For those of us in young adult ministry, we are always looking for new ideas, the latest resource, and a community of practitioners who understand why we do what we do. If that sounds like you, be sure to check out a new website that was created for college ministry leaders by Baptist Collegiate Network (BCNet). BCNet is made up of folks like you who are on the front lines of ministry.
You can find this new tool at www.collegeministry.com, but let me give you a little insight into the most important features!
- Downloadable Ministry Articles—Need help choosing small group leaders, walking with students through anxiety and depression, or formulating a fall outreach strategy? We’ve got an article for that…and so many more! The download feature lets you easily print out a copy for other leaders in your ministry or share electronically for a friend at another university getting a ministry off the ground. These articles are written to be easily digestible, as most are 1 or 2 pages. You can also read the full content without downloading on our blog.
- Focused Ministry Areas—There are 8 teams at work behind the scenes, seeking to help us all move forward in some key areas: Evangelism, Discipleship, Missions, Church-Based Ministry, Campus-Based Ministry, Planting (starting churches/ministries on new campuses), Leadership, and International Student Ministry. You can check out just those ministry areas or find their resources mixed in with the full offering of ministry aids.
- Discipleship Coaching—This one is coming soon, but it is too exciting to not mention. If you are interested in getting some more intentional coaching to think through the discipleship models you are currently using or to start something new, collegeministry.com is pulling together a network of coaches who are ready to help! Check back soon to be able to search within the list of coaches to find someone who you think can best help you in your current situation. Once you select a coach, you’ll be able to jump into a three-step coaching process with them to help evaluate your ministry and move the ball forward as you seek to disciple college students!
- Other Resources—In addition to what has already been mentioned, there are various other resources ready to help you in your ministry. Whether you are looking for blog and social media recommendations, a directory of other campus and church-based ministries reaching college students, job opportunities, or book endorsements, it is all there and more!
I hope you’ll take a moment to check out this new resource…and more importantly, I hope you find that it is a great help to you in ministering to college students. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for the newsletter and get a free pdf of The BIG 50: 50 Ideas and Principles for Growing Your College Ministry. Hope this helps as you launch into a new semester of ministry on your campus!
Bill Noe is the Collegiate Ministry Specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources. A former campus minister (and current collegiate ministry volunteer at church), Bill loves being a part of seeing college students grow in their walk with the Lord. Connect with Bill on Twitter.