“Best Practices”
Six Specific Characteristics we Desire for Each
ACM Member Ministry
Practice 1: ACM Members Strive to Embrace and Teach Biblical Truth in Every Facet of their Campus Ministry
At best-practice campus ministries, the Bible goes well beyond its role as the foundation for teaching and life instruction. These campus ministries breathe Scripture. Every ministry effort, event, and program begins with the question, “What does the Bible have to say about this?” The staff and student leaders model living life according to the answers to that question.
Practice 2: ACM Campus Ministries are Driven by a Disciple-making Vision with Multiplication as a Key Element
Instead of seeing their organization as program or event focused, our ministries offer wide-ranging ministry opportunities to both newcomers and college students with long-term involvement. We desire to lead others into a spiritual experience that gets them moving toward a Christ-centered life. Making disciples of all nations is the over-riding theme of our campus ministries. Developing these Christ followers into more than disciples, but into disciple-makers, is our mission. Multiplication is within the DNA of our member ministries to plant small groups, start campus ministries, develop churches, and launch mission organizations.
Practice 3: ACM Member Ministries Create Ownership and Foster Leadership Development
Students in ACM campus ministries don’t see themselves as belonging to an organization; they believe they are the church. Their identity is in Christ. Best-practice ministries inspire and challenge students to own the ministry and ask others to hold them accountable for keeping the ministry Christ-like in its mission and purpose. These ACM ministries work diligently to develop leaders in their area of giftedness and strengths.
Practice 4: ACM Ministries Serve and Reach Their Campus
Our campus ministries desire to serve their university campus. They act as shepherds to the broken and vision casters to the leaders. Personal and corporate worship experiences are offered to students who need to connect with God; and meaningful fellowship activities are designed to help students connect with each other. Although each campus is different, our ministries consider ways to show the love of Christ in tangible ways within their sphere of influence.
Practice 5: ACM Member Ministries Seek to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus through a close partnership with the local church and Body of Christ around the world.
We believe the church is the agent of transformation that God has established in our world. Together with the church, we embrace a mutual calling and mission. Our respect for and admiration of the bride of Christ at the local level is evident in our attitude. ACM ministries that embody best practices look for ways to encourage, work with, and encourage student involvement (both present and future) in a local church family. Because churches in the Restoration movement (Christian Churches/Churches of Christ) were used by God to establish all of the ACM campus ministries, our historical relationship with them is filled with gratitude. Our future relationship with these congregations is filled with hope and partnership. As we deepen our relationship with the church, we look for ways to share resources, offer assistance, and to serve one another in love.
Practice 6: ACM Member Ministries Operate their Organization with Professionalism and Serve with Utmost Integrity
As professionals who desire to set a godly example, we work to operate the campus ministry with skill and efficiency. Our member ministries follow-up on potential students, and respond when asked by a church or family member to pray for and visit a student. We return all phone calls and emails in a timely fashion. As we are financially supported by the generous and kind donations of churches and individuals, we graciously acknowledge every gift and thank God for His provision for the campus ministry. We believe the way an organization handles itself in the financial arena is a reflection of its integrity in every arena. Therefore, our member ministries work to be faithful stewards and maintain financial transparency with their board members and contributors.