College Union

BY: BOB BECKWITH

One of the realities of campus ministry is that many of our ministry staff are just out of college/seminary and are in their first full time, long-term ministry position. The first ministry experience is vital part of every minister’s development. A good experience will usually confirm a calling and lay the foundation for a life of ministry. But a discouraging experience will often cause them to run for cover from ever serving in ministry again. All of which makes our role in their lives so much more significant than the traditional pastor – staff relationship.

A few thoughts on helping ministry staff get the most out of their time with us:

• See your staff’s spiritual and ministry development as one of your primary ministries. When you invest in them, you are also investing in the hundreds and even thousands they will invest in through the years ahead.

• Regularly schedule one on one time just for them. Use that time for discipleship, to discuss ministry issues, etc.

• Develop a team approach to ministry. As a staff discuss ministry vision, planning, and issues. You could do it by yourself and perhaps even save some time. But then, your staff will never fully take ownership of the ministry. Nor will they benefit from being able to learn from planning, praying and doing ministry with you.

• Hold them to the same level of expectations to which you hold yourself. When it comes to their personal time with the Lord, schedule, behavior, etc. model for them and hold them accountable to that which will enable them to be an effective campus minister for many years to come.

• Just as you disciple them, encourage them to disciple your student leaders. Seek to develop both this gift and the understanding that discipleship is an important part of campus ministry.

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

Categories: Staff Development
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