Why Are There Fewer College Ministers?

I believe we are seeing a decline in the number of people doing College Ministry and feeling called to what I refer to as, "the high calling". Friends who speak in or teach Collegiate Ministry classes say the classes are much smaller...now 8 or 10 rather than 20 or 30. I was fortunate enough to serve in a College Ministry position where we had multiple staff members. When we had a vacancy, I would usually receive 20 resumes without much or even any effort. The word would spread even before I would start looking. In recent years, I had to beat the bushes hard to get 4 or 5 resumes. Those responsible for hiring College Ministers for some of the larger more flagship College Ministries are having a harder time finding people with experience who can step into those roles and stay long term.

What has changed....are there fewer College Ministers....and if so, why? I think it is not one thing, but a combination of events...some related...others more random.

-The emphasis on church planting seems to be drowning out the call to other ministries.

-The downsizing of budgets has eliminated some positions...AND is giving the message, "No College Ministry positions are out there, so don't even look.".

-Many years ago, some of the top College Ministers were women. That number has steadily declined due to greater emphasis on being College MINISTERS. This connects to the debate within some circles of what roles women can fill in ministry. Also, many women have served in Associate roles and many of these positions have been eliminated due to budget cuts.

In denominational College Ministry, there is a greater emphasis on College Ministers preaching every Sunday to help inform people and promote the denomination. This has had two effects:

1. College Ministers must be able to preach. In the past, many College Ministers did not see themselves as preachers or feel comfortable in that role. This requirement is moving some toward church staff roles where
preaching is not part of the expectation.

2. Families of College Ministers report increased stress and strain on families due to a long hard week on campus and then husbands being gone all day Sunday to preach somewhere....then, it's Monday again.

As giving has declined in many situations, College Ministers don't have the medical and health care benefits that church staffs receive. So, as families have grown, braces are needed, etc, etc, church staff looks better and better.

This is discouraging....I don't like what I just read...and...I wrote it! What's the answer? Obviously, there is no easy and simple answer. Here's a couple of thoughts...none perfect:

1. If College Ministry is important, let's realize that we have to pay for what we want...you get what you pay for.

2. Consider more targeted College Ministries. Perhaps, it means going part time on some campuses in order to provide better salaries for staffers for the targeted campuses. I know the can of worms that opens.

3. If College Ministers have to preach every Sunday, every Friday is a no work day. Just be aware that you have cut the campus work time. My church staff is off on Friday cause they work Sundays.

4. Give honor and blessing to College Ministers in every time and way possible. College Ministers often feel
lonely and unappreciated. I was blessed to serve in a situation where I always felt appreciated and
cared about.

2nd Most Read Blog 2014: 10 Influential Voices in College Ministry

There is an article circulating listing what one survey described as the "20 Most Influential Evangelicals". One of these is considered a leading voice in College Ministry. So, who are the notable voices in College Ministry? Who are people reading? Who do other College Ministers emulate? Who is doing the thinking and speaking that affects everyone in College Ministry?

Here are 10 Notable College Ministry voices in no particular order.

Max Barnett - Former BCM Director at Oklahoma University and now teaches at different SBC Seminaries.

Stephen Lutz - Colleg Minister in Pennsylvania whose book, College Ministry in a Post Christian Culture, has been used as required reading in several College Ministry settings. He has a new book, King of the Campus.

Mark Whitt - College Ministry leader for Southern Baptists who is headquartered at Lifeway in Nashville and formerly BCM Director at Murray State University.

Chuck Bomar - Author of College Ministry 101 and College Ministry from Scratch and now pastor of Colossae Church in Portland.

Louie Giglio - Became known for large weekly collegiate event at Baylor and then started the Passion Conferences.

Brian Frye - State College Ministry Director for Ohio Baptists and North American Mission Board Collegiate Ministry consultant. Considered an expert in Collegiate Church planting.

Steve Masters - Director of a large BCM ministry at LSU and considered an expert in transitioning high school seniors to spiritual involvement in college.

Joel Bratcher - BSM Director at Texas A&M with a large ministry and seen as a role model in evangelism with International students.

Steve Shadrach - Author of The Fuel and the Flame. Started Student Mobilazation and considered an expert in fund raising.

George Jacobus - College Minister of a large church based College Ministry at Central Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas at Texas A&M and a leader of the Church College Ministers organization.

The 2 Biggest Killers of College Ministers

Some would say low pay which forces some out of College Ministry is the number one killer of College Ministers. Others would say it is the long and sometimes crazy hours. Or, an argument can be made for growing older and no longer being able to relate to college students effectively. A good case can be made for all of these and most of us know someone that has left for one of these reasons. But, I don't believe either of these is "the main killer".

The two top killers are Comparison and Feeling Alone.

Comparison - Most of us who do or have done College Ministry know the feeling of working yourself silly and not seeing the response you hoped to see and seeing another ministry with bigger crowds. Or, we are wrestling with tough issues and other ministries just seem to glide along each year. Comparison is evil. Comparison is wrong. Comparison is UN-Christian! I do it all the time!! Maybe, I'm the only out of control sinner in College Ministry...maybe. Here are some things to remind yourself when you get into comparisons.

1. You never know all that is going on in another ministry.

2. Numbers represent people, but a big crowd is not all there is to it. One of my students suggested we name our worship band, Free Beer. He said we could advertise "Free Beer at the BCM Thursday Night!". I think we would have had a great crowd that one night. A crowd is not the only measure of success.

3. Long haul faithfulness beats short term flashes. Sometimes, we compare ourselves to the "latest hot thing". Your ministry was there doing well long before the flash and will likely be there going strong after the flash has faded or even ceased.

4. Comparison tempts you to do things that don't fit with your skills or even cause you to be continually changing your ministry instead of building on proven things.

Feeling Alone or No One Else Cares - As much of a killer as Comparison is, I believe feeling alone and no one else cares is ten times worse! I think it is the number one killer of College Ministers. People leaving College Ministry because of low salaries and needing to provide for growing families, etc is just a symptom of feeling no one cares. "If people cared, they would provide us with decent salaries". "If people cared, I would have a decent budget for this campus". Things to remember and do when you feel no one cares.

1. Have one or two friends in College Ministry you can talk to every week and fuss to....be totally honest with.

2. Don't isolate yourself just with college students and your ministry. Our crazy hours and schedule tend to take us out of "the normal adult world". Several years ago, my wife said to me, "You don't know how to talk to anyone but college students". I was working on campus all week and teach college student Sunday School. I started teaching an adult class and suddenly had more friends! I found out others cared and they learned some rings to care about.

3. Go to regional and national conferences that re-juvenate you, remind you of your calling, and connect you with old and new friends.

4. Take a day or two off occasionally. The Bible seems to say it is a sin to work 7 days a week.....except if you are in the ministry? I have a friend who works like crazy....then, he takes a couple days off and goes hunting. For a period of years, I took Tueaday afternoon off and scheduled no campus events on Tueaday night. I picked my girls up at school AND we even ate supper at a normal time. I worked hard and lots....just not on Tueaday afternoons and night.

My observations and that of others, that know far more than I do, indicates that the strongest, largest or most successful College Ministries are run by College Ministers who have been in it long term. To have lots of strong College Ministries, we need to have more College Ministers who are not killed out of College Ministry by Comparison and feeling No One Cares!

College Ministry and Fund Raising

Just before I was officially elected to serve in my first Campus Ministry position many years ago, I said, "Will I have to raise money, because I don't think I would be very good at it". The person who would be my supervisor told me no.

Seven years later I was one of five people making up an executive committee charged with raising one million dollars for a College Ministry endowment for Arkansas. Some years after that, as our staff began to be cut due to funding changes, I knew I had to either cut our ministry back or raise some salary money for staff. A few years after that, I was helping to lead the campaign to build a larger Baptist Center on campus.

My mentor and boss meant it when he said I would not have to raise money.....that was then....the times, they changed quickly. if you are thinking you were called to ministry, not fund raising...get over it. First of all, people no longer give their money blindly to one Christian entity. They now want to decide where it is going and if it is being used well. We can lament that change or simply move on. Secondly, College Ministry is receiving cuts in funding either for budgets or staff or both.

We can try to do more with less, cut back our ministries.....or, realize we need to raise funds. Here are some different thoughts and ideas.

1. End of the Year Giving is huge!

Most of us in ministry don't know the concept of Christmas bonuses or year end profit sharing. There are people who literally receive thousands of dollars in the last few days of the year. Some even receive a check the afternoon of December 31 and they don't know what it will be until it reaches their hand. Many of them in the next few moments write checks to different causes in which they believe and then either mail or hand deliver them. Does it even occur to them to consider your ministry? Are they aware of your needs? Are you available on December 31?

2. People like to give to provide things they appreciate or use.

Providing a list of things needed allows people to pick something that they want to provide for you. Someone may know how important their copier is...so, they like giving you the money to buy a copier. Or, listing the cost of different needed items allows someone to pick an item and give that amount.

3. Provide a list of Possible Ministry Projects and Their Cost.

Outreach Cookout - $500; Scholarships to retreat for Internationals - $300; Speaker for Fall Retreat - $1,000.

