Whether you feel like you are killing it or barely surviving, it’s easy to lose sight of why we do college ministry. Too often, we lean on large turnouts and ministry “successes” for confidence in our call, or allow facing challenges to make us question it. That is a recipe for burnout. If we’re not careful, the rigors of ministry, the disappointments of unmet expectations, or the challenges inherent in student work will wear us down. There will be times when students are flaky, stats don’t reflect the effort you’ve put in, budgets are slim, friends in ministry are distant or nonexistent, family members wonder when you’ll get a real job, and there’s more work to do at every turn. Remembering why we engage in college ministry and how God called us to do this work is so important for ministry longevity!
In 2 Timothy, Paul clearly perceived the need for Timothy to be encouraged in ministry and, perhaps, to remember why he was in ministry in the first place. In this letter from mentor to mentee, we find four simple, biblical motivations for ministry to encourage us as we remember why we do this work.
Remember the Gospel.
Paul reminded Timothy: “He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Tim. 1:9). We are God’s children by his grace alone, and we serve in ministry by grace alone. I must frequently remember that God could accomplish his purposes in collegiate ministry just fine without me. It’s a gracious gift to get to be a part of his redemptive work in the world! By his grace, you are his child, and by his grace, you are a minister of the gospel! Remember, God doesn’t need us to do ministry but he wants us to be with him! A missionary friend recently shared, “Passion will only get you so far. Obedience will take you a little further. But loving Jesus will sustain you.”
Remember the Call.
Paul encouraged Timothy in the simplicity of his calling: “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:1-2). Timothy was to stay rooted in Christ, pass on what he had learned and experienced, and teach others to do the same. If we overcomplicate our calling, we are in danger of becoming strong in strategy and measurable success but weak in “the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Steve Smith challenged that while effective methodologies are crucial, “methods are mere mechanics without the Spirit of God.” Admittedly, simple doesn’t mean easy. Whether your “calling” to ministry was a memorable experience or a gradual progression of steps of obedience, remember, God is the one who called you, equips you, and empowers you.
Remember your Mentors.
Paul reminded Timothy that his understanding of the gospel and calling to ministry were not experienced in a bubble. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it” (2 Tim. 3:14). As Timothy’s mentor, Paul had vivid memories of Timothy’s call and a unique position to remind him of God’s work in his life. We need true brothers and sisters in Christ who can speak into our lives, encourage us, challenge us, hold us accountable, and remind us why we do this work.
Remember to Persevere.
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5). Paul knew there would be times when ministry would be rough, people wouldn’t listen, and some would replace Timothy’s voice with “what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:4). Paul expected Timothy to remain faithful to his calling even when things went poorly. I’m convinced that Paul would reject a myth often believed in our culture: that hard means bad, that if things are not easy or fun, something must be wrong. Ministry challenges can teach us more about God’s character and faithfulness and help us better understand ourselves. Facing challenges as learning opportunities is a far simpler prospect when we are confident in the gospel, remember the substance of our calling, and allow our community to speak into our situation.
Years ago, I spent an entire summer wrestling with whether I was “still the guy” for our ministry on campus. After much prayer, reflection, and even a little looking at other job opportunities, God made it clear that I’m not the guy; HE is…and that I needed to stay as a participant with God in HIS ministry. I have had to relearn this lesson over the years and have found it helpful to define roles and establish a personal mission statement. When I face a challenging season, need to make a significant decision, or just remember why I’ve given my life to collegiate ministry, it is helpful for me to remember God’s role, my role, and what he’s called me to.
I’ve written mine from my season as BSM Director at UT Tyler below (I’m working on a new one for a new role in TX BSM). Perhaps developing something similar would be helpful for you as well.
By God’s grace, I am a participant in His ministry and get to work with Him…
To: Saturate the harvest fields of the world, domestic and foreign, with thoroughly equipped workers.
By: reaching, discipling, and sending UT Tyler students to the nations.
Joe Osteen serves as the East Texas Regional Director for Texas BSM. You can follow him on Instagram @JosephOsteen.
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