10 Questions: An Interview with A Campus-Based College Minister

A seminary friend asked me 10 interview questions earlier today about life as a campus based college minister. Here are my responses.


1. What do you see as the most important task and/or role of your job?

There is no 1 task/role that is MOST important. The different hats each collegiate minister wears complement each other; However, the natural ability to cultivate relationships with ALL (international, athletes, geeks, greeks etc.) students for the sake of the gospel is the biblical mandate for every Christian. Leading by example is the most contagious method for other Christian students or leaders in the ministry. Redemptive conversations happen best in the cafeteria and on campus where it feels more natural than a religious building.


2. What are some character trait, abilities, and gifts that all campus ministers need?

Collegiate ministers must be able to balance a variety of responsibilities at the same time. Administration, Counseling, interpersonal relationship skills, and the ability to communicate effectively are all essential traits; however, only focusing on one or the other will stifle other vital components of the ministry. Put differently, the collegiate minister is a jack of all ministerial trades. Fundamentally, leadership and the ability to empower leadership skills to others is the most advantageous skill of the college minister.


3. What were some of the experiences that you feel best prepared you to be a campus minister?

Working for a well seasoned veteran will prove to be the best form of preparation for any newcomer. Such residency will dodge you years of trial and error. No one, even seasoned veterans, have it all figured out; but, they sure do have a lot to offer. Any experience is good and versatility is important.

4. What 3 pieces of advice would you give a first year campus minister?

1. You can’t do it all by yourself so don’t try.
2. Connect to the University, church, and local associational staff in a positive and useful way.
3. Be a strong presence on campus and always be intentional about meeting students on campus and NOT be in your office all day. People Work NOT just paper work.

5. How do you spot potential leaders and invest in them?

I spot prospective leaders in a variety of ways. The most effective way is simply asking students about other students. Without asking students perspective of each other, you may easily be deceived. Seeing how students interact in a large group is an easy way to spot potential leaders. I normally give students who exhibit potential leadership skills different responsibilities to see how well they are able to carry it out. Unfortunately, students with the most ability don’t always have the most availability. So, availability is another characteristic that is essential.

6.. How much of your time during the week is spent on things other than investing directly in students (administration, budgeting, communicating with associations/state convention, etc.)?

This is a difficult question because every week varies. It would be hard to categorize specific amounts of time to this area because the effective collegiate minister balances these responsibilities with others.


7. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is hearing students tell me how God has changed their life; It will always be the most rewarding part!

8. What is the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult part of this job is prioritizing what is MOST important. Job duties can be endless, but discerning the most important task is vital to the lifeblood of the ministry. Finding the heart of what is most important will continually be a struggle for all ministers.


9. How do you measure success in your ministry?

Ministry success is never objective and easy to assess; It is weighted according to a number of different gauges including: number of students who have been involved, accepted Christ, shared Christ, or involved in missions, church etc. There’s no magic formula for success.

10. How do you stay fresh year after year?

Staying fresh requires honest dialogue with colleagues and always tweaking the status quo to align it with your vision. Reading books, blogs, Twitter, and Facebook always keep you on the cutting edge of culture, generational worldview, and effective ministry. Read everything you can get your hands on that you have time to read...even from those you disagree. Being a collegiate minister, you ought to have the ability to sift the wheat from the chaff. Simply put, always be a learner before a criticizer.