FINAL PROJECT: Abstract and Reader's Reponse > Event Planning Guidelines for a Campus Ministry at the University of Maryland
R, good plan!
I would caution you on the definition of campus ministry as Christian. The numbers might make this seem like a largely Christian activity. However, for many decades most campuses have representation of Jewish groups, as well as other faith traditions including those of Islam and even smaller groups, like Bahai, Buddhist sects, etc. One university that I am aware of, includes native spirituality among their offerings, typically of the tribes of the Pacific Northwest (Salish tribes, for one).
Look for a definition that expands to include that ecumenism range. Then you can narrow the discussion to the needs of your small but energetic group.
ABT statement?
Type of citation?
I would caution you on the definition of campus ministry as Christian. The numbers might make this seem like a largely Christian activity. However, for many decades most campuses have representation of Jewish groups, as well as other faith traditions including those of Islam and even smaller groups, like Bahai, Buddhist sects, etc. One university that I am aware of, includes native spirituality among their offerings, typically of the tribes of the Pacific Northwest (Salish tribes, for one).
Look for a definition that expands to include that ecumenism range. Then you can narrow the discussion to the needs of your small but energetic group.
ABT statement?
Type of citation?
May 10, 2018 |
Marybeth Shea
Marybeth Shea
Campus ministries are Christian organizations that seek to serve college students at this unique, formative time in their lives. Many of these organizations have been around for over 70 years. Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) began in the early 1970s, along with the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) denomination, and has expanded to college campuses across the country. RUF is unique among campus ministries as it requires an ordained campus minister; like the FAQs on their website put it, “fixed theology…but flexibility in methodology.” So, each campus ministry has its own flavor and traditions, including special events and models for student leadership. While this structure is wonderful for students who are strong leaders and good organizers, the structure leads to problems if it is too flexible. For example, when a strong leader graduates from a flexible structure, other students may not know how to fill that role. Additionally, decentralized leadership can lead to lack of commitment, and result in no real student leadership. At the University of Maryland chapter of RUF, we have faced these problems quite recently and struggled to plan events. Events tend to be a backbone of ministry, regardless of the organizational skills of leadership. Therefore, this document will provide checklists and timelines for each event in order to help leaders with limited experience or skill in event planning.
WC: 221
READER’S PROFILE:
I imagine that people running the event planning committee in the future will read this document. Two types of people will likely read this: those who are skilled at event planning and those who are unskilled but are filling this role.
READER’S RESPONSE:
Skilled Planner:
I don’t understand why this document is necessary. It seems extremely restrictive. Also, the campus minister or upperclassmen could have told me all the things I need to know to plan this event, and most of these are obvious. However, I suppose the checklists would be useful to people who don’t like to plan. I could also use it to assign tasks more easily, now that someone else has written exactly what needs to be accomplished. I wish I could edit the document with changes we’re making this year, though.
Unskilled Planner:
These checklists and timelines cover a lot of information! It’s a little overwhelming to receive all at once, and I’d appreciate a table of contents. Having this information seems very useful, so that way I don’t have to worry about the campus minister forgetting something. It’s a good starting point for the whole planning committee to look at, so we can assign definitive responsibilities quickly.
REVISED PROBLEM STATEMENT:
Christian ministry is often highly dependent on event planning; however, training in ministry and event planning do not always go hand in hand, which means that event planning skills are not a given. Additionally, college students in campus ministry face a high turnover rate, as does any student organization. This means that, as it stands, at least one student leader every year must be willing to and skilled in planning events, which may not always happen. Therefore, this document is intended to offer those with limited event planning skills or experience a foundation to execute successful events for ministry. This document can be used as needed, depending on the leader’s skills.