Characteristics of A Growing Collegiate Ministry

Information by Mike Woodruff of Ivy Jungle Network based on surveys nationwide.

Disclaimer: Numbers in a college ministry may be misleading. Just because a ministry has numbers doesn’t mean the ministry is spiritually healthy. If all you want is numbers on campus, offer free Beer. Certainly, numbers aren’t everything, but they are often an indicator of the relevancy of college ministry and its impact on reaching the student body with the gospel.

1. Staffed by people who Love God and Students/University
2. located close to campus or in the pathways of student life.
3. Evangelical or Pentecostal theologically
4. Led by strong, passionate leader- capable of sharing the vision
5. Has a vision for growth never accepting the status quo. Always looking for ways to reach more students.
6. Growth happens in the Fall, especially the first month of classes. Major and many outreach projects the first month of classes. Make it easy and desirable for students to attend first group meetings. (Typically, the number of students attending in October can be multiplied by .8, which will give you the end of the year attendance.
7. Ethnic specific- speak the same language and sing the same songs
8. Provide authentic community. Create a sense of group identity.
9. Don’t make a big deal out of denominational affiliation. They are open fellowship
10. Strong musical worship component- must be quality, up to date.
11. provide opportunities for students to serve
12. Already big-first 25, 50, and 200 is the hardest growth barrier.
13. Have experience pushing through growth barriers that exist.
14. Have a great relationship with the University
15. Find multiple ways for students to lead and take ownership.
1. Cultivate students who lead others
2. Student leaders keep ministry style from being antiquated
16. use adult volunteers matched with student needs.