Thanks for tuning in with us as we continue the discussion on some things to consider when you begin or re-launch your collegiate ministry.

Today we wanted to discuss programs. When you begin a ministry you are often temped to make some mistakes with the way you program (i.e. what you do). One pitfall is to assume you need to have a large slick, collegiate service to draw in new students. A great weekly gathering is a wonderful thing, but not necessarily the right thing for your ministry. Many ministries can try to build something they are not ready to build. The worst thing you can do, really, is try a ministry that is not done well or one that is not the right next step. Before you start filling in slots for your ministry week with the standard: weekly gathering, small groups, and fellowships…stop to evaluate some of parameters of your church.

•               -     What has the church been doing for programming in collegiate ministry?
•           -    What is the history of collegiate ministry in the church?
•           -    Has the church tried something and had success or failure in the past?
•           -    How do students in the community view things the church has done before?
•           -    What kind of service or ministry does the church provide for Adults?
•           -    What are the major needs of the students who are coming? What is primary in their
•                 development?

At this point, remember that you need to develop a mission statement and a vision for your ministry. These will really enable you to “hone in” on how you need to proceed in developing your ministry.

So often we see so many ministries that feel they need to have this or do that. Honestly, they have never thought through what needs to happen in a holistic and systematic manner.