4. Life Together - Preliminary Research Summary

Leadership

When we asked about genius factors, the typical first answer was "Fred." His leadership at LCMC over 14 years is a critical factor in the ministry's success. Students follow his example, university faculty and staff members admire his versatility, campus ministers appreciate his collegiality, visitors remember his hospitality, and everyone is amazed by his energy and longevity. Fred has used his jack-of-all-trades aptitude to reach people in a variety of ways, both on campus and off.

The way Fred conducts himself sets the tone for the entire ministry. At our first meeting, he greeted each of us as individuals, not as a group. His intensity, eye contact, and firm handshake conveyed his interest and made each of us feel welcome and important. The people we interviewed expressed similar experiences with him. In addition, he is able to retain what he learns about people for years on end - alumni who call him on the phone find that he remembers them specifically and is still interested in their lives. The atmosphere of welcome, invitation and hospitality that Fred creates by his leadership extends to students who are a part of Crossroads as well. Students who attend worship and other events feel comfortable inviting friends because "Fred invites everyone, so it doesn't seem like a big deal."

Connecting, networking

Over the years, official university policy has become less ministry-friendly. Undeterred, Fred used his entrepreneurial gifts to find ways to connect with students. As adjunct faculty, active committee member, weight room supervisor, and ever present pastor he has broadened his presence on campus. This deep involvement in the university over the years enabled him to make connections in the community to help him accomplish tasks that come with the deeply transitional nature of campus ministry. Thus, Fred is well known and respected around the state, around the campus, around Mankato.

Despite his finger in every pot involvement, people who experience him in those different areas feel like they are getting the best of him. As a result they feel like they share a part of Fred and therefore a part of the ministry. Fred is the center of the connections people make - his impact is system wide. He is a leader among campus ministers. Also, he impacts individuals - people remember meeting him, and he remembers meeting them. Fred doesn't make superficial connections to further his ministry. He genuinely cares for those he encounters. That's why our interviewees reported that asking people if they know about Crossroads might get a puzzled response, but if you ask if they know Fred, the response is often "Oh, Fred!" Innovative, determined, eager, motivated - he's the little engine that could.

Atmosphere/Culture

LCMC exemplifies open community. The people are warm, welcoming, and hospitable. The residents who live in the building year round care for the facility and those who enter it. The building is open at all hours of the day and well into the night for free coffee and cookies, a quiet place to study, computer lab, meeting space. Worship is for all who enter, including open communion every week. Anyone is welcome to participate in Bible study, servant projects, Friday night movies - whether or not you are a part of the worshipping community. Bring your questions and come.

Worship

LCMC's identity and work are centered in worship. Worshippers describe being spiritually fed, supported by the community, and connected to God's word. Our interviewees emphasized the importance of Fred's non-traditional use of traditional worship aspects. There are no pews; comfortable chairs sit in a U-shape creating an informal feeling. There is no pulpit; Fred preaches while wandering around in the middle of the U, making intentional eye contact with worshippers. Passing the peace involves introducing yourself to someone you don't know, so it takes a little longer. Communion is open to all, happens every week, and is served to the people gathered around the altar in a circle. Fred invites the community to join hands as he speaks the post communion blessing. All this "tweaking" serves this small worshipping community well, creating a sense of intimacy and connection between those gathered and God.

Facility

Originally, LCMC did not have its own facility - they worshipped in the campus bar. With the purchase of a house near campus, and then an addition in 1996, Crossroads had its own space and made the most of it. The primary section of the addition is a large multi-purpose space which they use for worship and meetings. It has a clean, modern look - lots of ceramic tile, translucent glass, and no steeple. The location is perfect, close to campus and easily accessible to students or campus groups who want to use it as meeting space.