching and speaking.  I would hear them say someone was coming to our church to preach then at some point, they would be telling of someone else coming to speak.  So, I asked my dad the difference.  My dad was not an educated man; he had only gotten to go through the 6th grade when he had to quit and go to work.

My dad scratched his chin and said, "I think when you speak, you have to have something to say."  I am not sure what all he meant by that. But, as a College Minister, I primarily spoke at our weekly student event, but did speak fairly regularly in churches.  Often, someone would come up to me and say something like, "I enjoyed your talk."  That meant I did not sound like a preacher to them....which for some that was bad and for others it was good.

So, if you are a College Minister, do you consider yourself a preacher, speaker, or teacher?  So, is there a difference and does it matter?  I consider myself a speaker.  I worked at not "sounding like a preacher."  One of my goals and commitments always was to try to connect to students that had walked away from church or was not a church person at all.

But and however, I really think it is important that College Ministers see themselves as teachers.  To me the idea of being a teacher helps.  There are things that Christian college students need to know and learn that will NOT be Sunday morning church topics.  There are lots of issues and questions they need to see and hear a biblical viewpoint on.  Lots of those topics need to be spoken on every year because there are students that have not heard it and for different reasons, many students are only going to be around one or two years.  I talked about forgiveness in some way or other every year.  I talked about God's Will every year.  

One thing I think that pushes College Ministers toward seeing themselves as a preacher is the increasing number of students that are not believers and need to hear the Gospel.  I definitely get that.  But, I think we cannot lose our "teacher cap" and role.  Also, for those of us whose ministries are on campus and sponsored by churches, we don't want to offer just another version of what they are getting there.  If we do that, why do they need both?

For some, the difference in a Preacher and a Speaker is whether you yell or not.  I'm just not a yeller! 

So, do you see yourself as a Teacher, Preacher, or Speaker and why is that? 

Have you reached all the students you want to reach, if so, you do not need this Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.

Tasks for Every College Minister Age

 Last week I did a Facebook Live Post on the tasks for every College Minister Season.  Here they are, if you missed it or just want to see them in black and white.

First of all, remember my basic premise:  There are strengths to EVERY age and Weaknesses to every age.  Lean into your strengths and mitigate the weakness.  But, you have to be honest about where you are.

The Near Peer or Everybody's Buddy Tasks:

Look at different ministries to learn and formulate your own college ministry philosophy.

Discover by trial and error and honest evaluation what your personal ministry gifts and strengths are.

Be coachable.  Realize you have a lot to learn.

Find a wise pro mentor to develop, nurture and encourage you.

The Cool Adult or Role Model Tasks:

Develop a network of friends and colleagues for learning and support.  Feeling alone is one of the college ministry killers.

Become more intentional in planning and strategizing as a result of your growing experience.

Learn to balance ministry and family, if married or if single, have a life outside of work 24/7.  Be fair to BOTH work and family or you.  Burnout is real.  Family crisis is real.

Admit you are not a peer anymore.

The Respect Veteran Tasks

Work at staying tuned to students' viewpoints and perspectives.

Spend some time building and developing the ministry support base as a result of your earned respect and experience.  Share the vision and the needs.

Begin to minister to and invest in younger College Ministers.  It will benefit them AND keep you fresh in seeing things from a younger perspective.

Be intentional in developing a ministry larger than your personal ministry.

The Builder or Statesperson Tasks:

Don't become just an administrator...be out on campus.

Be intentional about benefitting college ministry as a whole by writing, speaking out wisely.

Put the support base of the ministry on a firm and strong foundation for the future.  Build or re-do a ministry Center or House?

Don't let bitterness from denominational politics or lack of advancement to negatively color your perspective and actions.

Some people get out of college ministry just when they are beginning to know enough to be the most effective.  We need MORE old pro College Ministers.

Adapted from Almost Everything About College Ministry Amazon.com/dp/B08CMD9CXX Check out A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV

The New Semester Challenge

 When you try something different to reach college students who have not been reached, you often fail.  When you don't try, you always fail.

Try something different this semester.  It may just be a one time thing.  Or, it could be a whole semester experiment.

You can think about it and maybe even try something you have always wanted to do OR,

At one of your Leadership Team meetings, have "Crazy Idea Time".  What is one thing we have never done before?  Just brainstorm for about 10 minutes and then have your leaders pick one of the "Crazy Ideas" you are going to try.  Yeah, I know that sounds scary.  But, think about it.

Wayne Gretzky, the great hockey player said, "You miss every shot you don't take."

Go for it.  Try one different thing.  Then, see what you learned from it.

Wednesday, January 8th at 10:00 a.m. Central, I will be doing a Facebook Live Video, "Part 2 of The Seasons of a College Minister."  Hope to see you then!

A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 

A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV