What Determines If Students Will Connect? Just One Word

The end of the first month of the Fall semester is upon us and there is lots of evaluation to do.  Lots of names and info cards to follow up on; however, evaluating ministry efforts can be frustrating because we have 3-4 times the info cards than actual students who come to any given event. That’s a retention rate of 25-35%. I’m not here to diagnose the reasons for that retention or point out the variety of factors; that may be a later post.  However, I do want to address the one thing that inevitably connects students. To make it simple, it’s only one word…ACCEPTANCE… Simply put, glitzy promotional tools and a cool atmosphere may be inviting, but what connects students is whether or not they feel accepted once they experience a particular ministry. Accepting students is the most important component for a ministry committed to the Great Commission because acceptance leads to influence.  And we don’t want students to be accepted by those who will influence them negatively. 

I told our inner circle of BCM leaders yesterday that we, as leadership, exist to accept those who have not yet been accepted so we can harness acceptance for influence. Namely, influence for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

All throughout Scripture, Jesus accepted to influence... Why shouldn't we?

If we don't accept you, we aren't being faithful to our fundamental beliefs. No matter who you are are where you've been, we have a place for you!

As I write this, I'm listening to 50 or so Chinese students singing in Mandarin in our building... and the Moon Festival doesn't start till 6:00. I don't know what they are saying, singing, eating, or dancing (I've never seen anyone breakdance like that)... All I know is that they are ACCEPTED!

Praying for influence...