How To Get Your Teenager Into Our Student Ministry

A Big Problem: FEAR
One of the most common problems we find in trying to get students involved in our student ministry is FEAR. Most students are afraid to visit our ministry because they don't want to enter the room alone.

To be honest, I DON'T BLAME THEM! Our group can be big, with lots of students, and these students are usually entrenched in conversation with other leaders and students they already know.
Although we have some great leaders and students, we do have other "alone" students who would love to meet another "alone" student, it's difficult to see this since FEAR is blinding.
"Okay, I'll Try it Once!"
Because of parental bribery, many students will try the youth group once but return to their parents with one of the following reactions:
· "It's Too Big!"
· "It's Too small"
· "It's Too Wild!"
· "It's Too Cliquey!"
· "It Was Stupid!"
· "I Hated It!"
Again, I would have the same reaction if I went by myself. But when many of these students return with a friend, at a later time, we hear them say:
· "It Was Great!"
· "I Loved It!"
· "It's Friendly!"
· "I Learned A Lot!"
So what's the difference? The key word is FRIEND. When a student is connected with another person, he or she will feel more comfortable. I've watched students, who we would consider "regulars", walk right into a room and then leave because their friend was not there. As you know, relationships bring comfort. The key to getting your student involved is to have them bring a friend with them to keep the situation comfortable and the connection factor alive.
What can Parents Do?

1. Pray. It's amazing how many parents there are who have never considered prayer as one of their options. I encourage you to ask God for His wisdom when talking to your son or daughter. God is more concerned about your young person's spirituality than you are! Ask God to do the impossible while you and our staff does the possible
2. Make a connection with our Youth leaders. Please call the church office to get in touch with our Youth Ministry department. We have some wonderfully committed volunteers who are incredible with students
3. Choose the best "first" event. Depending on your child's personality and fear-level, you might want to consider which is the best first event for him or her to attend.