Two years ago, I was that student worker.

So terrified of being pushy with freshers that I practically pushed them away from our church. Cautious. Apologetic.

In September 2013 I was at the Student Work Conference in a session that the lovely Pippa Elmes did on connecting with freshers. It felt like she almost called me out by name, actually quoting word for word some of things which I had said to students. Then she gave some advice which changed everything.

In case you are currently that student worker, here is what I learned:

Be enthusiastic. Do you absolutely love your church? Tell students why! Yes, there are lots of great churches, but they are not all the same. Let them know what makes your church unique.

Be positive. You don't have to choose between talking about how great your church is and speaking well of other churches. We are all one family and want to communicate that to students through being supportive of each other.

Be welcoming. Like everyone else, students will go to a church where they feel like they are wanted. Have a student lunch, invite them out for coffee, make a welcome pack. However you do it, let them know that they are welcome!

Encourage commitment. Start the commitment conversation on the first meeting, asking students about what they’re looking for in a church and what churches are on their shortlist. Then touch base in a couple of weeks to see how they're doing with the search/commitment process. I also encourage freshers to commit to a church within the first month if possible - and have found that most have responded by doing just that.

So don't keep on being that student worker. This time is far too important to be held back by our own worries and insecurities. Our welcome can change the course of a student's life.