4. Would you be ONE of ONE Hundred?

I once picked 99 people out of our Alumni list and sent them a letter asking them to be 1 of 100 to give $25 for a project I needed to fund. I gave the first $25. Almost all of them did and a few gave more which took care of the few who did not.

No; you don't want people running and hiding when they see you coming. But, you have a worthy cause and there are right times and right ways to help fund it. Or, you can always just cut back!

Oh yeah...send a handwritten thank you note and provide the needed Tax information for them!

An End of the Year Task for College Ministers

Say thanks to lots of people who deserve to hear it.

Students are gone or leaving and you are looking forward to a breather. But, one more thing needs to be done. Say thanks to people who have helped make your ministry possible this semester and calendar year. Churches have given to your ministry, alums and other supporters have sent checks. Some people have just been extra supportive to you when times were hard.

What are some different ways to say thanks?

-Personal, handwritten notes are always appropriate.

-A letter detailing some of the great things that happened this past semester....personalized or mass produced.

-A visit. Stop by someone's office and say, "I just stopped by to say how much I appreciate you".

-Call someone and say, "I want to take you to lunch".

-A picture Christmas card with a picture of your student group, a picture of your Center, or a picture at some event can be sent to pastors, alums, Individuals, friends, prayer partners.

A colleague and I were visiting the other day and he told of the pastor of a Baptist church with a large College Ministry who said he had never met the Baptist Campus Minister on that campus. Oh my! A visit to that pastor at the end of the year would be a good idea. He could say, "Thanks for what your church is doing to touch college students".

So, make a list and check it twice...who all needs to hear the magic words, "Thank you" from you?

By the way, thanks for giving your life to College Ministry! It is the high calling!

Three Types of College Ministries by Tyler Hoffpauier

Every campus minister I know has a somewhat different philosophy, but I think they fall into three main categories (you can probably think of more).

The Evangelistic Philosophy

Campus ministry is all about evangelism. If we aren't leading students to Christ then we aren't doing our job. After all, campus ministries are the evangelistic arm of the church on the campus. We have to reach students in order to reach more students.

The Future Leaders Philosophy

Campus ministry is about preparing students to be contributors to the church after college. Students in these Ministires are future Sunday School teachers, deacons and worship leaders. Students are exposed to missions and evangelism because those are things future leaders of the church participate in.

The Relational Philosophy

Campus Ministries is all about real relationships. It is the job of the campus minister to demonstrate life on life interaction. The campus minister walks with a group of students from salvation to spiritual maturity. They are a constant companion and a friend who students feel they can share their deepest secrets with. The minister is a guide, role model, mentor and counselor for students. The student then invests in others.

So is Evangelistic, Future Leadership or Relational best? My answer is, YES! I think to some extent campus ministers have to be doing all three. The context of the campus dictates what approach to take.

Tyler Hoffpauier is College Minister Intern at LSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry and a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

4 Elements of Super Large College Ministries YOU Can Do

I recently shared 10 Common Elements of Super Large Campus Based Ministries. Having 10 to 25 staffers is not even a dream for the vast majority of college ministries. A large budget or even a long term College Minister/Director is not on your side right now. But, I'm convinced there are things any ministry can learn and take from the Super Large. Of those 10 common elements, here are four you should consider adding or strengthening for your ministry to develop and grow.

1. Strategic and On-going small group/discipleship ministry

Some thoughts to consider: Do you have a 3 or 4 year plan what you want your students to learn or know? Do you pick some of your best to be small group leaders? Is it obvious to your students that you think it is important?
One ministry I am familiar with requires all their student leaders to be part of a small group regardless of their responsibility or other involvement. Are your groups studying the Bible? Dumb question! There are lots of great books by current Christian authors and leaders. One year in deciding what our campus based small groups would study, we did a survey of what all the college ministry churches were offering....they were all contemporary book studies. Someone must offer Bible study.

2. Intentional plan for reaching freshmen with an intense outreach at the start of the semester

It's too late to go back to the first two weeks of fall. But, even now, should you plan and raise vision for the coming fall? But, what can be done for the start of Spring Semester? Got a list of incoming Freshmen from last August? Maybe some of them aren't feeling so good about first semester choices. The weather is worse, but the field is clearer in January.

3. Do just a few things and do them well

What are the main things you want your ministry to hang it's hat on? There are tons of good things to do. There is a principle I am strongly committed to and that is....You should play to your strengths. What is it that your ministry does best? Or, what is it that you do that no other ministry does or offers? Make the most of those things. Consider if you are doing some things simply because you have always done it.....and the good reason passed a long time ago. Consider what some small tweaks might do to raise the level of your weekly worship meeting or you leader training.

4. Well trained and responsible upperclass leaders

Investment in developing and growing student Leaders pays off now and in the church in years to come. Do you or someone meet weekly with each student leader for encouragement, prayer and evaluation? Help your student leaders see the need to raise up younger leaders who will follow them. You multiply your ministry when you train and develop student leaders.

You don't have to be a Super Large Ministry to do these four things. How are you doing in these four areas?

Save Some Money Now: The Collegiate Ministries Summit

Through the years, the most helpful thing in improving my campus ministry and maintaining my own emotional health has been periodic gatherings with other College Ministers who see things like I do AND those who see things differently than I do. One of my all time favorites is The National Collegiate Ministries Summit held in Nashville once very three years. It will be April 29-May 1 (Wednesday-Friday). So, who will be there? Well, a whole bunch of Baptists will be, but it's not just for Baptists.....and most of them are friendly. There will even be some breakouts for volunteers and part-time folks.

The early bird registration cost is $125 until January 14 and then it goes up to $160. That includes all sessions, two meals and break times. Plus, there is a special $50 registration for a spouse when registering together. There are hotels within walking distance. Or, you can sleep on someone's couch. To register, to see a full schedule, etc, go to Lifeway Christian Resources Events. Give your budget a break by registering in this calendar year and save a little by registering early.

In addition to Breakouts, Affinity groups, and just good hallway conversations, here are some of the folks who will be speaking.

-Kyle Idleman, author of Not A Fan and God's at War is Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY.

-John Dickerson, author of The Great Evangelical Recession and regular contributor to the New York Times, the Washington Post and CNN.

Michael Kelley, author of Trqnsformational Discipleship and Tough Sayings of Jesus and favorite collegiate event speaker.

-Rickey Chelette, known for speaking to thousands of young adults each year about sexual identity issues.

-Dave Hunt, well known Nashville musician and former College Minister returns by popular demand as Worship Leader.

I will be hanging out in the hall there and look forward to visiting with you at the Summit!

10 Elements of Super Large Campus Based College Ministries

This is not a formula. It is not, do these 10 things, even if you can, and you are guaranteed a super large College Ministry. Sometimes, I believe there is just a movement of God that cannot be explained in any other way and certainly not put into a formula. I see College Ministers doing everything right and not seeing a large response. When I served as Campus Minister for the ministry at Arkansas State, we had a large ministry. We did not have a super large ministry. We never reached as many students as I felt we should have. So, I can't give you a magic formula. But, these are common elements that seem to be true in different ones of the super large campus based ministries...not all necessarily have each of these ten. But, these ten show up regularly. I think most of these are true for church based college ministries but, there are some different variables that exist in church based College Ministries.

1. A staff of 10 to 25.

2. A long term, experienced campus director.

3. Significant program budget

4. Strategic, organized and on-going small group/discipleship ministry.

5. Well trained and responsible upperclass student leaders.

6. Adequate meeting space in size and location.

7. Strong speaker and/or excellent worship band or worship leader.

8. Well known on campus with an excellent reputation (momentum).

9. Intentional plan for reaching freshmen with an intensive outreach at the start of school.

10. Do just a few things and do them well.

You may be far from super large. But, perhaps as you look at your ministry, you might say, here are one or two of these we need to work on or add that might take us another step in reaching more students.

Guest Blog: "The Other Side of the Fence" by Daniel Berry

I served as a college minister for 13 years on 3 different campuses in the south. I loved being a campus minister. For the last two years, I have served as the Lead Pastor of a growing church in Indiana. I often wondered what it would be like going from a campus minister to a pastor. Two years later, here are some of my observations.

1. Football is football. Ministry is ministry.
The vast majority of how I served as a minister while on campus is still what I do in the local church. I am trying to help people find and grow in a relationship with Christ. While there are differences, I think it is an important statement to make from the beginning. A minister is a minister no matter where he is serving.

2. I deal with a LOT less politics now.
I know political struggles happen in the local church and maybe I am just blessed with a great church to serve with (which I am), but as a campus minister I felt the politics a lot more. I always felt the pressure to represent not only Christ, but the theology of every church in my denomination. Seemingly minor theological doctrines (to me) were seen as big deals in the eyes of some of the churches I represented. Often, I would be asked my personal opinion on such doctrines. I constantly felt I was being assessed and judged by pastors. I fully understand that some of this may have been paranoia on my part, but in talking with many other campus ministers through the years, I can assure you my feelings are very common among campus ministers.

3. I am no longer the oldest person in the room.
I supervise a staff that is older than me. Most of the teams (committees) in my church are chaired by people older and wiser than me. I find there is less pressure on me having to be the wise voice of experience on all matters. I like having people to lean into with experience and understanding. Yet, I understand that despite being younger, I have to lead. I am learning to live in the balance of these two tensions.

