5 Most Common Complaints About College Ministers

They don't dress professionally. College Ministers function in a student world. Consequently, they tend to dress more casually. But, then they may go to a meeting with campus administrators or older church members who are more "dressed up". This is a particular problem when the college minister is younger and may lead to others not giving him or her the respect and professional courtesy they deserve. A few years back we had a college minister in our church who I heard this complaint about often. One Sunday when my fashion conscious daughter was visiting, she leaned over and said, "The college minister has on $200 jeans.". That would have blown the minds of some present.


  They don't encourage church attendance. This criticism is given to both campus based and church based. Some feel the campus based minister almost should drive up with a busload of students each Sunday. Some church based ministers may have larger attendance at their week night meeting than at church on Sundays. In some cases, it's true they don't encourage it enough and in many other cases, it is simply college students choosing when they will and will not go......just as older adults do.


  They are lazy and don't work. I think this criticism comes as a result of not seeing as many students attend or respond as we would all like to see. And, a significant part of what college ministers must do is be where students are and mixing with them informally. Some observers likely do not realize the significant conversations and witness happening in these settings. Most College Ministers work too much.


  College Ministers are too liberal.. This really comes I think primarily due to different views on church traditions....not theology. Younger college Ministers may not adhere to some of the traditions older members tend to connect to church and therefore are seen as liberal. Plus, College Ministers are used to hearing a variety of thoughts and ideas and are more comfortable with it even though they may disagree.

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 available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN.