If I could pick one word that I think best describes this generation it would be the word distracted. I debated whether or not I really needed to take the time to argue my case, so instead of me writing about it, just look up at the people around you. What are they doing? Where are they looking (or not looking)? The next time you're at a restaurant, watch the people at the tables around you. The next time you're in class, at work, at home, or at the airport, take a minute to notice what the people around you are doing. Between … [Read more...]
4 Key Questions For A Ministry In Decline
If you've been in a ministry leadership role with college students or young adults for any amount of time, you've seen it happen. If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will. Here’s the scenario: Your ministry is booming. People are showing up. Everyone seems engaged with others. There’s a general sense that you have things figured out in the collegiate/young adult ministry model. And then it happens. The bottom drops out from under you with no warning. Suddenly, people are skipping your Sunday morning gathering time. The missions … [Read more...]
When “I Don’t Know” Is A Good Start
When I was younger I had a fear of being asked a question and not knowing the answer. It was a genuine fear that covered a wide range of life aspects--from not knowing the correct pronunciation of a word to not being able to answer deep theological questions. I felt like I always needed a prepared answer for every question. Honestly, it was pretty ridiculous and prideful. And if we're completely honest, I'd venture to say that most of us fear not having an answer for questions we might be asked. This fear keeps many people from … [Read more...]
Why Churches Need To Get In The Game
Every college town in North America is gearing up for the most exciting time of the year. It’s time for the fall semester--it’s game time! Students are on their way back to their campuses by the thousands. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, there were 21.8 million college students who attended colleges and universities in the Fall of 2013. From all indications, that number will continue to grow as the Millennials and Generation Z find their way to campus. Colleges and universities are reporting record numbers … [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 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...]