What I've Learned So Far - 5 Keys to College Minstry

When I signed on for this job at Bethany Baptist Church, I knew it would be a challenge.  Ministering to college students and young adults is hard enough; throw in a hipster culture with a majority of people that aren't Christians, and you've got a recipe for failure.  Here's what I've learned so far:

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number 1.  It's not about success (or numbers)

Many ministries that I've seen over the years make ministries out to be about numbers.  Not only how many people are there, but success is also defined in terms of the type of person and how much they're involved.  The perfect student-ministry individual is there 5-7 days a week, looks hip and cool, has amazing talent in the arts or in music, and has a good "face."  What we should really be creating are students of depth regardless of who they are, that want to see kingdom change through the renewal that only the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring.  Imagine a ministry that if full of people that don't care how loud the music is, but instead are serving as Christ served.

number 2.  Be consistent

If you say that you're going to be there at 10:30, be there at 10:30.  The one time I have been late so far, I was late because the person I was meeting was always late.  Guess what?  He/she showed up 20 minutes early!  Time isn't the only way to be consistent though.  It's important to have a weekly meeting to start, and to have a regular rhythm to that meeting.  Young adults really desire depth of teaching and consistency based on excellence.

number 3.  W.A.I.T.

When I meet people for coffee or lunch I have to repeat this mantra that my Sr. Pastor gave us in church one Sunday:

Why Am I Talking.  'Nuff said.

number 4.  Move at the pace of relationship

This may come as a shock to some, but this principle is pretty new to me.  I'm an intellectual fixer.  I like to fix stuff - even people.  Be wary of such tendencies, and be wary of expectations for a cool, huge, worship-kick-butting ministry.  Move as a ministry at the pace of relationship.  Don't let a tendency for programming to push aside the need to establish and build relationship with your core, even if you have to sacrifice numbers to do so.  People want true connections.  Make sure to give them time and space to make that happen.

number 5.  Be about the Gospel

If your primary goal isn't being a part of the gospel resonating in the lives of these students and young adults, you're focussing on the wrong thing!  Keep the gospel central to anything you do.  Let every decision from office hours to worship songs to programming ideas be fed through the lens of the gospel.  If the idea or song isn't about reaching people with the gospel, you'll have to go back to the drawing board.