 Student Venture Summer Getaways,
Christmas FastBreaks and retreats should be a vital part of your student ministry. Be sure
to take advantage of these excellent conferences and use them to build the movement. These
provide unity, opportunity for study of the Word, and practical training. They generate
tremendous momentum. As students get away from their everyday surroundings and
distractions, and take time to focus on God and His Word, they often see unprecedented
growth in their spiritual lives. On top of that, students have an enjoyable, exciting
time. It's hard to avoid "catching" the contagious enthusiasm that conferences
generate. Students often return to their campuses excited, and ready to allow God to use
them.
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* Summer Getaways: Week-long student conferences that
take place in the summer months. Sites usually include Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Estes
Park, Colorado; and Southern California. * FastBreaks: Area
student conferences, three-to-five days in length, that take place over the Christmas
holiday break. There are eight of these located around the country.
* Student Retreat: A one to three-day gathering of high
school students that provides and atmosphere of fun, fellowship, and growth.
* Registration forms and brochures for all our Getaways and conferences are available
from the VITAL LINC Office. |
THE PROCESS
1. Determine why the conference is necessary.
2. Promotion: sow broadly with students.
3. List possible students and determine their needs.
4. Pray for the students.
5. Challenge some students individually as well as those in groups.
6. Get the Student's feedback.
7. Deal with the next steps.
A. Talk to parents, bosses and coaches.
B. Raise funds.
1. DETERMINE WHY THE CONFERENCE IS NECESSARY.
Student Venture conferences are most often designed to build students in their faith
and provide training and unity. As a leader, it is important that you know why you are
having a conference and how it fits into your purpose and goals so that you don't lose
motivation in the process of recruiting and promotion. Conferences offer something for
everyone, from new Christians to the most committed disciples. Be sure you are as informed
as possible about the theme, emphasis and content so you can recruit, promote and answer
questions effectively.
2. PROMOTION: SOW BROADLY WITH STUDENTS.
Share the idea for the conference and its purpose with your leadership students as
early as possible so that they can get some ownership for the conference and begin asking
their friends to go. Your main objective at this point is to begin getting students to
think about going to the conference. This is a good time to begin wide distribution of
conference brochures to kids in your groups, their friends, churches, etc.
3. LIST POSSIBLE STUDENTS AND DETERMINE THEIR NEEDS.
Make a list of every possible student you and your group plan to invite to go, whether
they are involved with you or not. Help kids to see the potential the conference could
have in their lives. They are more apt to go if they clearly sense a need to go. Also, use
positive peer pressure. Tell them about some of the other kids who are planning to go,
emphasizing the fun and new friendships.
4. PRAY FOR THE STUDENTS.
Pray for the growth of the students and their desire to attend the conference. God
greatly desires them to grow in their relationship with Him. Use Colossians 1:9-14,
Philippians 1:6-11, and Ephesians 3:16-21.
5. CHALLENGE SOME STUDENTS INDIVIDUALLY AS WELL AS THOSE
IN GROUPS.
"Everybody's challenge is nobody's challenge." As you talk with an individual
student about the conference, do not merely challenge to an activity, but an opportunity.
Set up a time where you can talk in a quiet location. Begin talking about his relationship
with God, and then explain how this upcoming conference can help in the areas he wants to
grow. Don't forget to address the great social benefits of the conference; kids are social
to the bone.
6. GET THE STUDENT'S FEEDBACK.
What are his questions? Would he like to attend? Tell him how to register and give him
an opportunity to make a decision there, or in an agreed-upon period of time. Help him
think through what the next steps will be in getting to the conference.
7. DEAL WITH THE NEXT STEPS.
The main thing you want to emphasize is that if God truly wants the student at the
conference, no obstacle is too great. Show the student how seemingly huge obstacles can be
used as faith-building experiences. Take him to places in God's Word where He promises to
provide for us.
Also, help him with practical solutions. If money is a problem, perhaps he could join a
fund-raiser you have planned or get a scholarship from you or his church. Also help him
think through specific things to say to parents, employers, or coaches who may have
hesitations.
A. TALK TO PARENTS, BOSSES AND COACHES.
The student may feel that as an adult and sponsor of Student Venture, you could add
some credibility and influence as he talks with the person creating the barrier. Make
yourself available to talk to the person, discover the real problem, and provide direct
answers. Go with a respectful yet confident attitude, believing that God has gone before
you to prepare their hearts.
B. RAISE FUNDS.
After the barriers have been cleared, the student should begin to raise money to attend
the conference. You should already have in mind or already have scheduled some
fundraisers. Have students sell something, sign up sponsors to fund their attendance at
the conference, work at a car wash, garbage pick-up, etc. Be ready to give fundraising
options to kids with serious needs and intent to go. Perhaps some businessmen or churches
would scholarship students to attend.
STUDENT RECRUITER WORKSHEET
1. Why am I going to the conference?
2. Why do I think my friends should go?
3. People I will invite to go with me:
(Put a check by each student you have prayed for
and personally asked to go.)
* Remember to follow-up your ask and get their
response. Help them with the next steps.
THE NEXT STEPS
A. Here's how we will get there:
(Transportation)
B. Talk with parents, coaches or bosses.
(Remember that your Student Venture sponsor can
help you if you need it.)
C. How we plan to get the money:
Activity Date |