4. I have to be more intentional to be around people who do not know Christ.
As a campus minister, I was always on the front lines. I was constantly around lost college students. The bigger my church gets, the more meetings and distractions can exist that take me away from being in the world.

5. Pastors do not network like college ministers.
I always regarded my other campus ministers as family. I try hard to make our staff a family, but other pastors seem more guarded. When I'm around other pastors, the conversations seem more forced and less authentic. They do not tend to be as vulnerable when we gather together. The people I call most for advice, prayer, and encouragement
are still campus ministers.

6. I still love college students.
I help teach the college Bible study every Sunday at my church. I feel a need to stay connected with this generation. They need to feel like the church cares for them. In
turn, they help me stay relevant. They ask honest questions, often without filter. They
remind me that they are not the church of tomorrow, but the church of today.

To all the college ministers out there I just want to encourage you. Thank you for what you are doing. Keep your eyes on Christ. You are making a difference.

Daniel Berry is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Why Don't Baptists Have More Super Large College Ministries?

Figures released each year by different nation wide Collegiate Ministries in America show Southern Baptists having the most total students involved. Yet, when people look at and study or hear about the super large campus based Ministries, it is often someone other than a Baptist ministry. Why is that?

1. Most Baptist Collegiate Ministry staffs are made up of 1 to 3 people. Super large College Ministries tend to have 10 to 25 staffers.

2. Southern Baptists have generally leaned toward having staff on as many campuses as possible rather than having large staffs on targeted or flagship campuses. Other nation wide groups will focus on 2 or 3 campuses in a state while BCM's will be on most four year campuses in one state....at least in the deep south.

3. BCM Ministries generally are not allowed or discouraged from doing aggressive fund raising (donor banquets, etc) for their budgets due to Southern Baptists emphasis on unified giving through the Cooperative Program. Therefore, many operate on very limited budgets.

4. BCM Campus Ministers tend not to be as entrepreneurial in approach as some non-denominational Campus Ministers. This is at least partly related to working with and for a variety of churches that may have different views as to what is acceptable and not acceptable.

5. Some believe that having the name Baptist in the ministry name (Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Baptist Student Ministry or Baptist Student Union)tends to serve as an unintended exclusion to non-Baptists or this generation increasingly leery of denominations. Although, Baptist Ministries outside the deep south tend to operate under more generic names that do not have Baptist in them.

Should Baptists target larger more flagship campuses?

Should BCM Campus Ministers be allowed or encouraged to raise money for and hire large staffs?

Five Ways the Power of Example Impacts Your Ministry

"Example is not the main thing; it's the only thing".
Albert Sweitzer

"Children hear what you say, but they believe what you do".
Unknown

"People the world over have always been more impressed with the
power of our example than by the example of our power".
President Bill Clinton

I am a huge believer in the power of example. It just might be the greatest tool we have in our personal ministry. Recently, I heard a new friend who is an adult follower of Jesus share his story of coming to Christ in college. He spoke of the example of his Bible Study group leader who took him to help set up for their weekly large group event. My friend quickly pushed his side of the chairs into some order and threw some song books on each chair. Then, he saw how his Bible study leader was carefully positioning each chair. So, he re-did his section of chairs. Then, he saw how his leader carefully placed each song book in exactly the same place on each chair. My friend re-did the song books in his section. Then, he saw his Group leader stop and pray at each chair. Yes; then my friend went back and prayed over who would sit in each of those chairs that night.

Five Ways our Example Impacts the Ministry We Lead:

1. Who we are draws students to our ministry.

The personal characteristics that we demonstrate affect who is drawn to our ministry. That is a truth that we cannot deny. It is a reminder that we are responsible for being the best we can be. I spoke on a campus where the leader was an athlete and I noticed the large number of athletic type guys. I was on a campus where the leader was a musician...wow, their music folks were out the top. I believe the single greatest ministry tool your ministry has is you. Nothing in your ministry is more important or
valuable than your personal example. It might scare you to know how closely students
watch, learn and take from who you are.

2. Who we are affects what students take from our ministry.

If they see us pray about situations and care about people who do not know Christ, they are more likely to take that from our ministry to their adult life. Former BCM Presidents who now serve in secular work leadership roles, have messaged me pictures of how their meeting room was organized prior to a big meeting or how someone said, "Where did you learn to lead a meeting like that"? They took that from my ministry. No; it's not
spiritual....but...it is valuable and a reminder they are taking all kinds of things from our example. Students have commented about how much I went to church and all I was involved in at my church. I was not parading it, but they saw it.

3. What we demonstrate in personal characteristics affects our financial support.

If you have to raise your salary or depend on churches, organizations, or individuals for financial support of your budget, who you are affects that. People want to support someone they admire or respect. Do you show up for meetings on time? Do your work habits exhibit someone they think will use their money wisely? It is difficult to separate your feelings about a ministry from your feelings about the ministry's leader.

4. The ministry we lead will reflect our strengths and weaknesses.

The longer we serve as the leader of a ministry, the more that ministry will reflect who we are. It will have our strengths and our weaknesses. It becomes a picture of the leader. I am more convinced of this now than I ever have been. It is a reminder of why we can never cut corners in our personal practices and we must empower people within our ministry that have different strengths than we do.

5. Our example will affect parents sending students to our ministry or advising them to stay away.

I know of situations where the final decision maker in parents feeling good about where their son or daughter would go to college was their belief in the leader of the campus ministry there. As this generation of "Helicopter Parents" speak into the lives of their sons and daughters, how they see you is even more important. Yes; there are situations where parents say, "Don't go there". And, it is a result of what they have seen in the example of the leader of that ministry. When prospective students and parents visit your ministry....just know, the parents are sizing you up.

"Example is not the main thing; it's the ONLY thing". Sweitzer

10 Myths in and Around College Ministry

Someone once said, "If you shout a lie loud enough and long enough, people will believe it". A lot of these statements are like that. Maybe you have heard them a lot...so, maybe they are true. Here's my take on some of these "less than truths" that those of us in College Ministry either hear or may be guilty of saying.

1. That's ALWAYS true in College Ministry.

-College students change; campus situations change....there is not much that is always true, apart from the Gospel and the need for College Ministry. When we quit flexing and learning in College Ministry, we and our ministry are in trouble.

2. Confronting students is a bad idea. They are volunteers and you want them there.

-I certainly don't think you go around looking for ways to make your students mad. But, I do think that one of our roles in loving and teaching students is sometimes to confront them. Particularly, I am speaking of those students in responsibility roles with whom you work closely and have a personal relationship. It has been my experience that when you confront students that know you love them, the final outcome is almost always positive....notice, I said most of the time.

3. If I just had enough money this ministry would boom.

-Money doesn't make a ministry....it's hard to have a ministry without money but money doesn't make a ministry. Money is not a shortcut. It doesn't substitute for relationships. It doesn't substitute for the wise investment of your time and years. God is not limited to move only in ministries with large budgets. I've done College Ministry with and without much money. Having money is better, but my ministry wasn't suddenly ten times better. It sometimes even brings added pressure!

4. Nobody cares about this ministry but me.

-Sometimes that is true. But, most of the time, it is not. Work at separating fact
from your feelings on those frustrating days. If no one cares, are you doing what you
should to communicate your vision, what God is doing, and how others could be a part?

5. College Ministers have the summer off.

-I have heard that one different times. My personal response usually went something like
this, "It often feels like it, because I only work 8 or 9 hours a day in the summer".
But, sometimes that idea comes across because people can't find you. If you have a
Center or office, are there times people know they can find you? If someone drops by to
see see you, is there someone who can tell them where you are? Or, is there a note on
the door telling where you have gone or at least when you will be back? You may be out
connecting with supporters, visiting churches of incoming students, etc. Let me share my least favorite phone response of an Administrative Assistant, "He has not made it in
yet.". No; the answer is, "He/she is not here at the moment, could I take a message?".
Ask yourself, Am I doing what needs to be done in the summer...as well as, taking some
deserved rest? Good falls are made in the summer.

6. Real College Ministers Stay in a hotel room with their students. (Many of you would say, "No; I sleep on a gym floor with them".)

-I functioned on this one for many years. Until, it finally dawned on me, it was ok for me to have a room by myself. A Methodist Campus Minister friend even raised a point I had not
even thought of....that way you can never be falsely accused of something inappropriate when rooming with students.

7. College Ministry is only for the young.

-Since I'm semi-old, this is one of my least favorite. I believe that God uses people
of all ages and college students need people of all ages. They have buddies. They need
someone to speak love, care and Gospel into their lives. They want and need people who
have been down roads they have yet to go down. You don't have to play basketball with
them to be a great College College Minister.

8. Nothing beats a big crowd.

-This myth still tempts me. I like big crowds. But, there is more to College Ministry
than a big crowd. Beware of doing just something that will draw a crowd. Realize even
some things are better with a small crowd. Also, don't beat yourself up because your
last crowd wasn't huge. Someone asked me after an event once, "Did you have as many
attend as you hoped?". I said, "I've never had as many as I hoped at anything.". But,
I really do know a crowd is not everything. Really, I do. Do you?

