A Simple Recipe for College Success

 The right ingredients is what makes every dish taste good.  There is a simple recipe for college success for freshmen.

1.  Intentional Priorities -  Decide what is important to you.  Make those things the center of your activities at the very start of school.  If you are a Christian, make sure that is part of it.

2.  Friends - Make friends by your priorities.  If your friends have similar priorities, you are more likely to practice and live by those priorities.

3.  Schedule - Be intentional in planning and living by a weekly schedule that has time for sleep, study, and fun. Make sure to establish a good schedule at the start and adjust it as you progress.  But, START with a schedule.

Adapted from Arliss Dickerson's book,  Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.  Also, check out A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1

Beware of College Ministry "Experts"

 It is a bit of a paradox for someone who writes and speaks on college ministry to say, "Beware of experts".......after all, I am always encouraging newer College Ministers to learn from old pros.  But, here is the thing, it is easy to confuse notoriety, a big presence on social media or a proximity to someone as expertise.

A friend said they had read an article on college ministry by a person in Baptist life I had never heard of.  The article was being circulated because he was at the church of a well known preacher.  Some years ago, a pastor told me he was frustrated by going to conferences where someone would speak on growing a church whose church was located in a booming suburb.  He said, "They know nothing about how to grow a church like mine."

Here is the point.  Sometimes, the best person to help you and for you to learn from is not somebody famous.  Rather, it is someone who is working in a similar situation to yours.  Their ministry may not be huge and they may not be the featured speaker at a conference, but they have dealt with many of the same issues you face.  I was visiting with someone who leads a a very large college ministry and many would correctly call him an expert.  In the midst of my conversation, he told me he had 24 staff members.....most college ministries I know are 23 short of that.  You may hear him at a conference and you should listen to him.  

But, someone else may be YOUR most helpful "expert".  Who is working in a similar situation to yours?  Who is someone that works with similar resources to yours?  Who is on a campus that would be similar to yours?  Maybe the two of you should visit regularly.....AND he or she might even learn something from you!  Also, I am all about networking with College Ministers outside your state as they often have a little different view and bring some different insight.  Networking is part of a growth formula.

Beware of college ministry experts......including this one!

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1. You can get Tips at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

6 Tips for College Freshmen Who will Live Off Campus (and their parents)

There are some pluses to being a commuter college student......especially if it involves a free room at home.  There are two types of commuter:  the one who lives at home and the one who lives in an apartment or house away from campus.  

Studies show that as a whole, students who live in dorms or other on-campus housing tend to make better grades.  The reason is quite simple.  It is easier to be and feel connected when living on campus.  It is easier and more convenient for a campus student to go to the library or a study group.  The people they are living around are doing those things.  Those who live at home and take classes often have a part time job also and sometimes do not feel like a college student.

6 Tips for Freshmen (and their parents) living away from campus:

1.  Be intentional about meeting some people and making some new student friends that share the same priorities and commitments.  Don't just hang out with former high school friends or the guy or girl you share an apartment with.

2.  If a student is living at home, it is important to remember that college life functions on a different time schedule.  There are programs, religious activities, and intramurals that take place from late afternoon to late into the evening.  Parents should not always expect their college student to function on the same old dinner time at home, etc.  Don't let supper time at home prevent college life and experiences from happening.

3.  Whether a commuter living at home or in an apartment, eating some meals on campus is a plus.  It can promote new friendships and more college connections.  Some buy a meal ticket and many campuses have a plan where money can be deposited in an account and used at different campus eating locations and even at some places adjacent to campus that are frequented by students.  Another factor is students living out on their own do not eat so well when they do all their own food!

4.  Make plans and schedule to attend start of school Orientation and Fun Welcome Events. It is easy for those away from campus to not attend those and it it a mistake.  In addition to campus sponsored fun and get acquainted events, campus Christian groups sponsor fun events that help make solid connections.  They go by different fun names like Freshmen Survival, FreshLife, Rookie Bulldog Weekend, etc, etc.  Many college ministry churches will host special Lunches and even Brunches the first Sunday after the dorms open.  These make for great positive connections opportunities. If necessary, take off work to do some of these.

