In an earlier Blog article, I wrote of the significant effects of Max Barnette, Linda Halfacre Weir, and Steve Masters and how they have been very significant in their influence on college ministry as a whole are making transitions and that is opening the door to others.
Another person in this line is Beverly Parrish Skinner who is in the "process" of stepping away from her college ministry role in Georgia. Beverly's story is unique in some ways. She did college ministry in flagship ministries in both Mississippi and Texas. But, possibly her greatest influence has come in her role in Georgia.
About 14 years ago, Beverly married Warren Skinner, who at that time was BCM Campus Minister at Georgia Tech, and transitioned into Women's Ministry through Georgia WMU. About 5 years ago, the Georgia Baptist Convention, due to budget changes, made significant cuts in the number of BCM Campus Ministers through early retirements, etc. Due to this significant change in the number and placement of Campus Ministers, it was their plan to challenge, recruit, and train local churches, staff, and members to pick up the campus ministry role in an even more direct way.
Beverly was asked to assume this role as the "Collegiate Ministry Catalyst." To be honest, many felt this was a near impossible task. Beverly moved into this role and combined the knowledge and experience of a proven local Baptist Campus Minister with the willingness and imagination to combine that experience with new ideas and approaches that have worked better than many anticipated.
As I spoke of the influence of Linda, Max, and Steve, Beverly shared these great thoughts:
"These 3 and others became great leaders because they stepped up when given the opportunity. Though I don't know for certain, I can only guess they rarely felt 'ready' for the challenges......no one does. They kept trusting God and He kept using them. There are many great men and women serving on campuses right now that don't feel 'ready' for the next level of leadership......but God is as faithful to you as He was to Max, Steve, and Linda."
Beverly said better what I was trying to say. As people like Linda, Steve, Max, and Beverly change roles, we need new folks to step up and trust God to use them for the good of God's kingdom in collee ministry.
Beverly has taken what many saw as a lemons situation and made lemonade. It was not a role she sought or asked for, but allowed God to use her in new and unexpected ways. She is a great role model for what many are facing as funds decline and new thoughts have to be had and implemented.
Special thanks and blessings to Beverly Parrish Skinner as she is in the process of transitioning to retirement and is a great example of being a College Ministry Influencer by example and insight.
Check out "A College Student's Guide to Spiritual Maturity" at Amazon.com/dp/B0CXTCNB1 and "7 Red Flags in a Dating Relationship" at Amazon.com/dp/B0DTTRJH38.
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