NSO Guidelines - Ministry Exchange (MX)

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New Student Outreach Follow Up Guidelines

Now that you’ve met all these lovely new students, what in the world do you
do with them? One of the most crucial parts of effective new student
outreach (NSO) is the follow up after first meeting a new student. Most new
students make their decision to join or not join a group because of the
follow up, or lack thereof. Our hope is to grow the witnessing community at
Case this year and offer students a great place for them to not only get
connected to other believers, but more importantly get connected to Jesus.
Therefore, our hope is for each of us to build a strong relationship with
at least 2-3 people and welcome them into our community! Here are some
general guidelines in following up with new students. They are by no means
comprehensive. “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you.” Romans
15:7

1. Follow up should happen within 24 hours of the initial meeting of a student. 2. Face-to-face follow up is ideal. If you have their dorm information, stop by and say hello. If you are unable to visit, phone calling is second best. Email is a last resort (as it is quite impersonal). 3. Exited. Energetic. Knowledgeable. Be excited about your involvement in IV as well as knowledgeable about what InterVarsity has to offer. You should be able to summarize it in one sentence. Here’s a good one to use: “InterVarsity at Case is a student group that meets to pray, worship, proclaim Christ and demonstrate His love on campus.” 4. When making a face-to-face, be prepared to leave something in their hand. Take with you a brochure describing InterVarsity, a schedule of upcoming events, and a note with your name, address, and phone number. As you give him/her one or all of these, take a little extra time to go through the brochure and schedule. This will both help to get them more excited about what you share and give an opportunity to ask questions. Ask if there is anything you could help them with getting settled in. 5. When making a face-to-face visit or phone call, here is a sample script you can use (feel free to ad lib, but nothing too outrageous(): “Hi (their name), this is (your name) from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. We met (the place and date of which you met) and I wanted to remind you that our first meeting is this Thursday, August 30th @ 7 pm in Mather House, room 100. Do you think you’ll be able to make it? . If yes: “Great. Actually, a group of students from your dormitory is meeting at (specific time/place) and walking over together. It would be great for you to meet up with them. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!” . If no: “Okay, great. Well do you mind if we put you on the email list to keep you updated with our events? (Get email info if not already obtained) It was great to talk to you, (their name) and I hope to see you around. Thanks!” 6. If during your phone calls, you receive their voicemail, here’s a sample message you can use: . First time calling: “Hi (their name), this is (your name) from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. We met (date and time) and I wanted to tell you about our meetings. I will try to give you a call back later this afternoon. Hope you’re doing well.” . Second time calling: “Hi, this is (your name) from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I’m sorry I’ve been unable to reach you, but I wanted to remind you remind you that our first meeting is this Thursday, August 30th @ 7 pm in Mather House, room 100 I hope that you will be able to make it. See you on Thursday.” 7. You want to be caring, not creepy. Don’t call five times, that’s creepy. 8. Be a friend: Take time to get to know him/her as a person. Meeting them in their room and noticing pictures, equipment, books, and posters will give you several openings for conversation. Ask about his/her family, interests, hopes for his/her year. Listen caringly. Share about yourself. Let him/her ask questions. Ask if there is anything you could help them with getting settled in. 9. Be descriptive in explaining things. Try not to use IVianese, (words like large group and anything that is a three letter acronym) 10. Return the contact sheet: Briefly write down how your visit went, the nature of his/her interest after meeting, and what your next step with this person will be. Then turn the contact sheet in to your NSO coordinator. Your returning this will help us to be more responsible knowing that people were actually followed up and will help us to share joys and concerns from your visit. 11. Follow-up does not end after the first week of school. If you’ve met someone and spoken to them, continue to be intentional about your conversations with them. We want people to get connected into Witnessing Communities as well as Oasis. 12. General information you should try to get from the new students: . Name . Phone number . Email . Dormitory . (Major)