In this final installment on our Assimilation series, let’s focus on the third big step in an effective plan. We’ve already talked about the importance of making Connections by weeks 2-4 and achieving Involvement no later than weeks 6-8. Our third priority, then, is Contribution–something that needs to occur no later than weeks 10-12. By […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 9
Last time we explored the importance of connection in the first few weeks someone visits your church. Today, let’s look at step two in the assimilation process–INVOLVEMENT. What does it mean to get involved at your church? Now for some of us who’ve been around church for a long time, being involved can mean someone […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 8
Over the past several weeks, we have looked at the church’s initial effort to connect with its guests. The first few weeks–and the items we’ve covered thus far–are absolutely critical if you are going to see guests become an enduring part of the family. But while these initial steps are essential, you also need to […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 7
Once you have effectively welcomed your new church friends and introduced them to key leaders and potential friends in your congregation, the final major piece of your early assimilation efforts is the newcomer’s orientation. Somehow, you must communicate the core components of life in your church if you expect people to engage that life with […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 6
How do your new friends learn about the ministries of your church? If your answer is “Sunday morning announcements,” I think I might have some bad news for you. While making announcements in services is a subject deserving of its own blog, the truth is that these aren’t as effective as you hope. Even where […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 5
As a pastor, no one was more on my Sunday morning radar than people I hadn’t met before. I wanted to connect with every guest, and I tried to prepare my regular attenders for that priority. We managed our congregation in three services, and that kept the crowd for each under 500 so I could […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 4
If you made contact with your first-time guest within 24-36 hours of their visit to your church, you have already significantly increased the likelihood that they will visit your church again. But a second effort–a midweek contact–can be a great way to make a deeper connection. The days of home visitation, at least the way […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 3
So yesterday was Easter…a huge day for many churches. Hope yours was one of them. Like most churches, you likely met a few new folks on Easter Sunday. Alongside Christmas, Easter is a prime day for people to visit church. And if you were able to obtain a few guest names, well not there’s some […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 2
Can your guests tell what you’re all about? Here’s the challenge. Our Sunday services are typically a practiced journey through a very familiar order of service. We do the things we do and do them to the best of our ability. And, our congregation has learned to appreciate, value, and even be proud of each […]
Assimilation – Putting the Pieces Together Part 1
When it comes to connecting people to your church, you need a plan. Knowing the key steps and maximizing the opportunities they generate will help you begin to see stronger responses from your guests. When you cover the bases well, you increase the likelihood that your guests will stay connected and give your church every […]
