Assimilation Training Church Development Team Office Kentucky Baptist Convention

When does assimilation begin When does assimilation begin? Who in the church is responsible for assimilation? How does a church develop an effective assimilation strategy?

An effective assimilation strategy has five components Places an importance on First Impressions Communicates high expectations about Church Membership Is intentional about building relationships with guests and new members Connects people to a small group (Sunday School Class). Mobilizes people to serve in a ministry that is a “good fit.”

Essential Component #1 Place a High Importance on First Impressions

FACT #1: FACT #2: KBC churches cannot grow without visitors attending. One outcome of “Find it Here” will be guests attending our churches as a result of our praying and sowing efforts. FACT #2: Your church cannot grow if your visitors don’t come back. We may only get one chance to connect with guests when they attend out churches for the first time.

THE QUESTION: What first impressions are you communicating every Sunday to make sure your visitors return?

Most Churches consider themselves to be very friendly Most Churches consider themselves to be very friendly. The truth is they are, but usually to themselves. It is important for all Churches to do their best to make sure that every guest feels loved and welcomed.

What places have you visited that made a good first impression What places have you visited that made a good first impression? What were the contributing factors that helped communicate a good first impression?   What places have you visited that left a poor first impression? What was absent that made you not want to return?

Where does a good first impression begin Where does a good first impression begin? Who is responsible for making a good first impression?

First Impressions in the Bible Luke 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, `Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, `Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Jesus left a good impression on sinners Jesus left a good impression on sinners. They wanted to be in the presence of Jesus. Why? The Pharisees and teachers of the law left a bad impression on sinners. Sinners didn’t want to be in the presence of the Pharisees. Why? What Christ-like qualities do we need to emulate in order to make a good first impression on people who visit our church?  What Pharisaical qualities do we need to avoid in order to make a good first impression on people who visit our church?

Why Address the Issue of First Impressions? It is one of the top four contributing factors for healthy growing churches in Kentucky Because the entry point for most guests who connect with this church will be through and worship experience. The salvation of a soul could be influenced by it. We communicate our theology through first impressions. This issue is essential to a comprehensive and effective evangelism strategy.

First Impressions: The church web site Regarding appearance, is it clean, clear and uncluttered? Are colors and fonts visually pleasing? • Does the design highlight important information? Is the content well organized and easy to find?

The content needs to address two key questions, based on these two groups:   “What do I need to know to visit this church?” (non-church members) Contact information (address, phone, email) Written directions and a map Service times List of ministries Staff information, including contact (email) “Do you know Jesus” page What we believe page

“What do I need to help me feel connected to this church (members) -Calendar (VERY important, must be updated faithfully!) -Prayer request (be careful – this can turn into flame wars, or TMI) -Bulletin boards -Blogs (great for staff, ministry leaders) -Podcast, audio/video downloads (very popular, can really be helpful for prospects, too)

First Impressions: The Role of Parking Lot Greeters Assimilation begins the moment a person drives on to your parking lot, not when they join the church. Guests tend to decide within 10 to 12 minutes if they will return. Parking Lot Greeters serve as a “front line” of hospitality and assistance.

Parking Lot Greeters Assist drivers in finding appropriate parking. Answer initial questions of those arriving. Direct guests to appropriate entrances. Assist mothers, elderly or disabled to their destination.

Door Greeters Be a ‘second miler.’ Continue the good first impression made from the parking lot. Provide a helpful transition from the ‘strange’ and ‘unfamiliar’ to the ‘pleasant’ and ‘familiar.’ Set the tone for the worship service. Be sensitive to the needs of new people. Be caring and dependable.

Section Captains Assigned to a ‘section’ of pews in the church sanctuary. Arrive 15 minutes before the worship service starts. Approach and befriend guests when they arrive early for worship. Talk to guests about their life and interests. Introduce guests to others seated around them. Encourage them to fill out the guest information card and to drop by the information table on the way out. Remember their name. If they come back next Sunday, chances are they will sit in your section.

