By Tom Pratt
In order to successfully recruit students for camps and conferences, you should first be convinced of the event’s value. Your motives should be to see the person grow in their love for God and their neighbors. When you recruit, see yourself as a servant, seeking the best for others, like one beggar showing others where to find food.
Review the person’s spiritual growth. Ask them questions about what God has been teaching them. Affirm them and remind them of growth you have seen. Show the person how the event will fit into their spiritual growth.
Next, help the person see how the event fits into the life and vision of his or her chapter. Emphasize the fellowship aspects of the event. For those who complain they don’t have any friends in the chapter, remind them they need to initiate such relationships, too. And they need to attend chapter meetings and events consistently.
Point out the additional benefits of attending such events: building trust with others to prepare you for leadership roles, and developing friendships with other chapter members.
Talk about your own experiences at various events, especially the one you are trying to convince them to attend! If you are going to the event, you will have more influence on their decision. Tell them why you are going. This is essential and powerful when making your case.
Don’t hesitate to press the person if they seem initially uninterested. But don’t place a “guilt trip” on them. Tell them you will be disappointed if they don’t attend (if you will be). Take their excuses or options seriously. But try to help them think of creative solutions that will allow them to attend. Find financial assistance or someone to help them with studies, if needed. This will convince them you really want them to come.
Give all the relevant details about the conference or camp. Read the brochure ahead of time. Find answers to their questions.
Help them see this as a chance for God to meet their needs, a step of faith. Urge them to examine their motives for coming, too. If it’s just to be seen by peers or to meet a possible romantic partner, tell them to stay home.
Never leave them without calling for some response. And tell them exactly what they need to do by when. If you tell them to pray about it and make a decision later, make sure you follow up on it.
Pray before and after you talk with the person. Pray especially that your time with them will help both of you grow and will build trust between you.
