Introduction

Young people aren't the "future of the church," they're the church of the present. When Timothy was just a Collegiate in the church, Paul wrote him the following counsel: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers” . . . (I Tim. 4:12).

Duties of the Collegiate Coordinator

The responsibilities of the Collegiate coordinator are as follows:

1. Collegiate ministries committee. The Collegiate Ministries Coordinator will need to meet with those ministries who nurture college students in the church. The agenda of this meeting will include the scheduling of all fundraisers and trips for the year and a discussion of the Bible learning curriculum planned for each. This group can help reduce overlap, look for gaps in programs, and coordinate efforts. The coordinator can, as chairperson, encourage a cooperative spirit in which all of the leaders of the various programs work together.

2. Planning and ideas. In consultation with individual leaders, teachers, and representatives of college students, the coordinator has a wonderful opportunity to spark new ideas. It is their responsibility to work with the program leaders to draw together an overall plan and budget for a comprehensive program of Collegiate ministries for the congregation.

3. Communication. The coordinator will represent the interests of Collegiate ministries to:

4. The church board. As a participating member, they have an opportunity to keep the concerns and needs of college students before the church leaders.

5. The pastor. The coordinator should keep the pastor informed of plans and problems. They will listen to concerns and together look for ways to help make the church service interesting and meaningful for college-age people.

6. The church ministries council. The coordinator joins the leaders of the various ministries of the church in this council to plan a mix of nurture, witnessing, community service, stewardship, and family life activities for the whole church.

7. The Sabbath School leader. The collegiate ministries coordinator should consider sitting down with the pastor, the adult Sabbath School superintendent, and the Collegiate Sabbath School leader to discuss possible overlap of responsibilities. Together they can plan some great cross-generational programs.

8. The church treasurer. The treasurer can help develop an overall budget for young adult ministries.

9. Information. The collegiate ministries coordinator is the primary source of information for the congregation about young adult ministries. They should put together a calendar listing all Collegiate activities and events for the local church and see that these events get advertised in the church bulletin and newsletter. They will need to keep an up-to-date, permanent record of all college students in the church and those non-members who have attended outreach programs or visited on Sabbath. Also, they should provide information to leaders about training events and new resources.

10. Clarify goals. The coordinator is responsible for conducting a needs assessment among the young adults in the congregation and community, and helping the leaders of Collegiate activities understand these needs and set goals for ministry. They will need to support and encourage the Collegiate leaders in their programming and evaluate the effectiveness of their programs. Their role also supports the overall church leadership, while at the same time safeguarding the creativity of college-age people so that they may enjoy spiritual nurture in a comfortable, accepting environment.

11. Vision: The coordinator should cultivate the involvement of all students through activities, seeking to build a solid team for discipleship, service, development, and fellowship. They should create opportunities for academic and professional development. i.e. mentorship programs, etc.