Who is Helping You Think Better?

You have probably heard it said that there are no “silver bullets” in ministry. And while there isn’t just “one magical thing” that will make every problem go away, I am convinced that there are some key ingredients that can completely transform the effectiveness of our ministry. You can read several great articles on some of these key ingredients ranging from effective small group ministry to leadership pipelines, but I want to share one key ingredient that I think could possibly be the “silver bullet” for each of us.

Networking

Now, don’t think of networking as some type of self-centered scheme to help you climb some type of social/influential ladder. Instead, think of networking from the perspective of Ephesians 4:11-16, except on a kingdom scale instead of just your local ministry.

“…from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

I was once at an event with a bunch of like-minded collegiate leaders and heard the following statement that changed the game for me: “You probably won’t find a silver bullet in any of the content that we will share during this event. But, we are trusting that you will meet someone at this event that can help you think better about the ministry that God has given you to do.” This began an experience of networking with other collegiate leaders throughout Texas and the rest of the nation that genuinely changed the game for our college ministry. I began meeting with leaders over the phone, on video chats, or even in person to listen to their stories and to hear what God was doing in and through their college ministry.

Sometimes it may seem like a struggle just to keep your head above water with how fast time flies in a college ministry setting, but I am convinced that you are missing out on some of the best of what God might have for you if you are trying to lead all by yourself.

So, here is my question: Who is helping you think better? I have been privileged to learn from other leaders such as John and Meleena James, Kent Carroll, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Cummings, Mark Vance, and many others. Through a variety of events, like Roundup, or different connections through friends like Mitch Tidwell, there are lots of opportunities to be able to learn and connect with other leaders that God has gifted to pursue the same calling of reaching college students!

My desire is to see “each part working properly” so that the body might grow and “build itself up in love.” I am convinced that we will see this take place as we network with other leaders who are pursuing the same thing.

If you don’t know where to start, I would be more than happy to jump on a call and introduce you to some of my friends. They help me think better time after time.

Other helpful articles:

What Vanilla Ice Can Teach Collegiate Leaders, Mitch Tidwell

Collaboration Without Comparison, David Worcester