Top 10 Ministry Mistakes

1. You try to do it all yourself. 
   It may not be that you actually DO all things yourself but that you must be involved in all things.  To be effective you must learn to hand things off to others and let them develop those things…even without your knowledge.
    
2. You fail to appreciate and do good planning. 
   Planning does not mean that you do not appreciate how "the Lord may direct" but that you evaluate your beliefs about the campus environment and respond to them as the Lord would give you insight.  The more advanced planning you are able to do allows people to prepare to participate and for you to get things done as needed.  This will give you a more balanced ministry and allow for greater effectiveness as students are able  to give appropriate focus to various tasks at hand.
    
3. You don't advertise your events. 
   Students may not be big on advanced planning and they may have their plans adjusted by friends and 'bigger' events BUT they do plan!  Students cannot attend events they do not know about.  Use Facebook!  Place posters and flyers on every bulletin board available on campus.  This requires good planning.
    
4. Not connecting with school administrators. 
   School staff are often the gatekeepers of success for ministry.  They control the use of campus facilities and influence students government funding.  They can also override and find ways for you to use school facilities and even vehicles.  They can also be advocates for events.
    
5. Failure to connect with other ministries and church leaders. 
   You NEED to know their schedule (you don't want to run up against their great events NOR do you want students to feel tension between events and ministries).  You are an arm of the local church and should find ways to default matters to them so that you can focus better on your tasks.
    
6. Never evaluate who might be interested in spiritual conversation or attending your events.  You don't know how God has been working on a heart.  Even atheists have times when they question their faith.
        
7. You assume Greeks won't be interested in spiritual things. 
   They may be absorbed by their organization but many come out of a church background and will speak to you about spiritual things.  Many know that the party life is hurting their studies and personal life and may want to talk about a relationship to God.  Offer your services to the Greek council to become the or an "official" chaplain who would be on call for them.
    
8. You neglect parents, pastors, alumni and other stakeholders. 
   These people can easily assist you with funding and other resources.  Many love football and would be glad to throw a tailgate party for your group.  When they feel connected to you and what you are doing, they will be glad to fund your needs.
    
9. You remain isolated from student life and students.  It is very important that leaders lead by going into campus often during the week.  Help with the displays and engage with students in the student union and in the lunch hall.  Eat on campus.  Spend lots of time meeting students and sharing your faith with them.
    
10. You do not let your state collegiate director know what you are doing.  The more they know, the greater they will be prepared to give you assistance in ministry.  They have resources that you do not have and they can give you insight from many years of experience.