Be aware — at all times — of the messages you are sending to young adults and potential new members of your ministry. Don’t let the following situation happen to you during outreach, says Jessica Coblentz:
Picture this — a young adult has been eagerly awaiting your parish’s huge Theology on Tap. She’s seen all your great promotional materials online and in the Sunday bulletin. She shows up for the event and there is no one there to greet her. They have run out of nametags. The other young adult participants seem to know each other, laughing and chatting while she sits silently, gazing around the room. Despite all the inviting promotional materials, she leaves the event feeling unwelcome. The message she took away from the event completely undercut the message promoted by your outreach efforts.
Read more principles for support and outreach in the Essentials section of Young Adult Ministry in a Box.
