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One of InterVarsity's historical strengths lies in providing quality, biblical training. Most students who make it to an I-V training event are glad they attended, and can't wait for more. If you're convinced of the value of training events, there remains one question: how can you help your fellow students see the same value and choose to join you for the next event? Here are some principles and practical tips:

First, know who is in your chapter and their commitment to the group. A chapter membership list sorted by levels of involvement can help you decide where to begin (see "People of a Certain Sort" on this site or in the fall 1997 issue, p. 26, for details). It helps to ask, Which of our active members do we want to see become a leader next term or next year? Who in the group's "fringe" do we want to pull into the group a little more?

Many of the students we recruit for training events have no clue what we are inviting them to. The key to recruitment is not mere information, but rather relationships. Students are more inclined to attend an event because they know the one who is asking them to go, even if that means the only thing they may have in common is the same chemistry class.

Second, create a list of the people to invite to the training event. Your leadership team can offer input and then split up the list so everyone shares the load.

Third, take some time to pray for them, that God will help them want to go if it's his will.

Fourth, set aside time to make calls that will result in face-to-face appointments. People are most likely to respond and deal with their questions honestly when you're with them for a brief meeting set up for that purpose. (Click here to see a sample phone conversation.)

Fifth, meet with them to invite them. That sounds simple, and it is, but here are a few concepts to keep in mind when you're talking with fellow students about going to a training event:

1. Relax. Don't simply view them as delegates for your next training event, but rather as people whom God may want to speak to through you. He may just want you to share some encouraging words with them or perhaps even present the gospel.

2. Talk about what, who, and why. Briefly describe what the event is all about. Then describe who it's designed for (most I-V events encompass a wide variety of students). It helps to have a brochure or flyer with you that describes the event. Now explain why the event would be of value to the person you're with. This is the time for a genuine, personal invitation.

3. Wait for a response. Students will be most likely to follow through and actually go if they give a verbal response to your invitation. If the person can't make a definite commitment, say you'll call in the next two days to see if he or she has any more questions or concerns. Take some time to pray together before you leave.

4. Be prepared for the inevitable excuses: lack of money, conflicting plans, lack of time, no transportation, and no other friends who are going. If the person you're with brings up a problem with any of these, note them and mention them to your InterVarsity staff worker. Your staff worker will help you respond to these issues, especially if scholarship help and transportation is being arranged.

5. Within 48 hours, call the folks you met with or drop them an e-mail to get a feel for where they are in regard to the training event. Remind them of any deadlines, and ask if any other questions have come up that you could help them work through. Ask them if they have been praying about it.

Remember, our goal is not mere bodies filling classrooms and camps, but rather to see many more students aptly trained for works of service on campus and in the place God has for them once they leave campus. May God provide us with the strength and boldness to reach out to fellow chapter members whom we love so much, and may they in turn be changed for all eternity. Happy recruiting!