As campus staff, your plate is likely full with the many things you’re doing to oversee thriving ministry on campus. Mentoring leaders, speaking at large group, attending retreats and camps, MPD, and more…
So where does engaging faculty fit into the picture?
Like you, I balanced all of these as a CSM. I understand that it isn’t easy adding another appointment to a full schedule. But faculty ministry has the ability to yield rewards in many kinds of partnerships. Christian professors often have a heart for your mission, and would love to hear about your ministry. Many are excited to share ways they see their work as part of God’s larger work on campus.
Christian professors often have a heart for your mission, and would love to hear about your ministry.
As we head into summer, this can be great time to engage faculty while the pace on campus is a bit slower.
Here are a 6 tips to help with effectively engaging faculty.
- Identify Christian faculty and set up meetings. This is the first hurdle. While it’s easy to find faculty at some schools—through press releases (for new staff), info on the web, friends of the ministry, current and former students, alumni moving into roles in academia, and more—on other campuses this can be more difficult. It also may take a bit for a “new-to-you” faculty to warm up, while some are immediately welcoming. Keep the first meeting short—it shows respect for their time.
- Introduce yourself and the ministry, and get to know them. This is an important step. Share a bit about you, your journey, and the vision for InterVarsity and your campus. And invite them to share a bit about themselves. This may be all you have time for in the first meeting—the next few steps may work in the first meeting but also are great for follow-up conversations.
- Engage through conversation: Ask about how they see their faith and academic work fitting together. You may experience a mix of reactions to this discussion point. Some professors may have an exciting story about how he or she integrates faith and academia while others are still thinking about this or haven’t started to explore this integration yet.
- Keep engaging: Ask about their vision for the campus. Many professors are excited to share with someone else who sees their work as part of God’s larger work on campus. They could have much to say if you ask them about their vision for the campus.
- Offer specific ways they can partner in ministry. Inviting a professor to a campus group is a great step. You can also ask what they are looking for in a group or community, and inquire about books or articles they would recommend you share with students or other faculty. If you have an appropriate venue or opportunity, ask if they would consider giving a short guest talk on some aspect of their work and/or spiritual experience. Many faculty members would be very happy to speak to your group.
- Offer to pray. Ask what you can pray for, and share with the professor a few concise prayer requests you have for your chapter. Professors may want their prayer requests to be confidential, but they may be open to sharing them with the InterVarsity group on campus or ministry partners.
Why Are They Doing That?
During the appointment you may notice the faculty member getting preoccupied or starting to lose their engagement with you. Don’t get worried–this isn’t you! They are likely considering what they have to get done. Politely excuse yourself, thank them for their time, express something positive about the meeting, and head out.
Small Gifts & Follow Up
Bringing along a small gift can be an excellent tool to help you develop relationships with faculty. It’s welcoming and provides an opportunity for future engagement. Read more about ideas for using gifts as a way to reach faculty (staff login required).
Whether or not you provide a gift, it’s good to send a personal thank you note or, at minimum, an email. This shows your interest and care for engaging them as part of the ministry on campus.
Do It Again
If faculty invite you to stop by again, take them up on the invitation! The list above gives you ideas for future conversations, and a good reason to meet with them again.
Do you have additional suggestions or ideas for engaging faculty on campus? Comment below—we'd love to hear them!
