Learning from the Master A Tutorial on Prayer from Jesus
An apprentice is someone who intentionally and strategically learns from others whose knowledge, experience, skills, and practices are beyond theirs. If you are familiar with Spanish, you may know that “aprender” means “to learn.” This is the root meaning of “apprentice.” A disciple is a follower of a teacher or a leader, similar to an […]
Fall Semester Kick-Off Strategies
The first 3-5 weeks offer a unique opportunity with new students that will not be duplicated at any other time during the school year. They are open. They are looking for friends. They are used to filling out forms. Good summers make great falls. Plan events, make reservations, print promotional materials, write curriculum, sign student […]
The Praying College Minister
“O You who hear prayer, to You shall all flesh come.” Psalm 65:2 The life of the college minister is founded on and framed by prayer. At its core, prayer is asking. When we pray, we seek to obtain something from someone (God) who can give it; we implore, entreat, petition. We make a request […]
Why College Freshmen Drop Out of Church
In recent years surveys have indicated that most college freshmen active in church in high school are not connecting to church in college. Some said, “Nine out of ten are dropping out.” Another said it’s not nearly that bad, it is “ONLY seven out of ten”. So, why is it happening? For most, I believe […]
The Radically Focused College Ministry
I devoured the book “Deliberate Simplicity” where Dave Browning lays out the case that in ministry, “less is more, and more is better.” There are a lot of good things that we can do as college ministries, but having less complexity and radically focusing on the best things, we can multiply faster and reach more […]
How to Recruit, Develop, and Keep Staff Members
God has blessed me with an amazing staff of 7 people. By His grace, God has brought them to our ministry. The following insights are principles I have stumbled upon through trial and error over the last five years of campus ministry. The Size of Your Vision, The Size of Your Staff If you want a […]
What Works Everywhere in College Ministry?
I just got back from a mission trip to Germany to help a campus ministry called Connexxion. They’re doing a great job of reaching and discipling college students in a very hard to reach place. Some of the things we do translate to their context while other things don’t. This inspired me to ask myself […]
How to Preach So Students Will Listen
BE REAL, OR BE IGNORED Authenticity trumps everything – the more personal, the more powerful. Vulnerability is your secret weapon when communicating to college students. If students even suspect that you are not being authentic, then they will immediately tune you out. When I tell about a struggle I have faced or I am currently […]
Turning Selfish Students into Selfless Missionaries
Since we started our ministry eight years ago, we have sent out eight longer-term missionaries (a semester or more). One of the reasons many get into college ministry is the strategic potential for global impact. The nations have come to us, and the people we reach are the most flexible, trainable, and send-able people on […]
Reasons College Ministries Often Don’t Cooperate
Through the years in different experiences, I have been surprised at many college ministries (campus and church-based) that do not cooperate with other college ministries. A question I have often gotten when leading a training seminar for church laypeople is, “Why are college ministries not more cooperative with each other?”. Eight Common Reasons for Some […]