Developing "The IT Factor" in College Ministry - Part 1

 What is it that makes students listen to and be connected to a College Minister?  Is it Charisma?  Is it being beautiful or handsome?  Is it about being a talented musician?

"The IT Factor" in college ministry is RESPECT.  If you have to choose between being liked or being respected.....NEVER settle for just being liked.

How do you have or develop "The IT Factor" in college ministry?

    1.  Consistency -Be the same person in all situations...not two faced.  And remember, you are never off duty in terms of who you are and how you behave.

    2.  Time - As students see you live out who you are, your opportunities and how you are heard will just grow.

    3.  Don't just be one of the gang. - Students have lots of buddies.  You are to be a friend and mentor that has a different life perspective.

Ways you EARN Respect:

    1.  Demonstrate or model what you are asking students to do.  Don't do everything yourself, but don't hesitate to do whatever needs doing.

    2.  Don't play favorites. - Obviously, you will connect with some students more than others.  Don't always sit with or talk with the same students at events.

    3.  Be on time for meetings.  Respect students' time....just as you hope they will respect yours.

    4.  Be willing to stand up for what is right....even if its not popular.  We can disagree without being disagreeable.

    5.  LISTEN 

    6.  Don't try to impress students.  Be you!  Cool is way over rated.  It wears out at some point.  Forget pretending to be younger than you are.  If anything, students think you are even older than you are.

NEXT:  5 Things College Ministers with "The IT Factor" do.

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