The 10 Commandments of Collegiate Ministry

 I first wrote "9 Shaping Principles of an Effective Collegiate Ministry" in 1991.  Since then, it has evolved at different times and ways into some variations of The 10 Commandments of Collegiate Ministry.  Here is today's version.

1.  Don't underestimate the need to communicate a VISION for the ministry and who God is that will shape the ministry and its outreach to the campus.

2.  Be a student of your campus. Every campus is different and continues to evolve.  The ministry must be developed uniquely for that campus.

3.  You must have a plan and strategy to connect to and reach Freshmen during the first 2-3 weeks of school, which is their most available time.

4.  Be intentional in making the campus aware of the ministry and giving the campus an accurate perception of the ministry.

5.  Remember, students are looking for what benefits them. The felt needs of students must be intentionally and obviously met for students to respond and to continue to respond.  Also, it is a key part of their seeing the Bible is relevant to them.

6.  Never forget the role models that students see in a ministry (both staff and students) will greatly shape the style, quality of the ministry, and the response to the ministry.

7. You must help students feel ownership of the ministry which will help determine their degree of commitment, investment, and desire to involve others.

8.  You must help students feel KNOWN and CARED FOR in some personal ways through community, small groups, etc.

9.  The ministry must adapt to changing situations and new student leadership gifts and abilities, as well as develop students to fill necessary on going leadership roles.  This also helps develop and prepare them for local church leadership roles in the days to come

10.  The ministry must connect to a broad base of churches and interested individuals to provide its necessary financial and emotional support base.

Check out "A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity" at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 and "A College Ministry Success Formula" at Amazon.com/dp/B0FFTHL6HP.