Two ways to build community and culture are so simple (and so effective) they almost feel cliche: honoring examples of the culture you’re trying to build self-deprecation While these two avenues seem worlds apart, they can share a common mode, one method that can accomplish either (or even both): a …
Of course the Winter Olympics provide opportunities for your college ministry: with students in your ministry, with the larger campus, even with supporters/overseers. If you want a boost in figuring out how, here are a couple of posts where we’ve chatted about it: Rooting for the Americans (or the British) …
I don’t know what your campus ministry is doing for the Super Bowl. Maybe it’s an opportunity to bring people together; maybe it’s a chance to draw new students in. But like I said, I don’t know what you’re doing in particular. But let me ask you: Do YOU know …
When first-timers show up to your Large Group Meeting (assuming you have a Large Group Meeting, and assuming you have first-timers…), what do they experience? Is it any different than what the regulars experience? While visitors should certainly feel at home, get a taste of what the ministry is like, and …
This is a repost from yesteryear, but incredibly timely. I’ve heard Tim Elmore encourage college ministers not only to work in their college ministries but also on their college ministries. At this point in the semester, one of the most valuable “Frideas” I can offer is this: Audit. Everything. I remember once sitting across …
Have you considered issuing a Growth Challenge for your students across Christmas break? You could, of course, share ONE challenge with everyone – there’s value in unified movement. But there can be value in options, too – and in the varied stories that come out. So if you’re looking for …
I’ve used this Fridea before, but it’s a favorite. It’s a good one for the first day of December, though less applicable around here in Texas than where some of you serve. Has your campus ministry developed a “Snow Day Capitalization Plan”? (I wanted something fancier than “Snow Day Plan” …
As I’ve often talked about (and I’m sure you already know), you cultivate what you honor. So if your college ministry prioritizes disciplemaking/mentoring (whether one-on-one or small group), then here’s a particular and peculiar way to honor that – and to cast a vision for value in the process. What if …
The husbands in my church small group meet weekly at Panera Bread, connecting with each other to chat about spiritual life, marriage, etc. But I’ve noticed we’re not alone… near our “chosen table” sits another group of men, who also seem to be engaged in biblical discussion of some sort …
You’ve got access to vaults of wisdom for your students – people with “the wisdom of years,” most of whom have been exactly where your students are. It’s your alumni list. While (if you’re in certain branches of college ministry) you may request funds from these folks (and from plenty of …