9. A good College Minister knows every student's story and their needs.

-Your ministry may be too large for that. But, there is a half truth here. Someone needs to know every student's story and their needs, if they come with any degree of regularity. But, it may be one of your student leaders. Maybe, if you know every student's story, you are limiting yourself to too few students.

10. If you are really sharp, someday, you will have your own church.

-I've heard this one different times. It would usually come after I had spoken at a church and done at least half way decent and someone would come up to me and say, "You are good enough to have your own church". Thats like saying, "College Ministers really are not sharp". Or, "You just do College Ministry until the right church comes along". You just need to translate it. They are saying you did a good job....and...remember, College Ministry is the high calling! If God called you to College Ministry, don't stoop to be the pastor of a 10,000 person church.

More on Evaluating your Ministry

I recently wrote about doing anonymous written surveys to help you evaluate and know honestly how your ministry is doing and how it is perceived (Getting Honest About Your Ministry), But, I am also a big fan of talk sessions.

I believe now is the perfect time for some evaluation of the fall semester. No; it's not over, but you can see the end from here. Much of what you have done this fall is still fresh in everyone's mind. And, it's still not quite time to do some of the spring semester scheduling. If you do a specialized Freshmen Ministry, invite 4 or 5 freshmen for a sit down session with you about their view of what happened in your Freshmen Bible Study Groups. It was in a session like this once I heard a freshman say, "You should give the upperclass leaders the Bible study material in advance, so they are not reading it for the first time with us". I said, "What?". Obviously, the leaders were receiving the material in advance.....but....I learned something that day.

We would also do an evaluation in our large group weekly Freshmen event, but we did it the last week. It dawned on me...the ones that liked it were still there....the ones that felt it was not worth their time were already gone. Is there a way to get some feedback from those who disappeared from your ministry after the first month or so? Maybe, evaluations should be done before the last session! In some ways, those that have left your ministry have more to tell you than those that have stayed.

I am also all about inviting 4 or 5 students for pizza and talk about the ministry. I have found there is something magic about free pizza that makes students talk more.

The hardest and most important thing you must do in these type sessions is keep your mouth shut and listen. Never justify or explain. Ask questions and listen.

Consider inviting a student to lunch who was very connected at the beginning of the semester and then stopped coming. Tell them you would like their insight about the ministry, both strengths and weaknesses. Again, swallow and listen hard. It won't all be fun.

But remember, one bad or angry comment is not necessarily a correct observation of your whole ministry. Honest evaluation is always a step toward your ministry being stronger.

University Town First Baptist Church Seeks Senior Pastor

First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Arkansas is seeking a Senior Pastor. Jonesboro is a city of 80,000 and serves as the shopping/medical hub of Northeast Arkansas. The church has two Sunday morning services, a Contemporary and Traditional. The 10:50 service is telecast on the local ABC affiliate station. Attendance this past Sunday was a little over 600. There are eight full time ministry staff members and the annual church budget is just over $2 million. The previous pastor was much loved and left following an 18 year ministry.

The church is located near Arkansas State University with an enrollment of 13,000 students. There is a full time University Minister on the staff and the church was the founding church of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry on campus and continues as it's largest financial supporter.

For information, to make a recommendation, or to submit a resume: kara.mayfield@suddenlink.net.

Getting Honest About Your Ministry

I just recently read a survey that indicated that a majority of Americans think one news network is most unbiased, but that a majority of Americans prefer to watch another news network. Truth is sometimes unpleasant. We want our way. I find this same sort of dichotomy true in church and College Ministry.

I serve in a church that has declined some in recent years. When I have raised that concern in some of our meetings, I've been asked to not talk about that. It's negative. In College Ministry we have to report to those above us and justify what we are doing and to encourage folks to continue their financial support. So, we usually try to accentuate the positive.

Are we being honest with ourselves about where our ministry is? I don't want to discourage anyone and I am all about encouraging those who do College Ministry. It is hard work with mixed results. But, I also believe for our ministry to be what and all that God wants it to be, we must see it realistically and honestly. How do you do that?

I am a big believer in anonymous surveys. At different times in a school year, I have sent a brief questionnaire to a group of students and asked them to return it in an enclosed envelope unsigned. I have even done the same thing with local pastors. It can be pretty simple. I can be the King of Simple.

1. What do you see as the strength of our ministry or what we do best?

2. What do you see as one area that needs improving or changing in our ministry?

3. What do you see as the strength of my personal ministry?

4. What is one thing you would like to see me change, add or do differently?

You could pass something like this out in your leadership meeting or even in your weekly large group meeting. Now, here are a couple of warnings:

1. Don't let one huge negative comment ruin your day or week or cause you to quit the ministry. There is always a sorehead or two.
- Look for patterns. Does more than one person mention the same thing?

2. Don't weight the negative comments heavier than the positive.
- In fact, the positive comments may tell you that you need to do more of what you are doing well, instead of fixing something that is broken.

3. Sometimes you have to interpret their comments. What does that mean? You may need to go back to your leadership and say, "Here is a comment or two that someone made that I need you to help me understand".

4. Remember, truth (if it is truth) is always our friend.

Sometimes hearing some thing is not easy. But, if you were looking for easy, you would not be in College Ministry! Seeing and understanding truth can strengthen our ministry. Everybody knows College Ministers are the best ministers!!

Three Types of College Students....Which Are You Reaching?

Over simply put, I believe there are three types of college students.

Type #1. Pretty/Handsome/Charistmatic Personality - They may have looks and personality or one of those characteristics. Or, another term would be "The popular students". Everyone wants them to be part of whatever is happening on campus. Some College Ministries try to appeal specifically to this group because they see them as "Influencers" that will multiply the ministry. They are drawn to large crowds and want to be where the action is. Sometimes, they are quick to move on when the lights begin to dim.

Type #2. Hard Workers - These students stand out because they do not necessarily function by their appearance or personality, but rather they are your "do-ers". Give them a task and it will get done. Some would describe them as your "Manager types". The Hard Workers typically want to accomplish something. Give them a task to do and empower them to do it. They can be impatient with those that "don't do".

Type #3. Quiet or Introverted - they tend to not like large crowds and often are drawn more to smaller groups and when they commit to something or someone, they are intensely loyal. Yet, they want and need someone to recognize their value and affirm and encourage their abilities. Often, they are not good at bringing others due to their personality and preferring things being smaller.

Is this overly simplified? Yes. But, I believe it is basically true. Now, which of these students does your College Ministry most appeal to or try to reach? Some ministries intentionally try to reach one of these groups. Others simply find that is who they are reaching.

Now, let me state the obvious: God loves all these students! So, do you have students out of each of these categories in your ministry? Or, does your ministry just represent one of these groups? If so, why is that? Should you be doing something that would encourage and find a place for each of these students in your ministry? Some would say, "When you reach one group, it tends to exclude another group.". I think that is true naturally. But, that is where your ministry has to work against what comes "naturally".

So, which group are your primarily reaching and why is that? Which group are you primarily not reaching and why is that? It is a deeply held belief of mine that a healthy College Ministry has a variety of types of students in it....the In Crowd and the Out Crowd.

One difference in Campus Based and Church Based College Ministry

I am of the strong opinion that church based and campus based College Ministries are or should be different. I see some church College Ministries that are doing some good things and reaching a significant number of students that are really doing a campus based ministry. Some campus based ministries try to replace church.

For me, the huge difference and a plus that Church based ministries have is a huge number of different age people! One of the great opportunities that these ministries have is to connect students to these adults of all different ages. These adults can mentor, teach, feed and love on students and it matters.

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to be involved in the "Student Adoption" event at our church. Families of all ages were paired with college students. We will have them in our homes, feed them, etc. I posted something on Facebook about the event and former students of mine through the years began to comment about what their church adopted family had meant to them. One commented how her "adopted mom" from 30 years ago was still a blessing and encouragement in her life. Wow!

Some years ago in our campus based ministry I began to think what a huge plus these kind of relationships were. I began to consider enlisting families out of our churches to serve as these adopting families. I backed away from that idea because there were lots of complications....and....the biggest complication for me was I realized that was a ministry that rightly belonged to the the church based College Ministries. They were not only more suited to do it, but it rightly was theirs to do. I didn't need to move into that area.

Whichever ministry you do, are you being what a campus based should be or are you being what a church based ministry should be? There are strong pluses to both. We need both.

But, even more importantly, are we doing all we can to encourage and connect college students to strong adult role models of all ages? Students have plenty of buddies. It is up to us to help meet a different need in their lives. One of the great things church College Ministries can do best is multi-age connections!

Collegiate Connect Day - January 25th

Sunday, January 25th, has been designated Connect Day for Collegiate Ministry Churches. That day has been set aside to specifically encourage college and university students to join the church they have been visiting. It has become a trend in recent years for students to just attend somewhere, but never join. This lends itself to floating around more and never really digging into one church both for their own growth and for service to the church.

Collegiate churches at one college or university might decide that another date works best for them. Agreeing on one common date will help more students be aware and to hear the message of connecting to a local church. What can you do to help promote Connect Day?