The Guest and Information Center Place the center(s) in the natural traffic pattern for guests. Provide incentives to stop by. Insure the experience at the center reflects the welcoming comments made in the service. Capture information Engage them in meaningful dialogue

The Guest and Information Center should have the following resources available Brochures describing the church Church Newsletters Information on upcoming events Information on all ministries Information about Sunday School and Discipleship Classes Information on recreational opportunities Staff Information Church Campus Map Gifts (free coupons to a Wednesday night meal or a coffee mug)

First Impressions: Signs Signs communicate important messages to guests (both expressed and implied) The absence of signs also communicate something to guests. What signs are needed outside the church building? What signs are needed inside the church building?

First Impressions: The Church Campus Have directional signs in parking areas and outside of buildings The grounds should be well landscaped The buildings should be clean, and well maintained The building should be inviting cosmetically

First Impressions: The Sunday School Class Fellowship Leader/Greeter This person’s role is to be intentional about welcoming newcomers in the class each week. They help newcomers connect with others in the class. They may invite the guest to sit with them in the worship service. They may invite the guest to lunch. They organize and implement periodic fellowship opportunities that foster relationships within the class.

The Nursery clean, bright, cheerful, and secure. The Nursery area must be clean, bright, cheerful, and secure.

The Value of a Smile Holiday Inn interviewed 5,000 people to fill 500 positions that were needed to open a new facility. When the hotel managers interviewed these candidates, they excluded anybody who smiled fewer than four times during the course of their interview. This standard was applied to every available job and to every prospective employee. How many of your church members would qualify for a job at Holiday Inn?

Following Up and Following Through Herb Miller gives the following statistics for following up: 85% of guests return if visited in 36 hours 60% of guests return if visited in 72 hours 15% of guests return if visited in 7 days. If the pastor makes the first visit instead of a lay person the percentage is cut in half.

Essential #2 Communicating High Expectations about what is involved in church membership

High Expectations about church membership are often communicated by · Sharing the basic beliefs of the church · Sharing the discipleship expectations by explaining your mission / purpose statement · Explaining why membership is important · Encouraging involvement in a ministry that matches spiritual giftedness · Explaining the importance of small group Bible Study Classes or Sunday School and encourage their involvement · Explaining why and how to support the church financially Explaining how to participate in the Great Commission and spread the Good News to friends and relatives

Membership Class Formats Four consecutive weeks during the Sunday School hour Sunday afternoon meal with 2-3 hour class to follow. Consecutive Sunday Evenings Saturday Morning Breakfast 2-3 hours Consecutive Wednesday Nights

Essential #3 Be intentional about building relationships with guests and new members

New Members and guests are asking Can I develop friends in this church? Where do I fit in? Am I needed?

If a person cannot name at least six other friends in the church in the first six months they are likely to drop out.

Ways to connect people relationally Sunday School class fellowships at least once a quarter Circle of four groups One on one encourager assigned to new converts Build a relational bridge using your interest or hobby Invite a guest to lunch

Essential #4 Connect people to a small group/Sunday School Class

Who is responsible for connecting people to a small group/Sunday School Class? Sunday School Teachers Ushers/Counters Sunday School Class Outreach Leader Church Outreach Leader G.R.O.W. teams Deacons Sunday School Director

Best Practices for Connecting People to a Sunday School Class Enroll guests in Sunday School. Assign every new member to a Sunday School class even before they begin attending. Have a Sunday School Teacher stand with the new convert/member on the day they come forward to profess their faith in Christ publicly. Share with seekers/new members the expectation that everyone is expected to be a part of a Sunday School class.

Essential #5 Help people find their place of ministry

Churches need to identify “entry level” ministries that new people can become involved in almost immediately.

Resources to help people find their place of ministry S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees Jesus on Leadership PLACE Ministries Body Life Journey

Steps in Helping People Find their place of ministry Teach a Class/Preach a sermon series on “Finding Your Place of Ministry” Record Findings Conduct Interviews Place people in ministry