LEAST Favorite Things Guest Speakers or Christian Personalities have Said to Me

 1. "I won't take the whole time."  These are the ones that would always go overtime at our Lunch Program where time was tight.

2.  "Don't worry I can make this talk relevant."  This was a guest speaker we had invited and paid to come do a certain topic and switched topics....yeah you know the rest of the story.

3.  "Call me back in 6 months."  For some years it was my privilege to be part of planning the National Collegiate Ministers Summit.  We usually scheduled our main speakers about a year in advance.  Two different times a well known Christian speaker would say, "That sounds really interesting, but I am only scheduling out six months in advance right now.  So, call me back in six months."  In six months that person says something like, "I've decided that's not the type event I'm going to focus my time on."

4. A speaker calls me and says, "I would love to be part of your ministry......I charge a thousand dollars a day."

5.  "I could never get peace about this talk."  Then they speak.....and you lose your peace.

6.  "How much time do I have left?"

7.  "I'm a preacher; if you wanted a speaker, you should have gone to radio shack."  

8.  The secretary of a well known Christian speaker called me and said, "Mr.____________asked me to call you and tell you he does not do breakout sessions."

9.  "Has anyone every told you that you look like Charles Stanley?"

A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1;  Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity

 After the really good response we have had to Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades (Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9) some have said, "Why don't you do another student book."

So, let me tell you about A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity which is now available at Amazon books Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 at the introductory price of $4.99.  After this, it will go to the regular price of $6.99.

The heart of the book is the Seven Steps in Spiritual Maturity:

Find and Commit to God's Will and Direction for Your Life

Be part of the Team.

Discover and Affirm Your Spiritual Gifts.

Make Good and Wise Decisions.

Be Wise in Your Friendships.

Be Intentional and Smart in Dating.

Accept Forgiveness and Develop Consistency.

As you can see, this is not a Apologetics book or a seminary text, but one aimed right at the everyday issues that either help a college student grow during college years or get them sidetracked. Each step is based around a scripture passage and closes with three or four questions for thought or discussion, if done in a group.

The second section is Some Questions Christian College Student Often Ask such as:

How should I respond to LGBTQ students and their beliefs?

How do I pick a major or a job?

How do I tell another person how to become a Christian

The third section is A Challenge.  The challenge is to invite 3 or 4 other students for a 3 week Bible study.  The 3 Topics are:

Are You Letting Excuses Keep You form Being All God Made You to Be?

Who Are You Trying to Please

Grow in Knowledge and Insight

Like anything I write it is meant to be super practical and brief.  It can be used individually or in a small group study and discussion.  I hope you will check it out and I welcome your feedback.  You would do me a kindness to post an honest review on the Amazon site.

MORE on LARGE Bible Study/Worship Events by Beverly Skinner

 My two previous Blog articles, "Recipe for LARGE College Ministries" and "What about LARGE College Ministries, Baptists, and the Future?" have generated some good discussion.  I mentioned really large worship events built around a dynamic speaker.  The two prime examples many long time college ministry pros remember were Breakaway at Texas A&M with Greg Matte and Choice at Baylor with Louie Giglio. I believe that the "first" of these super large week night Bible study/Worship events was when Dan Yeary was the College Minister/Speaker at First Baptist, Lubbock in the 70's.

Beverly Parrish Skinner was a student at Baylor when Louie Giglio was leading CHOICE and was a Campus Minister at Texas A&M when Gregg Matte was leading Breakaway.   As a result, she has good insight into them and how they relate to campus ministries like BCM.

From Beverly:

Those two ministries were/are very different than what most of us leading BCM are doing.  The only focus of those two ministries was their weekly Bible study.  They weren't trying to do weekly discipleship, missions, or really even student leadership development.  They may have had some of those things, but on a very small scale and it was never intended to include all of the students who attended their ministry.  When I was there, Breakaway hosted a ministries fair every fall to encourage students to get involved in a church and/or campus ministry because they needed more than they would get at Breakaway. (Gregg was a great partner to all of the campus ministries.)  It is much more challenging to grow a large ministry when your focus is on much more than a once-a-week Bible study.  I totally agree with the primary premise though.....it is largely dependent on staff and funding!  

The only way we will reach large campuses.....really any campus....is with staff (or volunteers) who are wholly focused on that campus.

Beverly Parrish Skinner, College Ministry Catalyst, Georgia Baptist Mission Board

Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9 and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

What About LARGE College Ministries, Baptists and the Future?

