The event was minutes away from starting and only two of us were there to corral all the kids in the gym - we were clearly outnumbered. I had waited as long as I could for the college student volunteers to arrive to get things kicked off. I grumbled to myself, “Why are they ‘late,’ and… is it worth it?” Just then with one minute to spare, the college students, wearing big smiles animated by their love for Jesus, burst through the back door of the gym. The kids, looking past my grumpy face, cheered and clapped as they mobbed these volunteers, climbing all over the football players and grabbing the hands of the ministry majors.
So, is it worth it? The answer is a definite yes! Here’s why: First and foremost, when these college students show up you get a massive wave of energy – real energy that would surprise even an Olympian. Second, you get volunteers who don’t have strings attached to them, meaning that these volunteers generally will do just about anything and minister to just about anyone. Third, you get ideas, lots of them. College students are not tied to how you have done things in the past, in large part because they weren’t alive “back then.” So, to reiterate… yes, they are worth it. But let’s be frank - they come with some challenges.
So how do you “manage” this massive wave of volunteer energy? Below are four guiding principles to reduce your frustration. But first, you must change how you think about these volunteers - instead of attempting to control the incoming wave, you surf it. As someone who has loved working with college students for the past 40 years in national, international, short-term and long-term situations, what I have learned is that if I want to maximize their impact, I must work with them and use their energy instead of attempting to contain it. So, here is a simple acronym to organize the four principles regarding how to “S.U.R.F.” the wave.
How to "S.U.R.F." the Wave with College Student Volunteers
S – Be Specific in telling them what you need them to do. When working with college students the more specific you can be the more you will get out of them what you need. Remember that these are “emerging adults” which means that they are still learning how to navigate life, including this ministry. They look like adults, they walk like adults, but many of them have not had opportunities to volunteer in leadership roles in the past. It is sacred task that you have been given to train them in this work. Last, you cannot or should not assume that they know or fully understand the specifics and nuances of your church or community’s rules, culture, or expectations.
U – Be Understanding and hospitable of their situation in life. These college students usually take a full load of coursework, work outside of the classroom, participate in varsity sports or clubs, and are establishing long-term relationships (maybe seriously dating). In the fall term they are figuring out themselves, their major, and the institution. In the spring term they are thinking seriously about whether they can afford to return, wondering if they can get a summer job, and deciding if they should just move back home? Their lives are in constant motion, so they will most likely be a bit scattered. Yet, your interest in them, your grace, and your understanding will go a long way to help them be successful in the ministry (and life). Scripture is clear about being hospitable, so look beyond what they can do for you.
R – Be Realistic in your expectations. What I am not saying here is that you should avoid all expectations. Rather, I am encouraging you to be realistic regarding what they can commit to over a semester or year. For example, they will most likely live in the area for only 8-9 months of the year: from September through early December, and then again from mid-January through late April. They will most likely already have planned many of their weekends, and weeknights with other “college” stuff they want to participate in (and should). Be reasonable as to what you expect them to be a part of with your ministry. It will be less hours than you thought, but when they are there, they are irreplaceable. Last, remember that each year your college crew will almost always consist of new people if not be mostly new folks. As you know college is only a 4-year commitment, and freshmen are just learning the ropes and seniors can be focused on the future post-grad life.
F – Find what they are good at, listen to their ideas, and when possible, let them lead. What I have realized over time is that when I find out what a college student is good at and hand that over to them, they will do a much better job than I can do or have time to do. They are generally way more creative than I am, and they can channel that creative energy to get things done. Plus, they are closer to the K-12 student culture they might be ministering to. For example, technology and videography are generally right up their alley. So, if I have a video to shoot, I give the project to the students with clear expectations & parameters (important note: I retain full editing rights before it becomes public), and then I turn them loose. When I have time, I invite them into the planning process since again they have fresh eyes.
In summary SURF: Be Specific in your expectation, be Understanding regarding their life situation, be Realistic, and Find what they are good at and hand it over to them. Not only will your ministry be better when you successfully leverage college student volunteers, but you also will be setting up the next generation of church and community leaders who will become long-term volunteers and leaders in the coming decades.
Is it worth it? The answer is a resounding yes! As they say in surfing--“Go big!”
Rev. Dr. Steve Beers has worked in higher education for four decades. His campus work has included roles in residential life, campus ministries, as an associate professor, and in senior leadership. In addition to his institutional roles, he has served as president of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and as a Senior Fellow of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). Steve is ordained in the Anglican Church of North America as a vocational deacon. He is currently a higher ed consultant.
Steve earned a BA in psychology and Bible, an MS in counseling, an Ed.D. in education, and a D.Min in theological and ministerial studies. His publications include various articles and books, including The Soul of a Christian University: A Field Guide for Educators (2008), Funding the Future: Preparing University Leaders to Navigate the Coming Change (2012), and Making a Difference: Empowering the Resident Assistant (2015). His most recent publication, a chapter in Stewarding Our Bodies: A Vision for Christian Student Affairs (2023), addresses student anxiety. Steve consistently presents at national conferences and has worked with various international institutions.
