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Every youth leader has felt it: the growing silence of a name that’s no longer on the roll.
At first, they miss a week. Then another. Before long, they’re a ghost in your quorum or class—someone the rest barely remember to mention.
This isn’t just about attendance. It’s about belonging. And when someone starts slipping away, it’s easy to second-guess ourselves: Did we do something wrong? Should we push harder? Will we make it worse if we reach out?
In the context of LDS youth activities, the right kind of outreach isn’t about guilt or coercion. It’s about gospel-centered relationships—and planting seeds of welcome that remain even if they take time to sprout.
Step 1: Ditch the Guilt, Embrace the Stewardship
You’re not failing just because someone drifts. Christ taught in parables of the one that wandered and the ninety-nine who stayed. It’s your job to reach—not to force return.
Begin with prayer. Ask to see the youth as God sees them. Then act.
Step 2: Lead With Relationship, Not Attendance
Don’t start with “We missed you at Mutual.”
Start with:
“Hey, I was thinking about you today. How’s life?”
or
“We had a crazy game night and you would’ve crushed it—I hope everything’s going okay.”
Make it personal. Real. Consistent. Whether they come back or not, your contact should feel like love, not agenda.
Step 3: Let Their Friends Lead Too
Peer relationships matter more than most adults realize. Quietly empower one or two youth to reach out. Suggest an invitation to hang out, share a meme, or check in about school.
Friendship can often reopen doors that formal programs can’t.
Step 4: Offer “Safe Return” Moments
If they do come back, make the return easy. Don’t make them explain where they’ve been. Don’t hand them a calling right away.
Instead:
- Welcome them with warmth.
- Let them observe without pressure.
- Offer a role later that fits them—especially if it’s behind the scenes.
Even a simple, low-pressure assignment can be part of their re-entry path—especially if it plays to their strengths (great for empowering quieter youth and building lds youth leadership ideas).
Try This Mini Activity (4–8 Min): Prayer Tag
Ask each youth to silently choose someone (in or out of the room) to pray for this week. No announcement. Just action. The next week, offer the chance to share experiences. This builds awareness of who’s missing—and reinforces spiritual strength through connection.
Keywords: lds youth activities, communication and relationships youth, youth leadership in church
The Invitation Is the Ministry
You may not get them back right away. You might not ever see the results. But when you reach out with no strings attached, you’re mirroring the Savior’s approach. He showed up. He asked questions. He walked with people long before asking anything of them.
Keep walking. Keep inviting.
👉 Need conversation starters and resources for sensitive outreach?
Check out our Forged in Faith Care Connection Kit—created for leaders, parents, and peers to support youth who are on the edge, drifting, or doubting.
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