1. Good morning, and… Dr. Charles Arn

2. Session One: Introducing Assimilation

3. Goal of Today’s Seminar... To help seminar participants (lay and professional church leaders) better understand how people do or do not become assimilated into a church fellowship, and to equip participants to develop a workable plan to see more of their church’s visitors become active responsible members of the church. To help seminar participants (lay and professional church leaders) better understand how people do or do not become assimilated into a church fellowship, and to equip participants to develop a workable plan to see more of their church’s visitors become active responsible members of the church.

4. ä as-sim-'i-late: “To include into a larger whole; to involve; to make one.” Definition of Assimilation...

5. “You are a member of God’s very own family … and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Eph. 2:19) ä as-sim-'i-late: Definition of Assimilation...

6. Active Responsible Church Member New MemberProspect A Model of Assimilation...

7. Active Responsible Church Member Prospect Non-Active Member New Member A Model of Assimilation...

8. Active Responsible Church Member Prospect Non-Active Member Inactive Member New Member A Model of Assimilation...

9. Active Responsible Church Member Prospect Non-Active Member Inactive Member Dropout New Member A Model of Assimilation...

10. Discussion Question... ä ä What are the obstacles to assimilating a newcomer into a church community?

11. Assumptions About Assimilation 1. Assimilation of newcomers does not happen automatically. 2. The responsibility for assimilating newcomers rests with the church, not the newcomer. 3.The process of assimilating the newcomer begins before membership. 4.Assimilation is an ongoing process. 5.Most churches can improve their effectiveness in assimilating newcomers. 1. Assimilation of newcomers does not happen automatically. 2. The responsibility for assimilating newcomers rests with the church, not the newcomer. 3.The process of assimilating the newcomer begins before membership. 4.Assimilation is an ongoing process. 5.Most churches can improve their effectiveness in assimilating newcomers.

12. 1. Are there large numbers of “transfers out” who keep the same residency? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

13. Checking Our “Backdoor”... and all churches have a “backdoor!”

14. 2 - 3% transfer out 1 - 2% death 2 - 6% inactivity 2 - 3% transfer out 1 - 2% death 2 - 6% inactivity Checking Our “Backdoor”... and all churches have a “backdoor!” Ways people leave the church…

15. 2.Are there large numbers of members with no role, task, or small group involvement? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

16. How many roles/tasks should a church have ?  Growing churches: 55:100  Plateaued churches: 43:100  Declining churches:27:100  Growing churches: 55:100  Plateaued churches: 43:100  Declining churches:27:100

17. 3.Is there a large gap between church membership and average worship attendance? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

18. The typical church has about 40% of its members in attendance on an average Sunday. Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

19. 4.Is there a large gap between Sunday School enrollment and Sunday School attendance? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

20. 5.Is there a high percentage of members whose worship attendance is one Sunday per month or less? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

21. Who’s here and who’s not? 4 Sundays per month125 3 Sundays per month78 2 Sundays per month31 1 Sunday per month7 Visitors9 TOTAL250 Average Sunday morning attendance Church “A” Church “A”

22. Who’s here and who’s not? 4 Sundays per month12517 3 Sundays per month7839 2 Sundays per month3175 1 Sunday per month796 Visitors923 TOTAL250250 Average Sunday morning attendance Church “A” “B” Church “A” “B”

23. 6.How many of your members feel “left out”? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

24. Who’s in and who’s out? Membership Fellowship

25. 7.Are there large numbers of first- time visitors who don’t come back? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

26. Average non-growing church: 9% (1 in 10) Average in growing churches: 21% (2 in 10) Average non-growing church: 9% (1 in 10) Average in growing churches: 21% (2 in 10) What percentage of visitors return?

27. 8. Is there a high percentage of new members who were not exposed to the ministries and people of your church prior to joining? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

28. How many times have they heard about you?  Number of exposures of active members prior to membership:  Number of exposures of drop-outs prior to membership:  Number of exposures of active members prior to membership:  Number of exposures of drop-outs prior to membership: 66 22

29.  Number of ways growing churches communicate their message (per year) :  Number of ways plateaued churches communicate their message (per year) :  Number of ways declining churches communicate their message ( per year) :  Number of ways growing churches communicate their message (per year) :  Number of ways plateaued churches communicate their message (per year) :  Number of ways declining churches communicate their message ( per year) : 99 77 33 How many ways do you tell them ?

30. 9.Are there large numbers of new members who don’t have a friend or relative in the church? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?

