Bob's Blog

College ministry is not new to churches. Most churches have had something for those who have graduated from high school, even if it's just a group that hangs out at the youth leaders' homes. But you do get the sense that college-age ministry is at its "beginnings." Some would even say that where college-age ministry is today is where youth ministry was at in the early 70's. So what makes an effective college ministry? Are their certain characteristics? Here are a few that I've seen.

• A college ministry needs more than a few willing people to head it up; it needs the right leaders to lead this group.
• A strong sense of community seems to be evident in most effective college ministries.
• This age group is at its peak in learning and discovery, so they need a ministry that will challenge them.
• An effective college ministry has a characteristic of serving. There's no doubt that this generation wants to make an impact for good in this world, and they're looking for a church that will teach them how.
• They are transitioning from being teens to young adults, and any church that can help them sort through life's questions will be a church they call "home."
• Churches that target for the future, whose leadership supports the ministry and connects this age group to the Body.
• Discipleship is key.

There are other characteristics, which I've seen throughout the ones I have just mentioned. Some of these other characteristics are a strong teaching ministry, a model of praying, and sharing their faith. These are just a few that I'll be teaching on at the DRINK Conference. If you have other characteristics and would like to share them, send them to me and I'll post those on a later blog.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 3:06 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.