Common club Problems and Solutions
Many clubs experience problems. This is normal, but some of them are common and have solutions. These are the most common problems and causes.
Problems
Poor Quality – “it’s Boring”
Causes - Not enough resources, not enough help, not enough money
Denominationalism – “there’s a lot of division”
Causes - Misunderstanding of differences, focus on the wrong things
Redundancy – “it’s just like church”
Causes - Misunderstanding of purpose, wrong goals, not enough training in outreach
Too much work – “this thing is falling apart”
Causes - not enough time, poor prep
Solutions
Clubs should be focused outreach to unchurched students on campus.
Clubs should not be engaged in discipleship, accountability, or other such activities.
Every week should be an outreach focus.
Prayer times, training times, etc, should take place at an unpublicized time.
Club promotion should happen every week with focus on meeting spiritual and practical needs of unchurched students.
The atmosphere should be one that Christian students would want to bring unchurched students.
No matter the number of unchurched students, outreach should remain the focus.
Result: A focus on the basics will bring excitement, unity and avoid denominational issue because of the simplicity of the message. Solves redundancy and denominationalism. (see 1:9 Plan for outreach focus)
Clubs should be supported by local churches.
Responsibilities of club support should be divided between local youth pastors, parents and other volunteers.
Churches support with time, direction, finances and meeting/training resources.
Clubs should become part of the local churches’ missions program from a standpoint of philosophy, prayer support and finances.
Result: Outside help will bring advice and resources to improve the quality of clubs events. Solves Too Much work and Poor Qulaity. (See coaching and resources for more help.)
Leading anything is an imperfect and difficult process, but these tips will help you avoid the most common problems. Get the resources you need to efficiently run an effective club and focus on outreach—all the time. Let discipleship happen in churches, your goal is evangelism.