"Are you building for the future or just living in the present?"
Here are some ways to think about that.
-Are you putting students in positions they are not ready for? When this happens, they may not function well or worse it gives them a sour taste about ministry and leading. They may quit or serve out the year and then not be willing to serve the next year when they are mature enough and can be of even more benefit to the ministry.
-Are there students that should be used in some "minor role" to help prepare them for the NEXT year. They could be an assistant Bible study group leader or a team vice chairman.
-If your leadership selection for the fall of 2010 does not come till the end of this semester, should you invite some students that you think have real leadership potential to serve on some sort of short term committee (like planning a retreat or working on your missions promotion for this semester) that would allow you to develop them a bit more and give them a positive taste in serving.
-Are there students you should ask to meet with you weekly or occasionally to talk about what is going on in their life to encourage them and help them grow. You may not mention leadership for the future, but that is part of what you might have in mind in selecting them.
Your Future as a Leader:
-Many ministries today are short of money and campus based ministries are feeling more squeezed than ever. One solution is the involvement of alumni and other interested individuals. But, many say, "We have no alumni list."
Now is the time to start one. It may not benefit you or you may stay long enough to inherit the benefit. But, wouldn't it have been great if someone had started thinking for the future before you came.
-What are you doing today that will benefit your ministry tomorrow, next year, in 5 years?
Arliss Dickerson
Leadership Contract Worker
Arkansas State University
Posts