In my previous blog article, I wrote of the different factors or keys in having a LARGE college ministry. While Southern Baptists have some really LARGE campus based ministries, many  of the LARGE ministries tend to be non-denominational with large staffs or a local church ministry. Both the non-denominational and church ministries usually have large staffs and significant funding. So, where do Southern Baptists fall in all of this and what is our future?

 1.  Most  Baptist Collegiate Ministry staffs are made up of 1-3 people. Really large ministries usually have 10-25 staffers.  Many or all of these larger ministry staff people raise their own salaries, which is not widely done in Baptist circles, although it is gaining more acceptance. If we want more LARGE ministries, we must staff for a LARGE ministry. 

2.  Southern Baptists have generally leaned toward having staff on as many four year campuses as possible.  Non-denominational ministries usually target campuses such as larger schools or what are termed flag-ship campuses. Should Baptists target some campuses with larger staffs or continue to be on as many campuses as possible?

3.  BCM Campus Ministers are usually not as entrepreneurial in approach as many non-denominational Campus Ministers.  This is related at least partly to working with and for a variety of churches that may have different views as to what is acceptable and not acceptable.  This is changing in some states as their BCM Campus Ministers are doing annual fund raising banquets.

4.  Some believe that having the name Baptist in the ministry name tends to serve as an unintended exclusion to non-Baptists.  Plus, today's generation is increasingly leery of denominations.  Baptist ministries outside the south usually operate under more generic names that do not have Baptist in the title.  What are the pros and cons of the names such as Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Baptist Student Union, Baptist Student Ministries, etc?

As some believe that Southern Baptist giving and funding will steadily decrease due to the loss of the older "tithing generation" and disgust with denominational politics grows, what are some options?  Here are some thoughts in no order.  None are perfect!

1.  Target certain campuses and focus resources.  The targeted campuses could be the flag-ship campuses or ones where the ministry has been traditionally strong and there are not lots of ministries either on campus or in local churches.

2.  Hire veteran, experienced College Ministers (and pay them good salaries) that would supervise a large number of "Intern types" that would work on a number of campuses.  Obviously, these "Intern Types" work cheaper. These veteran pros would train, supervise, and develop a blueprint for each ministry.

3.  Adopt "The Virginia Model".  Instead of cutting positions, keep all the current positions at a reduced salary and allow them to raise a portion of their salary which would be livable and keep experienced veterans on the job. The State Baptist Convention of Virginia pays their Campus Ministers a salary and requires them to raise a percentage of their salary.

What are you giving high school seniors or incoming freshmen? Check out Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.  

Recipe for a LARGE College Ministry?

 What is the guaranteed recipe for a really large college ministry?  First of all, there are not many really large college ministries as some people think.  The simple answer is, it is a movement of God and I believe that, but I also know God works through and uses our efforts and situations.

So, WHAT are some characteristics of really large ministries?

-There was a Methodist campus ministry a few years ago that averaged 1500 at their large group event.  Over simply put, they had about a hundred (seriously) one year interns and then some more permanent staff layers above that.  If each intern connect to and involved just 15 students, that is 1500.

1. The size of staff is likely the NUMBER ONE factor in a really large ministry. It is not unusual at all for larger ministries to have 10-20 staff members, either full time one year types, part time students, etc, etc.

Of course, everyone  in college ministry knows the story of the really large crowds at the Breakaway ministry at Texas A&M.  Gregg Matte and others have been the speakers for this event.

2.  An outstanding speaker is the quickest factor that leads to big growth.  The easiest example of this is Louie Giglio and his story at Baylor which was then emulated by Matte at Texas A&M.  Unfortunately, many of these ministries do not maintain that size and response when that speaker leaves.  And, let's face it, there are not that many GIFTED speakers.

-I have a college ministry friend who gets $50,000 checks from alums.  That is crazy right??  He can do some things most ministries cannot do.

3.  Money/Budget is an obvious factor in the size of a ministry.  It shows itself in events, staff size, extras, etc.  Money does not make a ministry, but it sure helps shape it and its hard to have much ministry with out money.

-The first 2-3 weeks of a freshman's college career often defines their whole college career.  The friends/connections they make, the habits they develop etc are huge.

4.  Outstanding, well organized freshmen events at the start of school and on-going Freshmen ministry.  The start of the fall term is just a window that never repeats itself and the really large make the most of it in every way.  And, there usually goes that budget thing again.  But, planning and effort can cover lots of ground.

-Being the IT MINISTRY on campus.  There may be multiple ministries but one is sometimes just known better and seems to stand out.  Everything is compared to it or loses luster in comparison.

5.  Long term leadership and tradition are often the keys to being the IT MINISTRY.  The lead College Minister is a veteran who knows what to do and has made a place with the college administration and has won the trust and cooperation of pastors in the area.  AND, alums give financially and point students that direction.

