As BASIC has been growing over the last couple years we’ve found ourselves asking some important questions as we think about the future. Obviously none of us can accurately predict the future, only God knows what the future holds. However, I think there are ways we can prepare our ministries for the future.
By now I hope that your group is actively praying and seeking the Lord for growth. I like that Steven Furtick unapologetically proclaims that his church is all about the numbers. Behind every number there’s a name and a story of how God has worked in that person’s life. So, while we shouldn’t focus completely on numbers we should be praying consistently that our ministries would reach as many students as possible for the sake of advancing God’s Kingdom.
If we pray for growth, but aren’t prepared to handle the increase when it comes the momentum will be short lived.
So, as I’ve been thinking about BASIC’s future there are two main questions I’ve been asking that I think can apply to running your campus ministry as well. As you ask these questions remember that while we don’t know the future we know the God who does, so as we consider these things we can pray for insight beyond our own understanding.
1. When growth happens what do we want our ministry to look like?
To accurately answer that question you’ll need to think through a couple more detailed questions. What would we do in our ministry if we had more than enough students, leaders, and resources? If our group led 20 students to the Lord tomorrow how would we disciple and get them connected?
2. How can we fix our systems before they break down?
Ask if our ministry reaches 50 students, 100, 200, etc. what things that we do now will need to be changed? Try to think about every area of your ministry from your large group meetings to small groups to events. The worst time to figure out that a system no longer works is when you are in the midst of the problem.
Unfortunately, we’ve had to learn this the hard way at times. When our number of conference registrations increased considerably a couple conferences back our registration area was a mess. We suddenly had hundreds of people packed into a space way too small for that size group and people were trying to visit sales tables at the same time. Some people didn’t get registered until they had stood in line for an hour!
After that experience and others we’ve encountered as the ministry has grown we’ve begun to evaluate our systems ahead of time and try to think through things so that we will be best prepared when growth comes. Just remember, even this isn’t perfect and there are still likely to be growing pains, but the more you think ahead the better prepared and less stressed you’ll be.
When you can anticipate change it frees you up to do ministry and increases your effectiveness. I’m believing that as you pray, ask these questions, and wait on God for an increase He will send you the harvest on your campus this fall!
Proverbs 21:5 (The Message) “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.”