for the first time...

Each week we have new students that come to visit revolution for the first time with their friends.  It is so important to us that we do our best to ensure that they have a great time!  Obviously the greatest thing that they could receive would be a powerful experience with God.  This is why we take time to pray and prepare an atmosphere where students can have an encounter with Jesus Christ at youth service.  However, it is also so important that first time guests have a positive experience with us as well.  

With this in mind, we have youth leaders/students that serve as greeters each week and we also ask all volunteers to be ready to hang out with students before and after services.  These are things that we do so that we can connect with new students that are coming to youth services!  

In addition to these things, I want to share two simple (and affordable) things that we do each week that have proven to be effective at helping us welcome first time guests.  

1. A free Revolution CD - When students sign-in at the "info booth" they get a free Revolution CD.  This is just a CD filled with Christian music.  It is a mix CD that we created filled with different genres.  There is something for everyone on the CD.  We also put all the information about revolution on the label.  We have found that this MIX CD is something that students do not just throw away.  We have also put a track on the CD where some students speak about revolution and invite students to come back next week.  This is very inexpensive and it has been a great way for us to give a gift to every guest.

2. A free drink at the Cafe' - Also when students sign in at the "info booth" they get a coupon for a free drink from the cafe'.  We have an area that connects to our youth room where we serve drinks/snacks before and after youth service.  We charge regular students who come each week.  This money from our regular students is enough to make up for the drinks that we give away to first-timers.  This can be done even if you do not have a kitchen nearby your youth service.  It is possible to just have some drinks in a cooler/mini fridge that you are able to sell to the regular students and provide a free gift to first-timers. (Just a side note: It is important that you have "GOOD" drinks.  Don't just buy Sams Choice Mountain Lightning.  Spend a few extra $ and buy some Starbucks Frappuccinos and energy drinks.  Find out what your students like.  We have found that they will pay a little extra money for something cool.)

These are just two simple things that we do to let our guests know that we are so excited they came to revolution and that we want them to come back!  

I would love to hear you you are doing create an awesome experience for students who come to your youth service for the first time. 

Leave a comment & share your ideas...

Comments

[Brandon Shanks]

Thanks for the encouragement. I totally agree with you. We have to do our best to make sure students feel accepted when they come into our youth groups!

Thanks for the comment!

[Jennifer]

I think Youth Rally's, get-togethers, and meetings are extremely important! Youth is a time in someones life to figure out what they want, when there desire to find something is at it's highest! I know for me it was the hardest time in my life, but with support from friends in youth group, I found acceptance which planted a seed! Everyone wants to feel important and loved! You guys do an amazing job and have so many teens interested and on fire! You are blessing Gods kingdom in a huge way!