18. Team Processing 3

1/18/02, 10a
Dawn's house
Dawn, Randy, Amy

Leadership
Initial contact - Fred makes contact with you. He is focused on you - he met us as individuals, not as a group. Fred makes an obvious impression/connection with everyone he meets, and retains the information for years on end.

Longevity has enabled him to make connections in the community to help him accomplish tasks that come with the deeply transitional nature of campus ministry.

He's involved in so many different areas - and all the people who experience him in those different areas feel like they are getting the best of him, like they share a part of Fred and therefore a part of the ministry. (computers, pre-marital counseling, campus committees, worship, Bible studies, etc.)

He intentionally encourages people to go to seminary. He sees it as his place to nurture and direct people that way. Also says that this is a genuine ministry since people are willing to explore that as a vocational option - Fred's work is bearing fruit. (?)

He is treated as an authority - a closet student services professional, education expert (by colleagues at MSU)

Well known and respected around the state, around the campus, around Mankato. Also has influence - people came to meet with us at inconvenient times on a weekend on a largely commuter campus because he asked them to.

Part of a strong web of campus ministers that all strengthen each other

Despite lack of university support, Fred has found ways to connect with students - innovative, determined, eager, motivated - he's the little engine that could.

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 - the "Oh, Fred!" factor. He's a connector, a networker.

Atmosphere/Culture
Warm, welcoming, hospitable, cared for - in the midst of a school mentality that is not as open to religious influences.
Fred has delegated this in part to the residents.
Open communion, open building, open door for other groups…

Worship
is central a connecting point with God, with Fred
its central for Fred but he doesn't push people to attend - it centers him
almost all the students we talked to mentioned aspects of worship as important - traditional elements done non-traditionally (communion, passing the peace, sermon, post communion blessing, sanctuary set up, music)

Facility
Location, location, location - right across the street from campus
Open all the time, welcoming atmosphere - people feel comfortable dropping in.