Ten Tips to Plan a Large Event That Will Engage Your Students
The more we work with students, the more we can identify various personalities. Some respond well to one-on-one discipleship and interaction, while others are more engaged by large group events that draw lots of attention. Both small events and large events are needed if we are truly going to engage students on every level. Large events challenge students to look outside their immediate group for new possibilities, not to mention the positive exposure to other vibrant youth groups and outreaches.
Some years ago, when promoting an all-night event in a large city, some of our sharpest students got really excited about inviting friends. They admitted they had a hard time approaching these same friends about their personal faith in God. The burden was there—all they needed was an opportunity. The closer we got to the event, the more serious these students became about praying for each friend by name.
Prayer, dialogue, concern, and tears preceding the event were half of the excitement. I saw their passion grow. Our part was to provide transportation.
Here are some simple suggestions to organize your next large event:
- Develop a simple task list. Think of every detail. Being a leader means being out in front.
- Share the purpose of the event. Our overall purpose within Word of Life is to help students take their next steps with Jesus.
- Ask your students to make a list of 10 friends who do not know Christ.
- When you see interest growing, talk to the adults to find out who will help you sponsor the event, including the drivers to help you get there.
- Decide on the ratio of leaders to students you will need.
- Look for vehicles that you can rent to transport your students if needed.
- Give this project a name or title, like “Project 11-8,” if your date is Nov. 8.
- Set an audacious goal with your students. If your normal youth meeting attendance is 24, why not set a goal of at least 48, 72, or even a wild goal of 100? Every person needs to bring only three friends each to reach 96.
- Make up a special invitation for every student to personally invite one or two relatives as well. They may have to travel from out of state, so be sure to have each student discuss it with their parents.
- Whatever your wildest goal, decide what you will do for your youth group if they can meet that challenge. Why not reward them?
Some years ago, I was visiting a student ministry, and a girl was so excited that I was there. “Aren’t you the person who ran a large event in Buffalo two years ago?” she asked.
I replied, “I am indeed that person.” This student proceeded to ask me to stay right where I was, and she ran off to get her friend. When she came back, she introduced us to her friend, whom she brought the following year to the same event, and as a result, her friend also placed her faith in Christ. I can’t begin to explain how rewarding it was to meet both students who were attending that local youth group so they could grow in their walk with Christ.
On another night, in another church, a young man came and introduced himself to me as someone who responded to the Gospel after attending our large all-night event. He attended Word of Life Bible Institute and became a pastor.
On another occasion, as a youth pastor, I approached two young men who came with us to our annual large event called Reverb (then called “Superbowl”). We were sitting in a bowling center after midnight, between frames, and I asked them what they thought about the message. Though they did not go forward, they both had more questions.
I answered their questions, and then I asked them, “What would keep you from making that decision right here, right now, in this bowling center?” Those two young men prayed and placed their faith in Christ. They were so relieved that they finally settled the sin problem, and I was so thankful God laid it on my heart to approach them.
Some students respond well to a one-on-one approach. Others respond well to being in a large group and attending a large event. Even though, as adults, we may prefer one approach over the other, they are both effective tools and help engage students who might otherwise just sit at home and vegetate. Use them both, and don’t waste another opportunity.
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