College Union

BY: BOB BECKWITH

Campus ministry interns are typically young, energetic, passionate and idealistic. Unfortunately, they are also volunteer. In August, when everything is new and exciting, motivation is rarely an issue. By February, however the newness has worn off, the weather has turned cold, living on support has lost its luster, and the intern’s thoughts have already begun to turn to what they will be doing next year.

At some point, motivation becomes an issue for many. For directors there is no easy answer. Unlike other employers, there is no paycheck through which to hold them accountable. Though there are no pat answers, here are a few insights that may prove helpful:

+ An internship is a calling: Help instill the mind set that they have been personally called by the Lord Jesus to the work entrusted to them. Ultimately, He is the One whom they are serving.

+ An internship is a job: Just as they would never dream of showing up for work only when they felt like it or doing only those parts of a job they liked, interns need to be taught to be responsible to their duties as if it were a full time job.

+ Clearly define expectations: From the beginning, clearly define responsibilities, hours, codes of conduct, and other expectations. The more intentional and clear you are up front, the easier it will be to hold staff accountable later.

+ Make it personal: In many jobs there is little relationship between supervisors and workers. In campus ministry we need to take a very different approach. Work to build relationships and invest yourself in your staff throughout the year. This will tend to both increase your intern=s satisfaction in their ministry and create a personal loyalty that can help motivate in those times when the ministry has lost it=s luster.

+ Encourage, Encourage, Encourage: For many, their internship is their first real full time job. Along with their passion and idealism will often be a strong case of insecurity and self doubt. More than anything else, most interns need a steady diet of encouragement to stay confident and motivated for the work to which they have been called.

Bob Beckwith is the Director of the UGA Wesley Foundation. You can reach him at beckwithga@aol.com

Categories: Staff Development
Tags: