Should you advertise numbers?

I've written about numbers a bit in the past.

Youth ministers can fear them, embrace them, track them or hide behind them.

But, should you advertise them?

Should you advertise how many will be at an event, even verbally?

I'm not sure.

If you advertise numbers, then you send the message that they are the most important thing. And, while numbers matter, people matter more.

For, every number has a name.

You want the person you're speaking with to know that they are more than just a number.

They are not just part of the crowd.

A vastly better message is to personally invite them.
Tell them WHO you expect will probably be there (I wouldn't guarantee it since you may be mistaken!).

If you advertise numbers, like with the individual above, then you set yourself up to be measured against something you don't really control.

Numbers, for whatever reason can dissipate.

Anyone in youth ministry knows the feeling of the week where, seemingly, everyone "had something come up" and your attendance is way down.

I was once part of a regional event in a rural setting where, because it rained heavily days prior, everyone had to stay home in order to work the fields.

It happens.

But, if you're invitation is about the person, not just the attendance, then the kids who were personally invited can still feel welcomed and, importantly, not deceived.