5.  The first 2-3 weeks of college often sets the pattern of the rest of a student's college career.  Don't believe those that say, "Don't worry about going to class or having your books that first week or two.  Some classes start slow and some start fast and hard.  It is possible to ruin your grade point at the beginning.

6.  If faith has been part of your life, be intentional about maintaining it at the very start.  Lots of freshmen disappear from Christian involvement simply because they got busy at the start.  Make it a priority and if you are a parent, make it a discussion just like studying and keeping a scholarship and good grades.

The Golden Rule for Freshmen:  Make friends by your priorities.....not your priorities by your friends.  We become like the five or six people we hang out with the most.

Arliss Dickerson has spoken to hundreds of college freshmen at Orientation and Welcome Events.  You can get his quick and easy to read book, Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades is available at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

WHO Are You Having Lunch or Coffee with THIS Week?

 Relationships are the currency of ministry.  You can stop there, if you like short articles. Our relationships go a LONG way in determining the success of our ministry.

One of the things I really miss about doing full time college ministry is all of the lunches I did with different people.  When I went back to the ministry at Arkansas State as the Interim, I was contracted to work three days a week.  One of those days was our large outreach Lunch Program and the other two days I ate in the Cafeteria one day and in the Food Court the other day.  Most students did not realize that I was only working "part time".  They would see me a lot.  That is one advantage of a large campus having only one Student Center with one Cafeteria. 

One of the great things about college ministry is the easy opportunity to do lots of relationships.  College cafeterias, Food Courts and snack bar areas are ripe for deepening relationships and starting new ones. You can arrange to have lunch with one student or a group of students.  You can meet new students as students you know introduce you to others.

Who should you go to lunch with or have coffee with this week?

-That pastor who has been super encouraging to your ministry?

-That student who is struggling with whether God is calling him or her to the ministry?

-That Campus Minister who just came to town?

-That student who has the potential to be one of your top leaders in the years to come?

-That student who was very involved in your ministry and has backed away for good or bad reasons?  You don't have to fuss at them, just check on them and encourage them.

-That alum that works there in town that was a key leader a few years ago.

-That group of freshmen that are as a friend of mine says are, "such a freshman"?

-Who is someone that you need to learn something from or be mentored by?

Of course, there are times you need to eat lunch by yourself, jut to breathe a little or eat with your spouse.  But, lunches and coffee times are too valuable to waste.  Are you planning and scheduling your lunch and coffee times every week for God's glory and use?

If you aren't being intentional about your relationships, you probably are not doing much ministry!  Walk across the campus and through the Student Center every day.

"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."  I Thessalonians 2:8

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity, Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1 and the popular Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

ONE MORE Thing I Would do if I Were a NEW College Minister this Summer

I recently did a Blog article entitled, "8 Things I Would Do if I Were a New College Minister This Summer" and thought it would be read like six times. Crazy thing:  it was passed around a lot.  Even veteran College Ministers and Ministry Supervisors were reading and commenting on it.

But, I have thought of ONE MORE THING I want to add to the list.  I wrote in a previous article that I was visiting with a new College Minister and I was so impressed with his enthusiasm and........I was struck by how little he knew.  We have all been there and sometimes realized it and sometimes did not.  I can think of stories from my first year at Henderson State University and want to apologize.

The ONE MORE THING:  I would do is ask a veteran College Minister that I respected to meet with me once a week in person or by phone for 30 minutes to an hour each week.  As I thought about my new College Minister friend, I thought how great for a wise veteran to be able to help him channel that enthusiasm for his campus and role there.

