Marcus Buckingham, the noted writer and author on strengths, says in everything there is one thing that makes the difference.
If that is true.....what is it in College Ministry? I have written previously that I think the one necessary personal characteristic for a successful College Minister is not speaking ability....but respect. But, is there ONE thing that makes for a successful College Ministry?
Some would argue that it is the large group meeting. Everything comes off of that. People are attracted to it and then become believers, attach to other parts of your ministry, etc.
Others would argue that it is small groups, that is where real personal growth and discipleship happens. Some of these even scoff at the need for a large group meeting.
Still, a third group would argue that it is one to one discipleship. A survey in our ministry some years ago saw our individual meetings with our Team Leaders listed as what they saw as most valuable.
So, which one of these is it? What's the ONE thing, if Buckingham is right?
I agree with Buckingham that there is ONE thing......but, here is where I probably diverge from him. There is ONE thing......but......that ONE thing varies from ministry to ministry. It may be the setting. It may be a particular skill of the College Minister. It may be a Center in the middle of campus. It may be resources. It may be tradition. I have seen enough strong, large College Ministries to realize there is more than one way to do it right and well. God uses uniqueness.
What is the ONE thing in your ministry? Have you identified it? Are you utilizing it to the max? But, whatever it is.....students have to respect you for God to use your ministry in the long run!
"I agree with Buckingham that there is ONE thing......but, here is where I probably diverge from him. There is ONE thing......but......that ONE thing varies from ministry to ministry. ... I have seen enough strong, large College Ministries to realize there is more than one way to do it right and well. God uses uniqueness."
ReplyDeleteWell said, Arliss!
Great post! I think people define success differently--most notably either numerically or spiritually.
ReplyDeleteFor our church-based college ministry, we've seen numeric success by being active. Someone told me once "an active ministry is a growing ministry." Also in Paul Worcester's booklet "Tips for Starting a Campus Ministry," he notes that most freshmen are looking for "friends and fun." So I've made it a goal to do either a fun event or service event each month to give students an opportunity to be together and have fun or make a difference in the community. Since this change, we've seen explosive numerical growth.
As far as spiritual growth, I've seen the most success in our one-on-one or small group discussions. Students don't want a sugar coated religion. They want to tackle the hard questions and really understand why it is they believe what they do. So with any discussion we may have, I have not been afraid to ask the hardest, theological and/or ethical questions. By doing this, I've seen their lives grow deep spiritual roots. It also shows me where certain students need more one-on-one time because of issues in their lives.