1. If you are a Campus Based College Minister, work with your cooperating churches in working together and promoting Connect Day. Everyone being on the same page will benefit everyone.

2. Announce Connect Day to your students and why committing to a local church is of value and important.

3. If you are a Church Based College Minister, have a meeting with either interested students or at your large group meeting where you talk about joining and HOW to join. Many students have grown up in one church and have never joined another church. Or, they have come to Christ in college and have never joined a church.
-One large College Ministry Church sends a letter about this time in the fall to every student who has visited encouraging them to consider joining on a particular Sunday and telling them of the different ways they may join. They also include a form students can fill out in advance and bring with them, if they choose.

4. Youth Ministers should consider sending a letter to their graduates who are away at school about joining where they are on Connect Day.

One of the most important things we teach in College Ministry is not just attending a local church, but committing to a local church...being a part, serving.

Why Should College Students Be Active in a Local Church?

1. For worship, Bible study, and fellowship

2. To use their spiritual gifts in service to others.

3. To be part of a family of believers of all ages.

4. To benefit from pastoral and staff leadership.

5. To meet adults in the church who can serve as role models and mentors.

6. To connect with and develop friendships with other Christian college students.

7. To begin or continue a lifetime relationship with the local church.

Whether to have Connect Day is not the question. The question is whether January 25th is best for your location or if another date is best in your situation. Students need to connect!

When College Talk Titles Can Hurt You

I recently did a blog where I talked about the value and importance of good "promotable titles". I used the example of the College Ministry at FBC, Denton and their series, "How to Date, Mate, and Procreate".

It is also my belief that "sensationalized" titles can hurt you. Several years ago a ministry on our campus rented an auditorium that would seat 300-400 and advertised they would have an event where the speaker would speak on the topic, "How to have Maximum Sex". They had fewer than 75 attend and they soon left the campus and did not continue their ministry on our campus.

What went wrong? Why didn't this work? Two things: the ministry was known for their "bait and switch" tactics and the talk did not deliver what it promised. The talk was how a marriage based in Christ worked best....a principle I am in total agreement with.....but, that's not what they promised.

Some questions to ask about your titles:

1. Do they accurately promote the information that will be given?

2. What impression does this give of our ministry? I believe there is a difference in "promotable titles" and over-sensationalized titles. Over sensationalized titles draw ridicule and scorn. You don't want to be the joke of the campus. And, you never want to be known as a "bait and switch ministry".

Have titles that attract....but...make sure you deliver what is promised!

Learning From Those Ministries NOT Like Yours

One of my glaring weaknesses is that I tend to think I am right...ALL the time. There are lots of problems associated with this weakness; one is that you never learn from those who are different than you or your ministry.

In doing College Ministry, it is so easy to fall into this trap. Obviously, each of us do things we think are best, but do we really have all the good ideas.....all the best methods? The obvious answer is NO!

Do you disagree with the theology or methodology of a growing ministry on your campus or in your area? But, what should you learn from them? What do they do best? How do they do it? Don't let a genuine disagreement about theology keep you from learning from their methodology! That is dumb pride.

One well worn definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result". Thinking inside the same boxes results in recycling the same thoughts. To learn from the ministry of others who don't share your theology is not a cop-out. Even if you disagree with their methods, they may give you an idea that would benefit your ministry.

Some Things to Think About in Learning From Those with Whom You Disagree:

1. Can I visit one of their large group meetings? I've driven two hours to go to another ministry's large group meeting. My handsome young Assistant was able to fade into the crowd....I'm old and scruffy looking, so they came back to the back row to find out who I was. Here was my creative answer, "I heard you guys do a good job and I just came to see what I can learn".

2. Do they have written materials I could read?

3. Could I call one of their leaders and offer to buy lunch and ask why they do some of what they do?

4. What's one thing they do totally different to us.....why?

6. Do they reach a different type student than we do and if so, why?

Now, I am not talking about stealing their best idea and duplicating it. I've had the experience of seeing someone's Freshmen mailout looking just like ours and advertising a freshmen event just like ours. You don't steal someone's signature event. In the fairness sense of the word, it has their "copyright". Look at principles. You may discover they have strengths or gifts you or your ministry do not have.

Alright now: What ministry drives you crazy? How and what should you learn from them?

How to Up Your Attendance by 200...Or, The Importance of Titles!

I have long believed that giving good attractive titles to your college student talks is huge. My friend, Austin Wadlow at FBC,Denton, demonstrated that this fall. He opened the semester with a six week series entitled, "How to Date, Mate, and Procreate".

In a survey previously quoted and listed at this blog site, "The 7 Top Reasons Students Attend the First Time", number 2 is "An appealing event" and number 1 is "Someone invited me". An appealing title makes an appealing event. An appealing title makes it easier...and more likely that your students will invite other students. Now, here is the crazy part of this story.....his attendance jumped by 200! Now, obviously he had a strong and large ministry going already AND he did a good job each week with the topics. With titles we have to beware of over promising and under delivering....if anything, that will cause our ministry to decline. But, a jump of 200!!

One way to think about titles is, what are the heart felt needs of students on your campus? Do your titles show you are speaking to those needs? Some students will come to an event with a "Bible Study". But, does your title give a reason for someone who has never come to consider coming? Is it a title that your students will tell friends about? For several years, I spoke once a year using the title, "How to Have a Marriage Better than Your Parents". I did not do the same talk, but used the same title. It was always one of the largest attended. Lots of students' parents were divorcing, struggling, etc. It spoke to a heartfelt need.

Your campus messages may be on a book of the Bible.....have you thought about titling each talk? Pick out one truth from that chapter and use that in the title.

Ok; for those of you who are ready to up your attendance by 200, here by Austin's permission, are the titles for each week and the scripture:
Week 1. "How to Fail in Love" IJohn 3:16
Week 2. "How to Date, Court, or Whatever it's Called" Matthew 7:13-14
Week 3. "How to Find Mr/Mrs Right", Proverbs 31:30
Week 4. "How to Have Good Sex", Proverbs 5:1-23
Week 5. "How to Recover from Bad Sex", Romans 5:6-10; 6:1-5
Week 6. "How to Have a Marriage that Counts for Something", I Corinthians 7:28-31

Some might say these topics could be short on Gospel, but I disagree. You can talk about God's love and forgiveness. You can talk about how God used a "man after his own heart" who had not behaved that way. I find lots of students who feel they have done something that has put them outside God's love....and lots of time it involves sexual behavior. Sit down with a group of your students and talk about some of the talks you are planning. They can help you with the titles.

Titles won't suddenly make a ministry, but well thought out titles with good, practical messages to back themm up and well advertised help students to consider coming and, and make it easier for your students to invite friends

The 2 Biggest Killers of College Ministers

Some would say low pay which forces some out of College Ministry is the number one killer of College Ministers. Others would say it is the long and sometimes crazy hours. Or, an argument can be made for growing older and no longer being able to relate to college students effectively. A good case can be made for all of these and most of us know someone that has left for one of these reasons. But, I don't believe either of these is the "main killer".

The two top killers are Comparison and Feeling Alone.

Comparison - Most of us who do or have done College Ministry know the feeling of working yourself silly And not seeing the response you hope to see and seeing another ministry with bigger crowds. Or, we are wrestling with tough issues and other ministries just seem to glide along each year. Comparison is evil. Comparison is wrong. Comparison is UN--Christian. I do it all the time!! Maybe, I'm the only out of control sinner in College Ministry....maybe. Here are some things to remind yourself when you get into comparisons:

1. You never know all that is going on in another ministry.

2. Numbers represent people, but a big crowd is not all there is to it. One of my students suggested we name our worship band, Free Beer. He said we could advertise, "Free Beer at the BCM Thursday Night!". I think we would have had a great crowd that one night. A crowd is not the only measure of success.

3. Long haul faithfulness beats short term flashes. Sometimes, we compare ourselves to the "latest hot thing". Your ministry was there doing well long before the flash and will likely be there going strong after the flash has past.

4. Comparison tempts you to do things that don't fit with your gifts or even cause you to continually be changing your ministry instead of building on proven things.

Feeling Alone or No One Else Cares - as much of a killer as Comaparison is, I think feeling alone and no one else cares is ten times worse! I believe it is the number one killer of College Ministers. People leaving College Ministry because of low salaries and needing to provide for growing families, etc is just a symptom of feeling no one cares. "If people cared, they would provide us with decent salaries". "If people cared, I would have a decent budget for this campus". Things to remember and do when you feel no one else cares:

1. Have one or two friends in College Ministry you can talk to every week and fuss to...be totally honest with.

2. Don't isolate yourself with just college students and your ministry. Our crazy hours and schedule tend to take us out of "the normal adult world". Several years ago, my wife said to me, "You don't know how to talk to anyone but college students". I was working on campus all week and teaching college student Sunday School. I started teaching an adult class and suddenly had more friends! I found out others cared and they learned some things to care about.

3. Go to regional and national conferences that re-juvenate you, remind you of your calling and connect you with old and new friends.

4. Take a day or two off occasionally. The Bible seems to say it is a sin to work 7 days a week.....except if you are in the ministry? I have a friend who works like crazy....then, he takes a couple days off and goes hunting. For a period of years, I took Tuesday afternoon off and scheduled no campus events on Tueaday night. I picked my girls up at school AND we even ate supper at a normal time. I worked hard and lots....just not on Tuesday afternoons and night.