In this weekly session, the new guy or girl can bounce ideas off the vet.  They can describe situations they had to deal with since last week's talk and how could I have handled it differently?  They can share their frustrations with someone who cares.  Feeling alone is one of the two biggest killers of College Ministers.

So, if you are new.....even within your first three years....What about asking a wise veteran to visit with you once a week?  It will speed up your learning curve considerably and help you avoid some pot holes.

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV, A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1and Arliss' MOST POPULAR Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9

What Should Determine a College Minister's Salary?

It is a basic assumption of mine that most College Ministers are way underpaid for what they do.   

Some years ago, I was advocating for a raise for my Associate and I said, "He is worth more than what we are paying him."  My boss said, "We don't pay people what they are worth.  We have salaries and some people make less than they are worth and some make more than they are worth." I thought that was strikingly honest.

One fact we know is that the strength and size of a college ministry is partly determined by the long term service of a strong College Minister.  Most large college ministries are led by long time veterans for a variety of reasons.  They know how to do it.  They have learned the ins and out of that campus and know how to deal with the administration.  They have earned the respect and appreciation of pastors and churches.  They have alumni who contribute. So, decent salaries are a key part of having long time, expert College Ministers.

So in a perfect world, how would the salary of a College Minister be determined?  Many years ago in Arkansas, when I first started, there were set salaries, but there was an additional $1,000 added to the salaries of the BCM Campus Minister at Arkansas State and University of Arkansas.  They were designated as "Campuses with extra responsibility".  The size was the "extra responsibility".  I would add I think also the higher visibility and expectations that went with these campuses was part of the "extra responsibility".

So, here are 6 Factors for a College Minister Salary Equation:

Size of the Campus:  The size of the campus is always a factor.  It can make it harder to reach more students as there are more things available usually and the more students there are, the more we want to reach.  At least in the South, there are higher expectations placed on College Ministers on large "Flagship Campuses".  

 Recruiting and Supervising Staff:  Supervising others can be time consuming and is key in a multi-staff ministry working well.  Plus, we know that the number of staff is a factor in reaching more students.  Recruiting good staff is another factor.  Good leaders draw good people.  But, it takes time and effort.

Years of Experience:  Experience is a factor in effectiveness.  I was visiting with a first year College Minister and I was impressed by his enthusiasm for his work and if I am totally honest......how little he knew. Experience matters!  When I think back to my first year, I can be embarrassed about a lot of things.  It also points to the need that every new College Minister should have a wise veteran mentor their first couple of years.  Every lesson should not be learned the hard way.  Experience matters!

Education:  A degree does not make a good College Minister, but obviously, it is a plus!  I don't think it has to be a Seminary degree (says the guy who does not have one) but could be an advanced degree in leadership, etc.  Some College Ministers now are doing Doctor of Ministry programs where their D-Min Project is a real life study and practice that really can improve their ministry. 

Results/Intentionality:  Here is the hard one.  How do you quantify that?  Some campuses are harder than others.  A person can be doing a really good job and reaching 75 and another person is doing a really good job and has 200 at events.  Intentionality can be evaluated and quantified to some degree or other.  What is their plan and how are they executing it?

Cost of Living for that Location:  If a state wide entity hires College Ministers and has set salaries, that can work against those in a location that has higher than the statewide cost of living average.  Several years ago, there was a town with a small four year college and housing was extra expensive there.  The largest Baptist church gave the local College Minister, who was employed by a statewide ministry, a monthly housing allowance to make the position more on equal ground to other positions in the state.

Should a ONE TIME Bonus be given when a College Minister has an extra great year? Is this "too worldly"?

What do you think? What should be in the College Minister salary formula?

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and  A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.  Plus Freshmen Tips, Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

A FREE Ministry Tool for You and Your Students

 In the last couple of years there has been a renewed emphasis on working with students who are called to ministry or willing to explore that as a possibility in their lives.  There is a great FREE tool to help both College Ministers, students, and parents.

It is calledtoministry.org  Over 15,000 people have visited this site already this year.  

