My Approach To Leading Campus Ministry

January 1, 2021

These are effective methods I used to build community in small group in college. I should point out that it always start with the bible study. I do not feel qualified to give advice on how to lead an effective study on the Word of God. In fact, I was known to come to bible study completely unprepared…

Below are tips for building community outside of your typical 1.5 ~ 2 hr bible study.

Be a great student

As Christians, you have a fiduciary responsiblity to be a great student. Not a good one, not a mediocre one, a great one. You should be the best student because you are working for a much higher calling. Lead by example in your small group.

Small acts of love can go a long way

A small action by you can mean a lot to your members. One thing I strive to do is to know if any exams are coming up for my fellowship group members. The morning of the exam, I would message them to wish them luck and pray for them. After their exam, I would send a message to ask them how it went and tell a good dad joke.

Organize Prayer Partners

After each bible study, I would pair each member up and ask them to meet to hang out and pray for each other. I would prepare questions for them to discuss during their meetings. The questions will be related to the bible study and serves two goals: More in depth discussion about God. Learn each other’s stories. This will help create bonds between fellowship group members.

Meet with each member at least once every other week

In person is preferred but its ok to do online. I keep a google sheet to keep track of these meetups. You learn more about each member during these 1-1 conversations. I always prepare a few set of questions to learn their stories better. Its important to be vulnerable. By being vulnerable, you invite the member to become the drivers of the conversation. They become more involved and invested.

Pray for the fellowship

Designate half an hour each week to pray and reflect on the state of your fellowship group and yourself. Below are some questions I meditate on.

• How did God use me to bless my fellowship group in the ordinary of life this week?
• What direction is God clearly leading the fellowship group?
• Are there specific members that need additional care and prayers this week?
• Are my members growing to become kingdom workers?
• In what specific way can I be less self-focused and more God-focused?

Be patient

Remember that it takes time to see fruits of your labor just as it takes time for a mustard seed to grow into a tree.

Learn their perspectives

Put yourself in the position of each fellowship group member who had a different life, different life possiblities, and different life changes. This is the key to relate to them and also be relatable.