My observations and that of others that know far more than I do indicates that the strongest, largest or most successful College Ministries are run by College Ministers who have been in it long term. To have lots of strong College Ministries we need to have more College Ministers who are not killed out of College Ministry by Comparison and feeling no one cares!

Defining Success in College Ministry

How do you measure your own success? Some in College Ministry carry a load of guilt for "not being successful", or even quit the ministry entirely. Many people determine success based on their ability to "fill a room" or lead great numbers of students to Christ. Others determine success by "the biggest ministry in town" or "the largest ministry on campus".

What is a realistic formula for success? I believe that we often let others determine our definition of success and that can lead to great frustration. Yet, you can feel successful and those to whom you are responsible to do not see you as successful. There are even some who wind up reporting false numbers in order to appear successful

Here are 5 Elements of a realistic and honest success formula:

1. Expectations: What do you have to do to keep your job? Do you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you?

2. Spiritual Gifts and Strengths: The New Testament clearly teaches that God has made us unique and wants to use us in the areas in which he has gifted us. The danger in comparing ourself and our success to someone else is that we may have very distinctly different God given gifts. A sense of success comes from using to the best the things God has placed in our life. Are you exercising your gifts in the ministry or are you trying to be someone else?

3. Campus or Church Setting: Your ministry setting helps determine what you can and cannot do. All campuses are different and all churches are different and if you continually compare yourself to different situations, it will likely keep you from finding God's purpose for YOUR setting.

4. Resources: Whether you run your ministry out of a backpack, a broom closet, or a magnificent new facility, your resources will and must help define your definition of success. You can always learn something from another ministry, but comparing yourself and your ministry against the 13 staff, mega budget ministry is futile and leads to huge frustration. How are YOU doing with what YOU have? But, don't let it be an excuse either.

5. Satisfaction: Satisfaction is in many ways more important than success. I know successful people who have no sense of satisfaction. The degree to which you are satisfied with your work is something of a reliable barometer in deciding, if you are doing what God has called you to do. What is it you or your ministry has to do to provide you with a personal sense of satisfaction? I have a friend who is all about taking student teams to China. Because this outreach is very important to him, these trips are key in helping him define his work as successful. What are your "hot button" issues that must be a part of your ministry...for your one sense of success.....apart from what anybody else thinks?

Finally, your definition of success must be determined by what YOU can control. Are you doing what you believe God has called you to do? Are you working hard and smart? It is possible to work hard and stupid! The two greatest killers of College Ministers is comparison and a sense of being alone or no one else cares. Be YOU where God has call

Be Old School in Social Media!

In one of our leadership meetings last fall, I asked a question I often ask, "What do we need to be doing better?". Their immediate answer was "Social Media".

We talked Twitter, Instagram, etc. Let me add a perspective to that different from what your students will add, as they are super tech savvy for the most part. In many students' eyes Facebook is old fashioned and for old people now. To some degree that is true (even though I see lots of student posts on Facebook), so here is the "Oh boy factor" in that at least partial truth.

Some of the people you most need to communicate with look at Facebook.....pastors, alums, donors, older ladies who prepare and send meals.

You can post a picture made at your large group meeting.....one picture there may be worth 10,000 words. You can post a picture of an International student Conversation Club. You can post a picture of the volunteers who brought your Lunch Program food and say, "Thanks to the South Fork Church for providing our food today where 100 students heard the gospel". You can post a picture from last year's Alumni Homecoming Event....inviting folks to this Year's.

I will bet there are people who follow you on Facebook who don't get anything you mail out. "Thanks to the TEL Sunday School Class who provided the University Breakfast this past week". It not only thanks people, it gives other people ideas of what they can do. I have one friend who is building a large new campus center. Every few days he posts a picture on Facebook of the progress on the Center....which I would imagine is seen by people who gave money to help it be a reality. And, seeing how well their money is being used, they may just give more.

Are you using Social Media to the best advantage with those who need to know the great work you are doing? If Facebook is for old people.....that may just be good news for you!

Being a Better Speaker to College Students

Whether you speak each week at your main event or occasionally.....each of us want to be a better speaker. I am not a great speaker....But....I am a good speaker. That's not meant as vain....if it's part of your job, you better work at being good. So, how do you work at being good?

Sue complimented me the other day on a presentation I had done. And, she is a tough critic for me! I said, "Why do you think it went well"? She said, "You prepare...lots of people don't prepare". She didn't mean they don't do any preparation, she meant they don't do enough. If you speak, have a set time to prepare. Then, after you have prepared, stand up in a room by yourself and "speak it". Do it just like all 20 or 500 were sitting there listening. Do it out loud. You will realize some part or idea isn't working and so you readjust on it. Then, you "speak it" again. If you don't do that you are speaking your "Rough draft". I realized that some years ago, by not speaking it out loud as I would do it, I was speaking my rough draft.

My two all time favorite College Speakers from my student days were Grady Nutt and Ed Seabough. They were both masterful story tellers. Everyone relates to stories. They remember the story, if nothing else. A story is the hook they can hang the "teachable truth" on. Think about an experience of your own or one you have read that you can share. Personal are better, if possible. Then, practice telling the story. Grady Nutt told the details in a way you could see exactly what he was talking about. Ed Seabough told me his secret.....he practiced telling the stories. Yes; he "spoke it" before he spoke.

Laugh and smile when you speak....no; don't be weird, but....smiles and laughter when appropriate go a long way. Enjoy the stories with your audience. Studies have shown audiences respond better to a speaker who smiles...weird huh? Beware of telling the same stories again and again (I struggle with that. There are just some I like to tell.) Beware of stories that always make you out to be the hero. I find students responded best to my stories where I was an idiot...and there are so many! Beware of sharing experiences students have told you that might reveal a confidence.

In short: Prepare. Speak it. Fix it. Speak it.

A Tribute to Jamie Jones

Jamie Jones died Tuesday, September 9th in Fayetteville, AR at the age of 91. Jamie served as Baptist Student Union Director at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville from 1951 to 1988.

Jamie and his wife, Beverly, met in the Baptist Student Union at Auburn. After they married and came to Fayetteville to begin his ministry at the U of A, they lived on the top floor of the house that served as a BSU Center on the bottom floor. Jamie was known for, teased and admired for his "frugal habits". Students would tease him about the notes he left taped to the walls. They usually involved turning out the lights and ended with his trademark, "This means you!". He never wasted anything and had no desire to be a person of things. He just loved the Lord, his family and students at the UofA.

Jamie loved the local church and was sometimes called "Deacon Jones" because of his unselfish service and ministry to his church, First Baptist of Fayetteville. He modeled to students and all who knew him what it meant to be a follower of Christ through the local church. He was continually called on throughout the years to assist with funerals for people in his church who loved and admired him. Some said he did more funerals than any pastor.

In 1979 he temporarily left the UofA and moved to Little Rock to lead the "BSU Third Century Campaign" to raise a million dollar endowment. It would enlarge the ministry of the BSU throughout the state of Arkansas. It was the first such campaign done in the Southern Baptist Convention. Jamie could have simply stayed in Fayetteville and kept on there, but he would not ignore the call to strengthen ministry to college students throughout Arkansas.

Jamie modeled Servant Leadership and as a result, he mentored future ministers and missionaries who served all over the world. He loved the UofA and he gave his life simply to serving Christ there. Long before the term, "Campus Missionary" became popular, that is what Jamie gave his life to.....being a Missionary for Christ to the Razorback Nation. One of God's choice and humble servants has left us.

Why Are We Losing Youth and College Students to the Church?

A friend of mine says, "For every difficult question, there is usually a simple answer.....that is wrong". I think this question may be the perfect illustration of that truth. Likely, it is a collision of factors. One expert in the area of transitioning Christian high school youth to college churches and campus based ministries estimates we are losing 75,000 youth per year in Baptist life alone.

What are some of the colliding factors that are producing this loss?

-Many youth disappear from their youth group when they get their drivers license. All those youth that are recognized on Senior Sunday have not been active the whole time. Some estimate as many as half have not been active the last couple of years of high school.

-Everything costs more and youth and college students are working more and longer hours at part time jobs.

-Parents are less active or committed to church and therefore, the expectation on their son or daughter is less.

-College campuses are becoming increasingly unfriendly to campus Christian groups. On some campuses, Christian groups cannot require all their leaders be Christian with certain beliefs in order to be a recognized group.

-The short tenure of Youth Ministers in many churches allows youth to fall through the cracks in interims or from one youth minister to another. This obviously applies to youth who have gone to college and their Youth Minister that connected to them is no longer at their home church.

-Lack of communication between churches and campus based ministers as to who is coming to their campus is significant. One state wide collegiate ministry sent a letter to 1300 churches requesting a list of their students going to college and got fewer than 20 responses.

-The emphasis on evangelism in campus based ministry can subtract from effort of reaching and keeping those who have already made a profession of faith.

-Our society continues to become a more "instant and continuous entertainment oriented society" and a College Ministry isn't always, flash, bling and entertainment.

