What’s the secret to success [in College Programs/Ministries]?

A former student lamented that the college program at his church is struggling to build momentum. I can identify because the program at our church (SOBC) has, by most standards, flopped.

Success can be a slippery thing. Too much or too little pressure and it slips out of your grasp. Success is defined (and measured) by an objective(s) which is often accompanied by predetermined "success factors." Many use the terms "program" and "ministry" interchangeably, but I draw a sharp distinction between the two.

Programs are designed to address needs thus program success is dependent on identifying and addressing the needs that students have in common. Programs also tend to be driven by internal needs and to be consumer oriented where the objective is participation through attendance. Successful programs focus on elements like format, location, content, personality, etc. Programs require dedicated resources including but not limited to leadership, space, and budget. Programs are designed for "keeping."

Programs are not without their place in the Kingdom. Most, if not all, mature believers have had the benefit of programs that served us well during our faith development. They provide structure and stability and they help to manage expectations. Programs seek to train our habits.

Ministries are designed to provide opportunities for mission thus ministry success is dependent on identifying gifts, talents, and areas of interest (perhaps "calling") that students have in common. Ministries focus on external needs and matching students with opportunities where the objective is participation through application and integration. Successful ministries are not necessarily reproducible since the gifts, talents, and interests of the students may not be the same and the opportunity may vary. Ministries require dedicated resources including but not limited to creativity, innovation, and mentoring. Ministries are designed for "giving."

The secret? ...managing your expectations ;-)

YMMV. That's just my view from here...