• “Its’ going well, a few less people than we’d like, but going well…”
• “Awesome, we had 18 new kids last night, it’s going so great bro!”
• “We had 43 yesterday!” (I don’t know if 43 is up or down, but that was the answer as to ‘how youth group is going?’)

A great attendance night is followed up with celebration and a great mood.  A poorly attended event may lead to a week-long panic that his/her job may be lost.

Numbers do matter, because numbers represent people and the lives we’re trying to minister to.  However, attendance at an event, class or program shouldn’t be the measure of relationship or the definition of your job.  I understand the pressure to see things grow, namely programs, but this cannot be the only measuring stick.  But because I know it is a measurement, I’d like todays SMS to address some simple things that can work to perhaps bring back some consistency to your possible downward trend in attendance (especially as we eventually move toward the traditional “senior fall out” of the spring), but more importantly, bring some better clarity as to your role as one who is in relationship with teens.

1. Affirm Those Who Are In Attendance. “Where is everyone?” is about the worst thing a Youth Pastor, Small Group Leader or Pastor can say to those in attendance… Am I not anyone? Those who are at your meeting, event or ministry need to be celebrated and affirmed for being there.  Count it a blessing that you have the opportunity to be in relationship with the flock who is there rather than concentrating on and being consumed in thought by those who are not.  It is obvious to those there.
2. Quick Communication To The Absent. A timely text message (not mass text) to an individual may be exactly what is needed.  “Hey Jordan, sorry we missed you tonight, hope all is well, look forward to seeing you Friday at the game.”  10-15 texts, emails or FB messages immediately after an event may go a long way to a student feeling missed.  Remember, many students are internally asking the question “will people notice if I’m not there?”  Make sure you do notice.  In addition, use  the name; students can sniff out a mass text!
3. Maintain A Safe Distance. We have all had students who simply don’t want to be chased.  Be careful that in your pursuit of relationship you don’t look like a freak, “that guy” or “that gal” who won’t lay off.  However, consistency in the life of a teen is key.  If you maintain consistent communication with teens and your relationship with them isn’t dependent upon their attendance at youth group then they won’t feel chased, they’ll feel pursued.  I believe these similar words have a very different feel.

Knowing that the world is telling students mixed messages, one minute a teen feels valued and the next they feel like the person who wasn’t asked to prom, we have the opportunity to consistently be in relationship with these wonderful students.  Remember, you’re not alone, it is not up to you to make a student feel valued, your team is vital to this.  Each person on your youth ministry team can/should be pursuing his or her flock. Beside that, you don’t have all the time in the world.  Taking five to 15 minutes a week just to communicate consistently with that missing volunteer, absent teen or seldom seen parent could go a long way toward growth in your community (regardless of event population).  Don’t be consumed and add to your busyness, be freed up for relationship (speaking of busyness; next week I’ll conclude the “Margins” series, check those two posts out here: part 1 and part 2).

May the attendance blemish no longer define our week!

Grace,
Brian