One intriguing model for organizing service opportunities and cause-oriented efforts is something we use at the church that employs me.

Our system, in a nutshell, relies heavily on having a “point person” for every ministry partner. So for the homeless ministry we connect with, there’s a point person. For the refugees ministry, there’s a point person. For the transitional housing ministry, there are a couple of point people.

Ideally, the Point Person:

  • Champions the cause to others in our church
  • Helps strategize our involvement
  • And helps shepherd volunteers

Couldn’t student leaders (or adult volunteers) function that way within a collegiate ministry? Instead of the college minister OR a dedicated “Service Team” handling all the outreach organization… what if each ministry outlet was “handled” by a champion? (Of course, you might choose those ministries in the ways I’ve outlined here and here.)

Would it mean students might appear to “compete” a little, as they recruit other students to their cause? Perhaps… but as long as they’re first and foremost Kingdom-minded and excited about their peers serving somehow, a group of students each rallying can be good for your climate of service overall.