NEXT

I’m sure we’ve all observed to one degree or another that NEXT is not just for Sovereign Grace, 9Marks or Desiring God ministries “types”... There isn’t a generic “type” of christian group that NEXT targets. It’s not just for the new, life long or struggling Christian. Nor is it just for theologians or the “spirit filled” (which both should go hand in hand no?), rather NEXT is a culmination of all sorts of Christians and even some non-christians brought along by their friends. And you know what encouraged most of them to attend this conference? You!

Sure some of the most gifted communicators will be there teaching on God’s word. Sure there will be great worship with hundreds of fellow believers… but who wants to go alone? Who wants to drive or fly several hours to a conference they’ve never been to?

When getting the word out to people about NEXT fliers, posters and pamphlets are great, but what is better is personal testimony and word of mouth. A poster may spark interest and conversation, but are you going to go to a conference due to a poster or just a web site no matter how ridiculously cool they are? You can do what the posters can’t! Answer and ask questions! Put a person in-front of one of those posters who is adamantly telling you of the growth and encouragement they saw in their life as a fruit from attending NEXT! Man! That’s an encouragement!

Now of course we are not talking about “selling” the NEXT conference, rather just like the guys and gals who invited you and me to Na or NEXT our first time: we want to share the wealth of God’s goodness and grace experienced at this conference!

So with this in mind here are some practical ideas on ways to promote NEXT on campus:

• Set up a table with info and get guy/gals to man it and discuss NEXT with fellow students. We’ve done such things on the UGA campus with large success.
• Set up a little event like an open discussion and simply plug NEXT there for a minute or two afterward or at your campus events just make a casual announcement about “anyone who wishes to attend NEXT…”
• Do something to create attention like give away something cheap and fun (like freeze pops… hahah *joke*... cause its winter see…ha-uh never-mind).
• Simply TALK to your friends about it! “hey you goning to NEXT?” is all it takes!
• Wear your shirts! They are very thoughtfully designed! I get at least one person asking me about NEXT or Na every time I wear my shirts!
• Set up posters and fliers on notice boards (get approval first).
• Get info about NEXT to leaders of other Churches and College Ministries. Its just a little thing that goes a very long way!

This list is not exhaustive and is mentioned to inspire creativity in YOU to get the word out on YOUR campus. Go and tell of the grace God had shown you through this conference so that others may receive the same benefit you have!