-College young people tend to isolate more due to their technology. They can stay in their room and watch movies, talk world wide on their phone, google anything, and even never go to the library.

-As college students isolate more, they have fewer friends and the number one factor in college students attending a campus Christian event the first time is a personal invitation.

-College students and even high school youth are exposed to a wider array of beliefs and non-belief than ever before. When they used to sit next to a Methodist and a Presbyterian, they may now sit next to a Buddhist and a witch.

-Continual promotion of sexual images and alcohol use have caused great college student and youth involvement which leads to feelings of guilt which helps isolate them from their faith group.

Obviously, there is no one simple answer. It is a reflection of changes in our society. But, here are three over-arching suggestions:

1. Youth Ministers and College Ministers MUST connect more and partner more.

2. Churches and College Based Ministries must work at making it possible financially for their ministers to serve more long term. Short tenures are anti-productive.

3. Church and Campus based Ministers must partner more with parents and provide more information and training for parents.

4. We must also painfully be reminded that every youth who liked pizza and summer camp was not necessarily a fully committed disciple......and I'm not opposed to pizza or summer camp.


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Should Christian Collegiate Special Events Be Free?

No!

Now for the longer version. I am speaking here about Retreats, etc and not weekly worship events, etc. We even charged for our Freshmen Survival which was the first day of class or the weekend before classes started. We wanted as many freshmen to come as possible.....and we charged for it.

Here is my reasoning. Free sometimes gives the message....not worth much. Free to sign up takes no commitment. One of our partner churches used to offer a Collegiate Retreat for free. Students just had to sign their name on the sign-up list at the church....and they did. It's just that the majority of them didn't show up for the Retreat. They signed their name....in case they should decide they wanted to go. For free, it took no decision or commitment to sign up for the Retreat. The Retreat was lightly attended and much of the food they had prepared for the large number who had signed up went to waste.

A deposit or sign up cost takes some commitment. Do I want to go to this? Is it at a time I can go? Do I need to make arrangements to get off from work? Paying some money takes some thought.

I believe in costs not being high. I even believe in loaning students money to go....on the 20 year pay plan. I believe in communicating that everything in life is not free. Commitment costs something. But, I never charged all that the event cost. But, it wasn't free!

5 Things to Do This Week (Like you didn't already have a long list)

1. Look back over your list of names or cards from your first event or two. Who has not been back? Assign those names to upperclassmen to contact.

2. Double check with and encourage any of your leaders that are struggling.

3. Get together with Campus Ministry partners for encouragement and figuring out what the trends are for this year. Then, you know it's not just you.

4. Set up a weekly work schedule you can live with for the rest of the semester. Don't just live by the loudest squeaking wheel. Set a pace you can maintain.

5. Take your spouse to lunch, since they probably have not seen you much the last couple of weeks.

Does God Call Ministers of Music or Worship Leaders?

I am a huge believer in God's call to vocational ministry. I experienced it many years ago beginning in high school and being resolved to some degree in college. I also believe we need to speak about calling to ministry to our students. In our attempt to emphasize everyone's call to service in the Christian life (which I agree with), I think we have "de-emphasized" God's calling to "full time service".

But, within that I have noticed and am trying to figure out a new phenomenon. At the national Collegiate Week done in Glorieta, New Mexico each August by the Lifeway Collegiate office there are 1700 students in attendance. Many of them are leaders in their campus ministry. Steve Masters, BCM Campus Minister at LSU, for the last two years has organized a luncheon for students who have been called to ministry.

At that lunch, they are seated at tables according to their area of calling. It is attended by 80 to 100 students. There are tables for those called to the pastorate, missions, youth ministry, children's, college, etc, etc. Each of those groups had large numbers.....except one.....there was only one student for music ministry. Last year at the luncheon it was similar.

With the great emphasis on music in our worship these days, why does it seem there are fewer feeling called to lead worship?

As some worship leaders have become celebrities, is it seen as beyond what an "ordinary person" can do? A few churches today have gone away from having a permanent Minister of Music or Worship Leader and they bring in different worship bands or worship leaders to lead each week. Are we "de-emphasizing" the music leader as "minister"? Where does that take us?

Are there fewer experiencing a call to lead worship? Should there not be full time worship leaders in churches? Or, are we separating ministry from music?

By the way, I highly, highly recommend Jeff Iorg's book, "Is God Calling Me?". It is a great book to give to students. It is super practical and readable and only 115 pages. I've given it to tons of students.

Should You Speak at Your Weekly Meeting?

I just read an excellent article by Tim Casteel about why you should not speak at your weekly collegiate meeting. I agree with all his points (prep time, exposure to local pastors, etc). I also think there is too much emphasis on College Ministers being speakers or even preachers (yes; I think there is a difference.). My main concern about the emphasis of some on College Ministers as preachers is twofold. First, many are trying to be Louie Giglio....and they aren't! Second, a healthy College Ministry is much more than a weekly large group meeting. If your ministry becomes all about your speaking, it is too centered in one person and lots of very important things are not happening. Plus, it often collapses when that person leaves. It is not built for the long term

So, why should you consider speaking at your weekly meeting? You know your students best and know what questions and concerns they have. You can assign guest speakers different topics out of your knowledge. But, after years of doing that in our our large Lunch Program event, I know how often someone is assigned a topic they are not good with and it shows from start to finish.

Through a process over time, I became the speaker for our large group worship event. Then, some years ago, we had a speaker for our Back-2-School Retreat our students loved. I came up with the plan to have him come speak at our Thursday night event once a month. The thought was he is terrific; our students love him and we will reach even more people at those monthly "special events". I did not tell anyone, but in my mind I thought, if this goes like I think it will, I will raise the money to bring him in on a weekly basis next year.

A crazy thing happened....our attendance went down on the nights he spoke. I am not a better speaker. I know that! But, our students felt like it was not as personal. He was not with them on a daily basis. They could not stop him in the Student Center or campus food court and ask a question about last week's message....or... talk about that personal struggle in their own life.

No one knows your students like you do! No one is as available to them on a daily basis as you are. God uses that relationship.

My best friend in College Ministry who I talk to from 2 or 3 times a week to 2 or 3 times a day does not speak at his weekly event and he has one of the larger ministries in the country. So, it's not a right or wrong question. It is what fits your gifts and strengths and your situation.

Prep time is obviously an argument against your speaking weekly. That's why I always laid out a semester's worth of topics and a rough outline during the summer. Some say, "But, what if some immediate situation arises I need to speak to"? You can always change away from that planned topic and already prepared outline. Then, you have a spare!

Should you speak at your weekly event? The answer is a definite.....maybe!

4th Most Read Blog 2014: The Most Popular Campus Talk I Ever Gave

I estimate that I have given well over 1,000 campus talks. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, there is one that has been most quoted, most requested, and most re-printed. I've even walked into campus centers and seen some version of it laying on a handout table. It all started one spring in our "Dead Day Program Planning" meeting. They asked me to come up with a talk that would draw Christians and Non-Christians alike to our first worship event of the fall. Have a title that is "promoteable". Without much discussion and thinking, the group said, "Do something on guy/girl relationships.". I thought we were talking about a one time talk. It became an annual End of the Year talk. Through the years, I was asked to do it as an outreach event on different campuses. After a few years, I quit doing it. Then, someone called and asked me to do it at a Teen Drug Conference. And it came back again. I wish I could say it was explaining the book of Revelation or the plan of salvation or How to Know God's Will. But...no!

Here is the basic outline and you are welcome to take it, improve on it, and use it, if it will ever be of help to you.

7 Red Flags in a Guy/Girl Relationship

1. The two of you are all consumed in each other and all other relationships are neglected.

2. Major differences are ignored or not talked about such as future goals, religious differences and life priorities and goals.

3. There is a drastic change in the sense of responsibility one or both partners has to other commitments. A healthy relationship makes you a better you.

4. Friends and/or family who know you best and love you most disapprove of the relationship.

5. Conflict is avoided at all costs. Healthy relationships learn to express and deal with disagreements.

6. One partner uses the other or demonstrates a lack of respect for the other. This can involve emotional or physical abuse.

7. Physical contact or sexual involvement becomes the central activity or the main part of the relationship. This can be entrapping or make it difficult to know your real feelings.

Some of What the Bible Says About Sex, Relationships, and Marriage:

God is the author of sexuality - Genesis 2:24-25

Sex outside of marriage is harmful. - I Thessalonians 4:3

Genuine love wants what is best for the other person. - I Corinthians 13:4-6

Marriage is a total commitment to one person. - Ephesians 5:28-31

The Most Wonderful Sound to a College Freshman

What is the most wonderful sound to a college freshman? What is it that suddenly makes them feel they are in the right place? What is it they long to hear?

It is the sound of someone calling their name....knowing their name....hearing it makes them feel maybe someone cares.

A freshman came through my door that had been to one of our events a few days earlier. I recognized her and as she came in the door I spoke and called her name. She fell back against the door and said, "That felt wonderful".
She had just come from being part of the biggest most impersonal place she had been in her life.

Some people have the gift of remembering names and can do it with little effort. You like me may not be gifted that way. So, how do you remember and call people by names when you may literally meet 200 in one day and even within one event.

