Reaching Out

I attend an interdenominational church in East Cleveland that has a membership made up of over ninety percent African Americans. Although people come from quite close and from fairly far away, one thing that our youth group lacks is kids from the immediate area. We've tried reaching out to the area youth in many ways but even if they come to a youth night or Sunday school, they're unlikely to come back. I feel that a main reason for this is that our Youth group is very close, sharing inside jokes and stories of the past. When a guest comes in to the group, instead of tending to embrace these people, we begin to shut them out, maintaining our own little groups at the expense of the guest and their experience in the church.
Recently I've attempted to make a conscious effort to greet and speak with the guests that come to the youth group. While it's easier for me to just remain part of the group or even sit back and say nothing, I know that it is important not only for the youth group, but potentially for the guests future to make them feel welcome and at home. While I control my actions and decide what to do for myself, I cannot choose for the others in the youth group. All that I can do is speak to them as to why being welcoming is important and lead by example. I know that, as someone with influence in the Youth group, I can help to change the group dynamic so that instead of shutting somebody out, they will welcome them in with open arms.