any ideas on how to bring more pple to YG??

[angel_bron]

Okay does anyone have any ideas on how to get more pple to come to their local youth group?
The one I go to is really small and a lot of people who are really old, like about 25 are still part of our YG coz they just want it to continue and stay together for years to come.
So does anyone have any ideas about how to recrute new members without attracting the wrong sort of people?

[RadicalDisciple]

I know this is kind of obvious - but prayer always helps

It also helps to be very friendly and welcoming to new members and to advertise well - make your advertising attractive and youthy and people are more likely to keep it

[Frozen_in_fire]

what we found, was not just asking everyone that you could. But asking God to really show who needed this. We have 3 sheets of paper.... one for people we are thinking about asking, one for when we've asked them, and one for when they say yes. we move post it notes along. obviously we dont make it to obvious, its in the office. but its really good cus God shows us who he's working with.

The other thing is simpley making the youth group a great place to be- christian or not christian. Having light music such as delirious on in the back ground will help people chill out, having sofa's, cussions and beanbags will be cool.

And dont make them feel isolated, dont invite not christians if your youth group is really only for comited christians.

Finally, try and have some "special" social evenings, just to have no teaching and just fun. we have one every 5 weeks, its just fun for everyone and a grea topotunity to invite friends, we can also hand out invites so people feel like they are welcome.

hope some of that ramble helps x

[gotvision]

what exactlly do you mean the "wrong" kind of ppl....

decide what you mean by that and then go from there...

heres a way...i dont know if your a leader in your church...but one way are cell groups...(if you need definition explanation of that email me plz)....

basically you need to try to bring everyone in and those whom has God chosen will stay....

[RadicalDisciple]

I think the "right" kinda of people are those that God wants you to invite in, trust Him in that and don't get discouraged by people's tough or disruptive extreriors. You'll be surprised at what God call do, your part is to be faithful to Him and to love them (not saying ur not doing that).

[Godslil_drummer]

Originally Posted by RadicalDisciple

I know this is kind of obvious - but prayer always helps

It also helps to be very friendly and welcoming to new members and to advertise well - make your advertising attractive and youthy and people are more likely to keep it

I agree! I was wondering the same when the other day and came across this while reading Acts: Acts 2:36-47

36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Basically, they (people in the church) did what they were commanded to do by Christ, and also put others first. Then with praise to God, and because of their favorable stature in the community (people liked them because they put them first) the Lord added to the church. Simple thought, but a lot to think about, or rather, pray about.