-"The band is better at......" is my least favorite statement in college ministry.  

6.  While the quality of the worship/music is definitely a factor in a large ministry, I do NOT believe music alone will sustain and grow a large college ministry.

7. Large ministries make student leadership recruiting and development a HIGH priority and give them major responsibility. Students reach students College Ministers cannot and it allows the College Minister(s) to focus on things that the pros need to do.  Plus, one of our tasks is developing leaders for the church of the future.

Reaching a large number of college students requires there are a LARGE number of students.

8.  Almost all really large college ministries are on a large campus or a metro area with multiple colleges.  A ministry may be large in terms of the number it is reaching on a small campus.  Don't let that attendance number make you crazy.  Put it in perspective!

Are you depressed that none of these describe your situation?  Here is the deal: Pick one or two of these and focus on addressing it. There is a WHOLE LOT of great space between "Not much happening" and "Really large".  And we need a whole lot of ministries there!

What are you giving high school seniors or to incoming freshmen who will give you their contact information?  Check out Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

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Do You Use Texting to Your Advantage?

 Two BIG facts on Texting:

90% of Text Messages are opened and read within 3 minutes.

45% of Text Messages get a reply.

Are you using texting to your advantage?  Do you text students individually and do you send out mass texts? 

I have previously quoted one College Minister who is an excellent speaker as saying, "You should spend as much time texting students inviting them to come as you do preparing your message."

However, text messages should not just be promotional or "come to this".  Text that student that you prayed for their situation and let them know.  Text that student who is struggling with a class.  Text that student that you know that just had something really good happen to them.  

By the way, texting a pastor or two and encouraging them on a Monday is never a bad idea. 

But, I am STILL also a Postcard fan for writing incoming freshmen also.  Parents usually collect the mail and see the postcard.  Parents can be a good ally and encourager for them to connect to your ministry.  Also, it does not hurt for church members and leaders to see you reaching out to their son or daughter. Also, a thank you card to the person from a church that organized your last food event is always a good idea.

You can text me and tell me.......here is a great Blog idea or why do you write such drivel.

Tips for College Freshmen is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9  and is used by different college ministries as a gift to those who will give their contact information at Orientations or sign up for a Freshmen Retreat or Survival event.

My Annual Spring College Ministry Announcement

 Wait for it.....here it comes.......it is time to try IT!  What is IT?

It is that thing that you always wanted to try, change, or do in your ministry, but just believed it would not work, could not be done, etc, etc. From now until School is out is the time to try it.

The most likely experiment is with your large group worship event.

-Try a different time.

-Try a different night.

-Try a different place.

-Try a different format.

-Try a different speaker.

It doesn't have to be all of these.  It could be just one or two.

It does not have to be your large group worship event.  What is ONE Experiment you need to try? After Spring Break is the perfect time. Maybe your students have always wanted to do it and you just think it is a bad idea.  But, they really want to try it.  If it does not risk killing the ministry....what about it?

What about your church’s College Sunday School? Different approach, place, breakfast, all student led, divided by classes, guys and gals?

Why now?  If it works, it gives you time to learn from it, plan, and adjust it for the fall.

Think hard.....what is something you should try?  WARNING:  If it is real way out there, get your supervisor in on it and bought in.

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."  Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

What is your church giving its high school graduates or what is your ministry giving to new Freshmen at summer orientations?  Check out Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

Some Things Effective College Ministers Do

They keep looking at how others do it and learning new things.

They are students of their campus and they realize it changes a little bit every year.

They do not make wholesale changes to their ministry every year, rather they tweak and adjust as needed. 

They know their strengths/gifts and weaknesses.  They maximize their strengths and enlist and allow others to lead out and fill in those areas where they are not gifted.

They are grateful to others and express it.

They realize they have to raise some money.

They understand that administrating is part of the job and that when it is done well, it multiplies their ministry.

They realize that God is always at work and doing more than they realize.

They realize their strengths/gifts may adjust and vary some through the years and they adjust accordingly.  God highlights different gifts in different seasons.

They are wise to the seasons on the campus and the needs and tasks for those different seasons.

They realize God's kingdom is bigger than they are and try to benefit college ministry as a whole both locally and beyond.

They do not cheat their family timewise, but work at family as seriously as their ministry.

They try to nurture those younger in college ministry than they are.

They realize that they should not do everything themselves, but never ask students to do something they are not willing to do.  AND, no job is beneath them!

Arliss' books, A 3 Part College Ministry, Fixing a Broken College Ministry, and Reaching MORE College Students will all go up in price on Friday, March 8.  Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.