He was your server at your favorite restaurant after church on Sunday. She was sitting next to you on your bus commute this morning. They get together as a group at your local coffee shop. They fill your local college campus from August until May every year. Who are they? They are young adults (a.k.a…Millennials or 20-somethings or college kids or young professionals or the list goes on). In our communities from the rural towns of Alabama to the major metropolitan cities of Seattle and Nashville, young adults are all … [Read more...]
3 Ways Churches Can Better Connect with Millennials
Every church looks different when it gathers to worship. I’m not talking about whether a church uses pews or folding chairs; whether the lead instrument is an organ or a bass guitar ; or whether it’s casual dress or suit and tie. I’m talking about the vast difference in the ages represented in church congregations. Over the past few weeks, I've been interacting with the question of where are the college students and young adults in modern-day churches? Recent reports have indicated a steady decline in Millennials being present in … [Read more...]
Why Your Ministry Should Be a Model
Are the ways I minister on a daily basis establishing an appropriate model for my college students? This is a question I've been pondering a lot recently. College ministry is both a wonderful privilege and a deeply heavy responsibility. We're doing our students a disservice when we model something that runs contrary to the gospel. What you do and don’t do, the way you carry yourself, and the time you spend says just as much as your words. The ways in which we minister to our students are a model for their life. Everything we do … [Read more...]
3 Lies College Ministry Leaders Must Silence
If you're attempting to make disciples among college students, you have an enemy who wants to discourage and distract you from the mission God has called you to. If he can get you crippled with doubts, fears, and excuses, the ministry will be hindered. Remember, this is a battle for the souls of students. We can’t afford to waste time with the mind games of the enemy. Here are just three of the many lies that I have fought regularly, along with some encouragement the Lord has given me related to each one. 1. “We don’t have … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Sharing Is Good for Leaders
Mom and your kindergarten teacher said it best – It really is a good thing to share! Recently, I've had the opportunity to travel around the country and meet with some of my heroes – collegiate and young adult leaders in churches and on college campuses. The creativity and energy these leaders possess provides countless opportunities to connect with college students and young adults in our communities and on our campuses. But I have a confession to make: Some of my best ideas as a college minister were not my own. Many of those … [Read more...]
Why Should Leaders Proceed With Caution?
There's major road construction happening near my home. While driving along this obstacle course of a road recently, a sign caught my attention. It was flashing the warning, “Proceed with caution!” every few seconds. I thought to myself, Has that sign been there for the past few days or is it new? Had I completely looked past the sign and proceeded with no caution on this path that seems to change every day? For those of us leading college students and young adults, these "proceed with caution" warnings have several important … [Read more...]
8 Reasons to Study the Word During Finals Week
Finals week is a dreaded reality for many students. Surprise deadlines, group projects, and comprehensive exams can lead to a lot of stress. Fortunately, God’s Word is a great resource for this hectic season. Consider these eight reasons to study your Bible during finals week (according to Psalm 119): 1. Finals week can lead to some crazy emotions. I am weary from grief; strengthen me through Your word (v. 28). 2. You might be tempted by negative distractions (like a four-hour YouTube study break). Turn my eyes from … [Read more...]
Do Groups Really Matter?
Anytime I'm in the presence of collegiate or young adult ministry leaders, I’m always intrigued by the conversations that surface about our ministries. “What does your large group worship time look like?” “What are some of the issues you're tackling in your group gatherings?” “What type of missions opportunities does your group do?” Are those relevant and important questions to ask? Absolutely. They're all aspects of what draws young adults to our ministries and keeps them involved with the ministry as a whole. However, … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Overcome Disappointment in Ministry
We’ve all been there. We planned something for months and the day finally comes--and only 3 people show up. We had a significant conversation with someone in our collegiate or young adult ministry about a life decision--and a few days later, they're making choices as if that conversation never happened. Disappointment is a regular factor of ministry, but it's a topic we rarely discuss. We often treat it like a forbidden topic to talk about as leaders. So how do we deal with disappointment in ministry? I’ll be honest: … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Celebrate Heroes in Ministry
Everyone loves a hero. There’s just something that stirs within us when a hero shows up to save the day. As I recently sat with strangers in a sold out theatre, I observed (and participated in) the spontaneous applause when the hero did something that proved he was fighting for something bigger than himself – when he was fighting for something that mattered. For those of us who lead collegiate and young adult ministries, there are heroes in our midst every single time we gather. We could never do what we do without the … [Read more...]