It is simple...CHEAT! Make pictures at Welcome events. Write down names under the picture. Study the pictures. We have passed around pictures in Monday staff meetings naming people and asking, "Who is that"? Use name tags at every event. In fact, we did that all year for our Thursday night large group worship. You don't have to use expensive name tags. Address labels work just fine. I'm all about playing mixer get acquainted games at your worship events those first few weeks. Also, repeat back to a student their name after they tell you. I realized often I was not hearing in the first place. Many came from high schools I knew their mascot and I was able to tie all that together in my mind to remember them.

Remember, everybody likes to go somewhere everybody knows your name!

College Ministries in the U.S. - Baptist Collegiate Ministry

This the fourth in a series of posts about different College Ministries basic stats (Chi Alpha - 5/13; Cru - 5/17; MBSF - 5/27). Southern Baptists have just released figures for this past school year.

777 Campuses with a Baptist Collegiate Ministry ( A variety of names are used in different states.)

85,306 students involved

3,614 students accepting Christ

$7,607,934 contributions to missions

669 full time staff/377 part time - 1,046 total

205 churches with full time College Ministers

Mark Whitt located at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville is the National Coordinator. Historians disagree as to whether the movement began in Texas or Mississippi.

Missional or Attractional?

A friend recently attended a gathering of College Ministers to share ideas. Some of the brightest and best were there. My friend said they basically fell into two categories...either Missional or Attractional. I have never really thought of ministries dividing strictly along those lines.

If your ministry were to be categorized as one of these, which would it be? Is that your intent?

In generalizations, I think deep south ministries tend toward the Attractional as they promote large group worship experiences and other events. The ministries in other parts of the country have to be more outreach oriented simply to survive or exist. Yet, I believe that a ministry that is Attractional can still and should be Missional in outreach to non-believers and "wandering believers".

Be intentional about what your ministry is.

7 Top Reasons Students Attend a Campus Christian Event the First Time

The first three weeks are the most important of the whole school year in terms of reaching and connecting with new students. So, why do they come the first time? Here is what students in 5 states said.

7. Website - 10%
6. Mail - 12%
5. Social Media - 17%
4. Advertising - 34%
3. Food - 35%
2. An Appealing Event - 46%
1. Someone invited me - 77%

A personal invitation is huge. Having an event your students feel comfortable inviting someone to is key. So, should you NOT do mailings, Facebook posts, and advertising? I believe that often those things are what helps prepare a person to respond positively to that personal invitation. Many students have told me throughout the years, "I've been wanting to come, but I did not know anyone who came".

I believe you must spend "wisely extravagantly" during these first three weeks. Have events that your current students WANT to invite others to attend.

Finally, most students are not automatically "inviters". Teach, train, and encourage your students to invite.

This survey was done in 5 states by Kentucky Baptist Campus Ministers. The percentages equal more than 100% because students were allowed to give multiple responses.

A Weekly Freshmen Event

I am a big fan of a weekly freshmen event. It can be a freshmen only Bible study group. Or, it can be a large group event. Here is one model of such an event:

Some years ago, we began to do a Freshmen Night that met weekly on Monday nights. Each session started with a large group gathering where we did a time of worship and did some general announcements. We then split into Freshmen Family Group Bible studies led by an upperclass leader with an assistant leader or host (one being male and one being female). The freshmen usually wind up calling them mom and dad. The Bible studies are super practical and relate to specific freshmen needs. Each Family Group usually has some sort of light refreshments or even pizza now and then. Throughout the semester, they meet for some fun event, such as Freshmen Night at the Fair, etc.

Later on, we transitioned to having a freshmen band that led worship during the opening large group time. This also served to enlist more freshmen and to serve as a developmental process for our worship band that led worship for our everyone worship event on Thursday night. The last year or so, we have done fun, get acquainted and team games during the large group time. This came out of a feeling that students were not getting to know enough people outside their own Family Group.

Could you be reaching more freshmen with a specific Freshmen Night? Or, instead of a weekly event for a whole semester, what about doing one the first 3 or 4 weeks of school with some food, fun games and addressing some specific freshmen needs with spiritual truths?

Freshmen are looking for fun and friends. Freshmen have time availability. The majority of freshmen active in church during their high school senior year have no spiritual connection in college. Many freshmen shipwreck their life during the first few weeks of their freshmen year...your ministry can be a lifeboat that God uses! Students can come to Christ!

Improve Your Ministry and Save Some Money Now: The Collegiate Summit

Through the years the most helpful thing in improving my campus ministry and maintaining my own emotional health has been periodic gatherings with other College Ministers who see things like I do AND those who see things differently than I do. One of my all time favorites is the National Collegiate Ministries Summit held in Nashville once every three years. It will be April 29-May 1 (Wednesday-Friday). So, who will be there? Well, a whole bunch of Baptists will be, but, it's not just for Baptists....and most of them are friendly. There will even be some breakouts for volunteers and part-time folks.

The early bird registration cost is $125 until January 14 when it goes up to $160. That includes two meals and break times. Plus, there is a special $50 registration for a spouse when registered together. There are hotels within walking distance with special Summit prices. Or, you can sleep on someone's couch. To register, to see a full schedule, etc, go to Lifeway Christian resources events. Give your budget a break by registering in this calendar year and save a little by registering early.

In addition to Breakouts, Affinity groups and just good hallway conversations, here are some of the folks who will be speaking.

-Kyle Idleman, Teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY.

-John Dickerson, author of The Great Evangelical Recession and regular contributor to the New York Times, the Washington Post and CNN.

-Michael Kelley, author of Transformational Discipleship and Tough Sayings of Jesus and favorite collegiate event speaker.

-Rickey Chelette, known for speaking to thousands of young adults each year about sexual identity issues.

-Dave Hunt, well known Nashville musician and former College Minister returns by popular demand as Worship Leader.

I will look forward to visiting with you at the Summit!

Associate BSU Director for Mississippi College

Mississippi College, a Baptist University in Clinton MS, is looking for a full time Associate BSU Director (male or female). A Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree is preferred. Interested candidates should send resumes to Ben Maddox at Maddox@mc.edu. This is a fully funded position with benefits.

The Single Most Effective Freshmen Event

The single most effective, one time Freshmen event is Freshmen Survival. Freshmen Survival is an idea that a Campus Minister in Texas by the name of Dave Jobe developed. As it often happens, it developed out of a need and opportunity. The campus where Dave served as Baptist Campus Minister would open the dorms for freshmen a week before classes started, but they did not have many activites for the freshmen. So, Dave started a 3 day Freshmen Survival.

There were fun activities, small groups, seminars, etc. It was a huge hit. Dave's ministry grew. Some others in Texas picked up on it. A few years later a group of College Ministers met in Arkansas for 3 days to throw around ideas and learn from each other. Dave shared his Freshmen Survival. The room lit up. Several of us began to talk the possibilities. Out of that one idea came an event that was one of the two most significant ideas/events in growing our ministry in a significant way (the other was Freshmen Night).

There are two approaches to Freshmen Survival. Some do all weeekend and wind up on Sunday with the different Family groups attending one of the local churches together. Southern Mississippi where Lloyd Lunceford is the BSU Director for some years even had Freshmen Survival the first weekend and Transfer Survival the second weekend. The other approach many have used is the one day event ranging in time from 5 to 8 hours.

The single day event contains fun get acquainted events, survival seminars, and a meal. Some even conclude with a concert or brief worship time. Seminars have topics like "Dating ASU Style", "Spiritual Survival", "Cheap Eats and Discounts", "Pros and Cons of Joining a Greek Organization", "How to Make it in College". Family groups are a key part where students get to know each other and the Gospel is shared. Yes; students have made professions of faith at Survival events. Another key part is the meal (pizza of course) because we found that students tend to relax more and open up more during and following the meal. Yes; pizza works magic with college students. Another fun favorite is the Freshmen Olympics with wacky games with Family Groups competing against each other.

Some have a guest speaker for Survival who does the different topics such as Spiritual, Academic, and Social Survival. I personally lean toward the concept of those being done during the different seminars they get to choose. But, a huge key to Survival is your well trained upperclass students leading the the different events and connecting with them personally.

Should you be doing some version of Freshmen Survival this fall? Thanks to Dave Jobe many of the larger Baptist Collegiate Ministries use this key event. Yes; I still believe it is the single most effective Freshmen event!

College Minister Sought for University of Louisville

The Kentucky Baptist Convention is considering candidates for the Campus Missionary position at the University of Louisville. A Master of Divinity degree or higher at an SBC Seminary is preferred. Send a resume and cover letter or address questions to Brian Combs (Brian.combs@kybaptist.org). This is a fully funded position.

Mizzou Campus Ministry Position

Jerry Carmichael, BSU Campus Minister at the University of Missouri, is looking for an Associate Campus Minister. Jerry will continue to oversee the ministry and extensive alumni and church involvement, as well as being the primary fund raiser for the ministry. The Associate Campus Minister would have direct involvement with the daily on-going ministry with students. This position would involve raising all or part of your salary, at least in the beginning. If you are interested in knowing more, contact Jerry at Jerry@mizzoubsu.org or 573.808.3302.