SOME KEY AREAS ARE:

    Preparation:  This is the personal as students explore their call and includes everything from Marriage Prep to Mentoring.  A particularly helpful topic is "Discerning God's Call".

    Resources:  This has several helpful hints, but the most helpful for many is the listing of 27 different ministry positions and what they do.  Many are not aware of all the different full time ministry positions that are available.  The call to ministry for many will mean something other than Pastor or Worship Leader and that may be all that many students know about.

    Education:  There is a listing of Southern Baptist Seminaries and information about each.  In addition, for the high school student exploring his or her call, there is a listing of Baptist colleges and universities with specific information about each.

    SBC Information:  It provides everything from how the SBC operates to a Doctrinal Statement.

Check out calledtoministry.org  It can both help your students and save you a lot of time and effort.  And, you don't have to be Baptist to get a little help.

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

    

    

We Need MORE OLD Guys and Gals in College Ministry!

The number one misconception about college ministry is that it is only for the young.  Most of the best College Ministers I know are not real young.

Why do we need more older College Ministers?

1.  College students don't need another buddy.  They need and want mentors.

2.  Older College Ministers can speak to students out of life experience.

3.  Older College Ministers are able to better relate to and connect to churches and pastors due to their life experience and being seen as ministry pros.

4.  Older College Ministers are usually more effective at raising money and enlisting support.

5.  Older College Ministers see and know the need of enlisting student leaders, developing and building them up.  They have learned that they do not have to be at the center of everything. The more student leaders a ministry has the more students it will reach.

6.  Older College Ministers know the difference in trends and principles in college ministry.

7.  Older College Ministers have an advantage in enlisting volunteers because of the respect they have earned and the relationships they have developed.

8.  Older College Ministers know who they are and can lean into their strengths.

9.  We need older And experienced College Ministers to mentor those new to college ministry.  

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity is at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCTNB1.

The Four Tee Shirt Principles or The 4 Unspiritual Laws of Tee Shirts

 Prior to the 4th of July feels like early summer to me.  The day after the 4th feels like panic time; school is about to start.  One of the July jobs in college ministry is designing a tee shirt to either be sold, given away, or part of a Back-2-School or Fall Retreat Sign-up. Tee shirts are part of college life.  One student said to me once, "The whole reason you come to college is for tee shirts."

Tee shirts serve several purposes.  They can advertise your weekly event.  They can be an incentive to sign up for the fall retreat or just promote your ministry in general.  Some ministries have given them away with information about their weekly meeting and asked students to wear them the day of the event....especially during the first 2-3 weeks.

Here are the 4 Tee Shirt Principles or The 4 Un-Spiritual Laws of Tee Shirts:

1.  Student MUST like the tee shirt to wear it.  Involve students in the design and selection of the color.  If you turn the design of it over to your students completely, I recommend your having final approval or regular input.  Remember, you are the one who can get fired.  Also, the fabric of the shirt is a factor and is often the difference in how much students like and whether they will continue to wear it. By the way, did you know there is some trade organization that declares the color of the year?

2.  Young women will wear a "guy tee shirt" but college guys will not wear what they perceive as "a girl tee shirt".  This is one of the places that student input is important in your selection and design.

3.  The most important time for students to be wearing ministry tee shirts is during the critical first 2-3 weeks.  So, factor that in for design and ordering in order to have them when school starts. What can you do to have 100 or even 200 shirts promoting your ministry on campus during those first early weeks?

4.  Tee shirts help build cohesion within your group.....it is part of the sense of belonging.  Everyone wants to belong and for others to know they belong somewhere.  

Arliss Dickerson's book, A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV and Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades is at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9.

What is the WORST MISTAKE Parents of College Freshmen Can Make?

 From my 40 years on college campuses, my number one nomination for worst mistake parents of a freshman can make is,

Either allowing or placing them in an apartment or house away from campus.

Why do I say that?

