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collegeministry

I've been the college minister at Mag for about 12 or 13 days now ... here are some thoughts:

1. College ministry is hard.

2. I, having just graduated college, probably am not the most qualified for the job. **

3. No, having CBU across the street does not equal a large (or healthy) college ministry for Mag.

4. I see why a lot of college groups end up being a separate 'church' in and of themselves. The college mindset aims more at being different and unique (neither a negative thing). However, this can take a college ministry far from the church's overall strategy of operating and reaching the lost. I don't want to start a new church within one.

5. Programing is difficult. I'm having to answer seemingly impossible questions like: if a midweek program at the church isn't very effective, but in-home Bible studies are during the week, what do I do on Sunday morning? At the same time, my church's strategy is to make Sunday morning a staple for each ministry - so what do I do during the week? How can I get college students to want to come to the church they just left home from? How can I reach the 70,000+ college students in Riverside? Can a college ministry survive the summer? What's the college ministry at Mag's niche in this community?

6. I really miss Whitney. I know you think it doesn't have much to do with college ministry, but for me it does. You see, she's a big part of my life, and when I don't have her to bounce ideas off of and encourage me all the time, things are different. It affects everything... so, I miss her.

7. I'm cheezy. I realized this (in a more real way than ever) last Sunday when I was trying to meet all the new High School grads coming to college Bible Study. I turn into a cheeze ball when I meet new people - its my attempt to connect to them in some way while making them feel welcomed at the same time. I wonder if I can change this to become more cool ... hmmm

8. College ministry is hard.


** Although, I also realize that neither Jacob, Moses, Jonah, Paul, nor all 12 disciples were the most qualified for their jobs either. While I do recognize the gifts that God has given me, I also revel in the fact that if there be any "sucess," it will be God's doing, not mine.