By John Gocke

Summertime has traditionally seen youth group attendance dwindle. Why does this plague on youth ministers take place during the summer when youth should have more free time than ever?

Part of the problem may lie in the fact that the youth may not see one another every day in their school routine. Because one or two friends are on vacation or at a job, youth are under the false impression that "nobody else is going"; so the youth assume that the activity is going to be "dead."

Stopping this chain reaction is key. When youth who are actually in town or are not working network with their friends, you have the problem beat.

Try these tips to get the ball rolling. Usually it takes more than just one way to communicate a message.

· Use e-mail alerts.
· Accidentally run into them on purpose.
· Make phone calls.
· Send letters or cards they can hang on the fridge.
· Use word of mouth with key kids.

Using a weekly e-mail update is a great way to take advantage of technology. When you send out a regular announcement of the event or study, ask for replies from youth who can attend. Once you get a number of replies back, send out a reminder update and list the names of those who have said that they could come. Action usually causes a positive chain reaction. You would be amazed how many youth suddenly have the energy to come to a group when they realize that other people they know are going to go as well.

John Gocke is a veteran of youth ministry, having worked in various churches in Southern California and for Al Menconi Ministries, based in Carlsbad, California. John holds an MA in Theology from Point Loma Nazarene University and currently works on the staff of www.ileadyouth.com.

Other articles by John Gocke:
Eleven Signs of a Successful Youth Minister.
Dealing with sharing your office.
Christian Pirates?
Saying what you really think!
Going Back in Time
The Epic Struggle Between Youth Pastors and Senior Pastors
You and Conan the Barbarian
A King Josiah-Kind of Christian
Fantasizing About Violence: Violent Video Games Promote Aggressive Behavior In Youth
Chico the Roach
Are you a Batman or Superman Christian?
Ten Skills They Don’t Teach You in Seminary
Teach your youth grace-not just mercy this Christmas
Five reasons you should encourage your youth to experience Christian music
The Porpoise Driven Life

Brought to you by your youth ministry colleagues at Cokesbury.

© 2005 The United Methodist Publishing House. This material may be reproduced for educational purposes only.

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