{"id":12070,"date":"2023-05-10T12:45:04","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T19:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/campus.cru.org\/high-school\/go-to-the-campus\/?p=12070"},"modified":"2025-12-08T07:26:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T15:26:23","slug":"starting-a-conversation-with-a-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/campus.cru.org\/high-school\/go-to-the-campus\/starting-a-conversation-with-a-student\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting a Conversation With a Student"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Jasmine was a volunteer at a Cru outreach. New students were showing up, and the room buzzed with potential. But instead of diving in, Jasmine felt the familiar pull toward comfort, drifting toward the other volunteers. She had to remind herself: These students might not know anyone. And God\u2019s calling me to love them enough to go first.<\/em> So she whispered a prayer, stepped out of her comfort zone, and walked up to two girls standing by themselves. A conversation started. It changed everything.<\/p>

Starting a conversation might feel awkward, but it\u2019s one of the most powerful things you can do in student ministry. Whether you\u2019re a high school leader or an adult volunteer, this is where ministry begins.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why Is It So Hard to Start?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Let\u2019s be honest, walking up to someone you don\u2019t know feels risky. What if it\u2019s awkward? What if they give one-word answers? The truth is, students feel it too. Many walk into Cru events carrying walls of insecurity or discomfort, unsure of how they fit in. They\u2019re unlikely to approach you first, which means someone needs to take the first step. That someone might be you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why It Matters<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A student who feels seen is a student who might come back. Starting a conversation is an act of love, and sometimes, a step of faith. It opens the door to belonging, trust, and eventually, the gospel. Many students decide whether Cru is \u201cfor them\u201d based on their first interaction. You might be the difference between them staying or ghosting.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\u201cStarting a conversation might feel awkward, but it\u2019s one of the most powerful things you can do in student ministry.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How to start a conversation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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1. Be Intentional<\/strong><\/h4>

Before an event, pray for specific students. Ask God to lead you to someone who needs connection. Come with a goal, maybe it\u2019s to meet two new students. Remember names. Snap a photo of the group and review it later. Take notes or ask them to spell their name in your phone so it sticks.<\/p>

2. Be Interested, Not Impressive<\/strong><\/h4>

Ask questions. Notice a hoodie, a backpack, or a sports team on a shirt. \u201cHey, are you a Lakers fan?\u201d goes further than \u201cSo\u2026 how was your day?\u201d Find out what they care about and care about it too. Every student is interesting. They just need someone to notice.<\/p>

3. Find Common Ground<\/strong><\/h4>

Music, shows, sports, hometowns, connection often happens in the small stuff. \u201cHow\u2019d you hear about this meeting?\u201d is always a solid opener. Once you find a shared interest, you\u2019ll feel the conversation shift from forced to natural.<\/p>

4. Rely on Students You Already Know<\/strong><\/h4>

One of the best ways to meet new students is through students you already have a connection with. Ask them to introduce you to their friends at events, school, or youth group. Better yet, challenge them to bring someone new to Cru and introduce them to you. Students trust students\u2014so let that open the door for you.<\/p>

5. Be Where Students Are<\/strong><\/h4>

Show up at school events. Sit near the student section. Ask students you know to help you learn what\u2019s going on. Go where they already hang out, whether that\u2019s the gym, the lunchroom, or the Chick-fil-A parking lot.<\/p>

6. Be Yourself<\/strong><\/h4>

You don\u2019t need to be cool. You need to be present. Students are less concerned with your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and more concerned with whether you actually see them. God can use your personality, your story, and your awkwardness.<\/p>

7. Look for the Lonely<\/strong><\/h4>

Keep your radar up. Is someone sitting alone? Invite them to help set up, jump in a game, or pass out snacks. Give them a role. Inclusion often starts with an invitation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\u201cIf you don\u2019t start the conversation, it probably won\u2019t happen.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What to Say: A Few Conversation Starters<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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