Ministry Strategy 201, Class 10 The Strategy of Onboarding Newcomers

Guest Lecturers Erin Kerr is the New Community Pastor at EvFree Fullerton. He is passionate about creatively helping people far from Christ find Him, start following Him in community and develop ways to mature people into living on His mission. Shelly Juskiewicz is the Community Life Pastor at Mariners Church in Irvine, California, and has been involved in helping the church grow from 300 to 15,000 people. Shelly helped develop the assimilation ministry, as well as many opportunities to draw people from the community into the church.

Class 10—The Strategy of Onboarding Newcomers The “front door” of every church is important. The front door consists of visitors to your church— whether they are new to your church, new to your community or new to Christ. What are effective strategies of onboarding newcomers? What are some successes and pitfalls? What is the difference between “strategy” and what really happens? How do we measure if one is achieving the goal?

Why Does Assimilation Matter?

 My Story: Crossfit Tustin (Me - New, Scared, Alone & Less Good Looking)

 Clear Steps + Encouragement = Growth

Three Reasons  How much more important is it for the church to assimilate people well?

1. It’s personal. John 17:20–21 (NIV) 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Reason #1

2. It’s essential. Luke 15:3–7 (NIV) 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 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. Reason #2 Every SINGLE person matters to God.

3. It’s missional. Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV) 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Reason #3

Five Strategies for Onboarding Newcomers

Develop a Discipleship Pathway Strategy #1

FOLLOW as a disciple of Jesus. Matthew 4:19 (NIV) “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” CONNECT as a part of a spiritual family. GO as a missionary.

Connect Card Strategy #2

Connect Card Strategy #2

Follow Up Team/Process Strategy #3

Rooted (First Steps Class/Groups) Strategy #4

Celebrate (Baptism/Membership/Stories) Strategy #5