“Let’s Go Cowboys! Let’s Go Cowboys! Let’s Go!” If I only had a dollar for every time I yell this during the week. I serve on a two-year campus where approximately 80 percent of the campus plays a team sport. I spend a lot of time going to games and team events.
I arrived at the Connors State College campus 19 years ago. One of the first state BCM events I attended was a training in ministry conference. This conference had an NFL wide receiver named Wes Welker as one of the speakers. I had the opportunity to ask him, “How do I minister to college athletes?” The wise advice he gave me, I still use to this day. “Never make a student feel guilty about not being able to do something. They want to participate but cannot because of their involvement in their sport. However, it is important to always let them know that you are there for them when they need you.” This has continually paid off for me. The athletes and coaches on campus all know how to contact me. The coaches have my cell phone number. I also give it out to the athletes. When I meet with athletes, I always respect their time. They have schedules and if they put me on it, I must respect that time.
I also have found that it is important to sit in the same seat at home games. That way they always know where to find me at the games. The moment the team schedules come out I add them to my old-fashioned schedule calendar. This is how I plan which sporting events to attend.
Connors State College started soccer two years ago. It was at this time that the coach came to me for help. The team had to report to school two weeks before the cafeteria was to open. This provided the BCM the opportunity to provide eight meals for the soccer team. We have continued to provide these meals ever since that time. This has allowed the CSC BCM to minister to athletes plus international students.
We give shout outs to the new signees and transfer students on social media. This allows the BCM to make connections and introduce them to the BCM before they get to campus.
I treat our club sports, judging, and show teams the same. They all have practice times, and event schedules to deal with.
Our Campus is small, so everyone knows everyone. I try to do the same thing. I associate their names with something about them, it could be where they are from, what positions they play or something about their family.
So, if I were summarizing the Connors State College Campus BCM athlete ministry, here are the areas that I would focus on:
- When meeting with an athlete, honor their time.
- Invest in an old school planner.
- Sit in the same seat at the games.
- Make yourself available. (You may be the only ministry on campus).
- Get to know the coaches.
- Never make an athlete feel guilty because they cannot participate in the activities.
- Shout out team accomplishments on social media.
- Make reels of the team and give them shout outs at the games.
- Learn their names.
- Offer various times to meet when they are available.
I know every campus is different, but this is an example of how the CSC BCM ministers to the athletes on campus.
Rowdy Morris is the Collegiate Ministry Director at Connors State College, Oklahoma. You can email him at [email protected]
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