"Secrets" of Veteran College Ministers

 After doing college ministry for a number of years and then as a part time consultant for the College Ministry Office at Lifeway, I was fortunate to be around a lot of veteran College Ministers who do it really well.

Here are their "Secrets"

1.  They keep looking and learning new things.  They never feel like they have it all figured out.  They are always looking at other ministries and asking questions.  They are willing to be open to and learn from those who are not as experienced or as "successful" as they are.

2. They do not make sweeping changes every year.  They just tweak and adjust a little here and there.  But, they will make a major change when they are convinced it is needed.  

3.  They continue to be students of their campus.  They realize that campuses adjust and change a little every year.  Schedules change, etc.  When warranted, they adjust to meet the change of their campus.

4.  They build up their ministry by building up their student leaders (both spiritually and numerically).  They look for and develop leaders.  And, they are not afraid to let them lead.  Yet, they are willing to say no when necessary.

5.  They look for and allow others to counter-balance their weaknesses.  They are not afraid to promote others or put them in the spotlight.

6.  They understand that a ministry of any size must have significant funding.  They give some time and energy to raise money, express appreciation for the funds they receive, and develop a budget to maximize their ministry.

7.  They give time and priority to doing what they do best.  If they are an organizer, they organize.  If they are a speaker, they give time to prep and speak well. If they are a people person, they get out and "people".  If they are athletic, they connect with students that are. They have both admitted their weaknesses and leaned into what they do best.

Which one of these do you need to give a little attention to and which are you maxing out your personal strength (and ALL ages have a strength)?

Arliss Dickerson's book, Reaching MORE College Students, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BMW8NPMN and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dpB0BZ6Q7HSV.