-A majority of desperate calls I have gotten from parents during the first 2-3 weeks of school has been to go see a freshman living off campus somewhere.  Often, they have been sitting there by themselves and not eating right.

-National studies show that students that live in dorms tend to make better grades than students that live off campus.  Why is that?  It is not that there is something magic in those dorms; it is as simple as proximity to classrooms, closer to the Library.  It takes a lot more effort to drive across town to go to class or the Library than it does to walk out the door down to the lobby and across the campus.

-Students active in campus organizations are more likely to be happy, stay in school and graduate.  It is all about being connected to others.  It is easier for those organizations to connect to students who are living on campus.....such as Christian organizations like the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (who does not care if they are Baptist or not.)

-Normally students who are in dorms will also have a Cafeteria ticket.  They will have regular access to food and not live on just ramen noodles all the time.  There is even good and healthy food, if they will pick it up

But, the dorm horror stories.....

I bet I know more of those than you do, however.....there are Resident Assistants who are upperclassmen who provide some stability to each area and are available....there are rules about alcohol and guns. There are periodic safety checks done in dorm rooms.  None of this is happening in rented houses or apartments away from campus.

If your son or daughter find themselves in a totally untenable situation, go immediately to the housing office and request a change.  Many schools have a “No Questions Asked” room change about the second or third  week.  But don’t wait to get on record and ask for help.

Of course, there are exceptions for some reason or other, but overall, I will always say a freshman is better off being in a dorm or other on campus housing.  By the way, some of it is even luxurious these days.

Want more help for your freshmen?  Check out Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades, at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9

8 Things I Would do if I Were a New College Minister this Summer

 1.  Meet the Pastors and College Ministers.  Meet the Pastors and Church College Ministers of your denomination. if you are campus based. Don't ask for anything in this first meeting.  Ask questions and listen. Meet ALL the College Ministers on campus. If you are Church based, meet all the Church College Ministers in town.  Ask what they learned there the hard way?  Any tips or suggestions?  Meet the leader of the ministry on campus connected to your church.  How can you work together?

2.  Meet the VP of Student Affairs or whomever works with student organizations. . Make sure your ministry is a registered student organization or how to become one.  Ask about any guidelines you need to know AND have there been any previous problems with your ministry it would be helpful for you to know or to clean up. Is there an Organizational Fair or Welcome Events or Orientation events your ministry can be a part of?

3.  Is there any sort of religious Preference List that is available?  Some schools will give one to recognized ministries.  Some campuses even sell them.

4.  Look at the Welcome Week Schedule and see what days, times, etc might work for your ministry to do one or more Welcome/Outreach Events.

5.  Have a coke and Chip & Dip session with any students who have been involved previously and ask questions and listen.  What has the strength of the ministry been in the past?  What is the reputation of the ministry on campus?  What do they see as the overall campus vibe toward Christian groups?  If there is an already set large group meeting time, is it the best or would another day and or time work better?

6.  Put together a flyer, poster, postcard or whatever to hand out, pass out, hang up, etc when school starts. Pictures are always a plus!

7.  Post on Social Media about your ministry and ask for names and contact info for incoming freshmen.  Facebook is a source to reach parents, grandparents, etc while other forms of Social Media will connect more directly to students.

8.  If you have a Center or Meeting space of your own, make sure it is at peak appearance and presentation.  If it needs cleaning, clean it.  If it needs paint, paint what you can.  Adding a Feature Wall in some way or other can dress up the appearance and give it a new look.  If it is a Center on or adjacent to campus, how does the yard and shrubs look?

If you are NOT a new Campus Minister, are any of these things calling your name?

Arliss Dickerson's book, Tips for College Freshmen:  124 Tips for Fun, Faith & Good Grades, is available at Amazon.com/dp/B09QFB9DJ9 and A 3 Part College Ministry Success Formula is at Amazon.com/dp/B0BZ6Q7HSV.