Copyright, 2001 © Church Growth Network A PLACE OF WELCOME Meeting and Connecting Newcomers in the Congregation.

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are _________All churches believe they are _________

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are FRIENDLYAll churches believe they are FRIENDLY

Was the Friendliness of the Church a Major Factor in Attending? 82% 12% 5% Yes No Some

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are FRIENDLYAll churches believe they are FRIENDLY Terms create powerful __________Terms create powerful __________

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are FRIENDLYAll churches believe they are FRIENDLY Terms create powerful IMAGESTerms create powerful IMAGES

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are FRIENDLYAll churches believe they are FRIENDLY Terms create powerful IMAGESTerms create powerful IMAGES Hospitality means __________Hospitality means __________

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are FRIENDLYAll churches believe they are FRIENDLY Terms create powerful IMAGESTerms create powerful IMAGES Hospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERSHospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERS

Preparing for Company Hospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERSHospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERS –“When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born” Lev. 19:33-34

Preparing for Company Hospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERSHospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERS –Do not mistreat your guests. –Treat guests like one of your own. –Love guests as you love yourself. –Remember: You were once strangers to God’s house.

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are FRIENDLYAll churches believe they are FRIENDLY Terms create powerful IMAGESTerms create powerful IMAGES Hospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERSHospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERS Without guests a church can not ________Without guests a church can not ________

Preparing for Company All churches believe they are FRIENDLYAll churches believe they are FRIENDLY Terms create powerful IMAGESTerms create powerful IMAGES Hospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERSHospitality means LOVE OF STRANGERS Without guests a church can not GROWWithout guests a church can not GROW

Five Percentages for Effective Assimilation 60%60% 50%50% 10%10% 16%16% 85%85%

Five Percentages for Effective Assimilation 60% of guests do not understand our church60% of guests do not understand our church

How Long Had it Been Since You Attended a Church on a Regular Basis? 7% 23% 22% 15% 8% 15% Never2 yrs3-5 Yrs >20 Yrs

Five Percentages for Effective Assimilation 60% of guests do not understand our church60% of guests do not understand our church 50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit.50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit. 10%10% 16%16% 85%85%

Which Family Member Influenced You Coming to Church? 34% 19% 9% 8% 5% 3% ParentsSpouseOtherChildrenSiblingsIn-laws

What Method Most Influenced Your Desire to Come to Faith in Christ? 42%22%20%9%4%3% 2% Talk w/Friend Talk w/Family Other CrusadePastoral visit Special Need Talk w/ Colleague

How Many Miles do You Live From Church? 8% 37% 24% 21% 7% 1% 0-1 Miles 2-5 Miles 6-10 Miles Miles Miles 31+ Miles

Five Percentages for Effective Assimilation 60% of guests do not understand our church60% of guests do not understand our church 50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit.50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit. 10% of our people leave every year.10% of our people leave every year.

Why Did You Leave Your Church? 32% 22% 18% 16% 12% MovedWorship Style OtherChurch Problems Job Relocation

Five Percentages for Effective Assimilation 60% of guests do not understand our church60% of guests do not understand our church 50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit.50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit. 10% of our people leave every year.10% of our people leave every year. 16%16% 85%85%

Five Percentages for Effective Assimilation 60% of guests do not understand our church.60% of guests do not understand our church. 50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit.50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit. 10% of our people leave every year.10% of our people leave every year. 16% of first-time guests assimilating is a minimum.16% of first-time guests assimilating is a minimum.

Why Did You Chose to Attend Your Church? 1. The preaching of the Pastor 2. The church’s theological position 3. The style of the worship program 4. Age groups programs (e.g. children, youth, singles, etc.) (e.g. children, youth, singles, etc.) RANK ORDER:

What Factors of the Pastor’s Ministry Influenced Your Choice of This Church? 1. Preaching that teaches and applies to my life. 2. The authenticity of the pastor. 3. The Pastor’s convictions. 4. Pastor’s leadership skills. RANK ORDER:

Five Percentages for Effective Assimilation 60% of guests do not understand our church.60% of guests do not understand our church. 50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit.50% fewer people are coming per car and family unit. 10% of our people leave every year.10% of our people leave every year. 16% of first-time guests assimilating is a minimum.16% of first-time guests assimilating is a minimum. 85% of guests who return a second time will usually assimilate with our church.85% of guests who return a second time will usually assimilate with our church.

Which of the Following Influenced Your Desire to Stay at the Church? 1. The church had a clear mission. 2. The style of the worship service. 3. I gained a clearer understanding of Christian beliefs and teachings. 4. The church’s Sunday School program. 5. There was a place for me to serve. RANK ORDER:

Developing Guest Eyes People seldom think about our CHURCH.People seldom think about our CHURCH. People think about us only when they CONTACT US.People think about us only when they CONTACT US. People extend their FIRST IMPRESSION to our entire church.People extend their FIRST IMPRESSION to our entire church. People’s contact results in a FEELING about our church.People’s contact results in a FEELING about our church.

Eleven Moments of Truth MOT 1: Receiving an INVITATION to Church. MOT 2: Driving by the Church BUILDING. MOT 3: Walking to the FRONT DOOR. MOT 4: Entering the FRONT DOOR. MOT 5: Meeting PEOPLE. MOT 6: Experiencing MINISTRIES & SERVICES.

Eleven Moments of Truth MOT 7: Entering the SANCTUARY. MOT 8: Participating in the WORSHIP SERVICE. MOT 9: Exiting the WORSHIP SERVICE. MOT 10: Contacting people the FIRST WEEK. MOT 11: Contacts in the MONTHS AHEAD.