The rumor is that twentysomethings want nothing to do with formal church activities. Well, get rid of those preconceived notions! Let’s examine three recruiting myths, and see what the twentysomethings themselves have to say about them.

Myth #1: If you announce it, they will come.

Actually, they won’t. Just as most of us respond better to personal invitation than generic announcements, twentysomethings especially tend to evaluate opportunities based on the relationships that may (or may not) come with them.

“ So much of our culture’s service orientation has been geared toward issuing a broad call to help,” says Adam. “Our generation doesn't respond to that. But we do respond to personal, individual invitations.”

Why the need for personal touch? Many in this generation came of age during the booming economy of the latter 1990s, when money was often a commodity that parents exchanged more readily than love. Add in the relational pains of growing up in a culture of ever-increasing parental divorce—if not theirs, then their friends’—and it’s not hard to see why relationships become the litmus test for any involvement twentysomethings may choose to have with you.

Myth #2: What’s for dinner and who else shows up to eat it aren’t important.

Oh, but they are! A free meal and the opportunity for fellowship with others, particularly of the opposite sex, can go a long way in attracting twentysomethings to be part of your mission. (Note: for extra credit, throw in a free T-shirt!)

“Free food and the hope of finding the perfect mate will recruit twentysomethings,” says Keith. “It’s kind of like the weddings we go to. Why do single people keep going to weddings when they are only reminded of the fact that they are still single, while more of their friends are now married? Free food and the hope of meeting the perfect mate!”

Myth #3: All needs are legitimate.

Don’t be surprised if twentysomethings question whether a presented need is valid in terms of its true urgency or importance. This isn’t all bad, nor will it necessarily keep them from volunteering after some discussion.

“I’m sure you have good reasons for what you are doing,” says Penny, “but please don’t make me feel like a sinning member of the church because I don’t help blow up balloons for ‘donut time’ between services. Who cares?”

Next month, we’ll look at how behind-the-scenes organization and up-front involvement can motivate (or demotivate) twentysomething volunteers.

Craig Dunham is co-author of TwentySomeone: Finding Yourself in a Decade of Transition (WaterBrook). On staff with The Navigators for 11 years, Craig and his wife, Megan, work with twentysomethings as part of the Glen Eyrie Group, the camp and conference ministry of The Navigators.

This is a brief excerpt of a larger article Craig wrote for Church Volunteer Central. For the full article, click here.

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