Peter Drucker, the well known management consultant and author says, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast". What that means is that the "feel" and "vibe" of your ministry will always outweigh your plan. Culture is the feel of the ministry to those new students who come and the general behavior of those students already involved.
At one time I started to lead a small ministry that had gotten that way over a period of time for a variety of reasons. As we tried to reach out to new students, I discovered something. Our current students were not so wild about having more and new students. Part of why they were there was because it was small and comfortable. We held an outreach event on campus and made a connection with a fraternity that attended the special event. The next week one of the members and his girlfriend showed up at our regular worship event. Nobody much talked to them. He came back the next week with his girlfriend and her roommate. Nobody much talked to them. They did not come back and he did not respond to my messages.
Our culture had defeated my strategy. How do you change a culture?
First, get honest with what the culture is. Also, understanding why it is that way can be helpful as well. Many of our students had gone to large ministries where they felt like a number. They did not want to see that happen to our ministry. So, their answer was, stay small.
Model personally what you are hoping to see happen. A good leader does not expect something they do not model and demonstrate in their own life.
In almost any ministry there are at least one or two students who really want to grow and connect with more students. Do all you can to promote them and get them out front. Encourage them as much as possible.
If a new student exhibits some gift or ability that is needed in the ministry, get them into some role immediately that utilizes it. If they are way friendly and outgoing, invite them to be a door greeter. They will be a plus in that role and that responsibility helps tie them to the ministry. Meet with them individually for lunch or coffee to encourage and develop them. It does not hurt to invite them to bring their roommate or best buddy and you get to meet them too.
Do not "preach AT" your students about it. But, it may be that some of your speaking topics or those of guest speakers could focus on Jesus reaching out to those who were left out.
Consider holding more events in a "neutral setting" that will feel more comfortable to new people and make your current core more aware of the need to reach out to others as they are out of their comfortable setting.
One of the reasons large college ministries are led by long time campus ministers is that they have been there long enough to develop the culture. A positive culture and vibe does not develop overnight. So, be patient and keep working at it. Remember, it takes about three years for a ministry to take on the vibe, culture and philosophy of the person leading it. Ask God, if He wants you to plant your life in this ministry?
Arliss Dickerson is a college ministry/leadership consultant and the author of five books on college ministry at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson). "ALMOST Everything About College Ministry" will be available in early summer.
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