In almost every consultation I conduct through my company, the Rainer Group, and in almost every church I research, the issue of assimilation arises. "If we could just keep the people who join our church, our attendance would be twice as high," church leaders often lament. Is there a "secret" to retention? Is there some type of process that can close the back door?

While there is neither a secret nor ...

Topics:	Assimilation, Community, Expansion, Growth, Membership, New members, Newcomers, Regular attenders, Service, Small groups, Spiritual gifts, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Evangelism, Outreach, Pastor, Small groups, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

We employ four strategies to make our church more welcoming.

1. Hospitality time. We have a 20-minute segment between our two services when we provide coffee, juice, and donuts in our lobby. Greeters and hosts mingle and welcome people with cup in hand (one greeter remarked, "It's amazing how a six-ounce cup provides a sense of security for a 180-pound male").
2. Response cards. Our worship bulletins have perforated tear-offs that members and guests are asked to fill out and place in the offering plate. It has spaces for all kinds of quick interaction (such as "My decision today," "I'd like information," "Prayer need"), which we try to respond to quickly.

Topics:	Community impact, Fellowship, Hospitality, Newcomers, Outreach, Relationships, Unchurched, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church staff, Evangelism, Greeter, Hospitality, Outreach, Pastor, Usher, Worship leader
Purpose:	Evangelism
References:	Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2
Date Added:	July 11, 2007