31. Drop-Outs Active Mbrs 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 0123456789+ Number of new friends in church New Friendships Established After Membership

32. Drop-Outs Active Mbrs 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 0123456789+ Number of new friends in church New Friendships Established After Membership

33. Drop-Outs Active Mbrs 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 0123456789+ Number of new friends in church New Friendships Established After Membership

34.  Average number of new friends in church for active members:  Average number of new friends in church for drop-outs: 7 7 2 2 New Friendships Established After Membership

35. 10.Are there members whose level of involvement has suddenly declined? Do We Have An Assimilation Problem? Sensitive indicators: 1.Change in worship attendance pattern 2.Change in giving pattern 3.Change in language

36. Discussion Question: “What issues come to mind–for your church–from this morning ’ s sessions?”

37. Good morning, and…

38. Visitors: The Key to Growth Session Two

39. Assumptions About Visitors 1.No one joins a church without first visiting. 2.Visitors won’t tell you what they really think about your church. 3. You don’t have a second chance for a good first impression. 1.No one joins a church without first visiting. 2.Visitors won’t tell you what they really think about your church. 3. You don’t have a second chance for a good first impression.

40. How to Project Your Attendance for Next Year

41. - the number of visitors; - the retention rate of visitors; - the back door rate. Your worship attendance one year from today depends on... How to Project Your Attendance for Next Year

42. Most first-time visitors determine whether they’re coming back... 4based on the “friendliness” of the church. 4before they leave the first time! 4based on the “friendliness” of the church. 4before they leave the first time!

43. How do visitors determine the “friendliness” of your church? The number of people who talk to them!! The number of people who talk to them!!

44. the conclusion of the service!! following the conclusion of the service!! When do visitors determine the “friendliness” of your church? After-service hosts The first 10 minutes

45. Non-growing GrowingChurches 1st Time Guests 2nd Time Guests 3rd Time Guests Non-growing GrowingChurches 1st Time Guests 2nd Time Guests 3rd Time Guests 9%21% 17%38% 36%57% How Many Visitors Stay? Visits during a 6-week period

46. “a person welcomed into one’s house; a person to whom hospitality is extended; a person held in honor who is due special courtesies.” Guest “a person who resides temporarily; one who goes or comes to inspect; one who makes a short stay at a place for a particular purpose.” Visitor What Do You Call Them?

47. “one who meets or extends welcome in a specified manner; one who gives a formal salutation at a meeting.” Greeter “one who receives or entertains socially; one who opens his or her home for a special event; one who takes particular care and concern that guests are well accommodated.” Host What Do You Call Yourself?

48. Parking hosts Lobby hosts Class hosts Service hosts Coffee hosts Parking hosts Lobby hosts Class hosts Service hosts Coffee hosts Where are your hosts? After-service hosts

49.  Friendliness and warmth of the church  Character of the worship service  Place for children  Adult program  Church building  Reputation in the community  Friendliness and warmth of the church  Character of the worship service  Place for children  Adult program  Church building  Reputation in the community What are visitors looking for?

50. Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up 5 5

51. Time Principle 1. Contact guests within 48 hours of their visit. Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up 5 5

52. SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Visitor Return Rate HIGH LOW Time Principle 1. Contact guests within 48 hours of their visit. Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up 5 5

53. Purpose Principle 2. The goal of the follow up contact is to see guests return. 2. The goal of the follow up contact is to see guests return. Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up 5 5

54. 9%21% 17%38% 36%57% Non-growing churches Non-growing churches Growing churches Growing churches 1st time guests 2nd time guests 3rd time guests Purpose Principle 2. The goal of the follow up contact is to see guests return. 2. The goal of the follow up contact is to see guests return. Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up 5 5

55. 3. Laity should make follow-up contacts Personnel Principle Small Group Principle 5. The more small groups you provide, the more newcomers will get involved Side-door Principle 4. Create opportunities for newcomers to become involved. 4. Create opportunities for newcomers to become involved. Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up 5 5

56. Discussion Question… ä What are our visitor welcome procedures? ä How satisfied are we? ä What could we do to improve?

58. The First Year Session Three

59. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Drop-out Rate High Low Months The typical drop-out pattern in the first year The First Year

60. 2. When a person drops out immediately after joining, the problem is usually: with the evangelistic process. The First Year

61. Information Transmission Non-Manip. Dialogue SUBJECT PROCLAIMER STYLE EMPHASIS Teacher Student Impersonal Information Salesperson Customer Confrontation Decision Friend Relational Disciple Manipulative Monologue The First Year Different Views of Evangelism

62. The highest drop-out rate! The First Year Information Transmission Non-Manip. Dialogue Teacher Student Impersonal Information Salesperson Customer Confrontation Decision Friend Relational Disciple Manipulative Monologue Different Views of Evangelism SUBJECT PROCLAIMER STYLE EMPHASIS

63. The highest retention rate! The First Year Information Transmission Non-Manip. Dialogue Teacher Student Impersonal Information Salesperson Customer Confrontation Decision Friend Relational Disciple Different Views of Evangelism Manipulative Monologue SUBJECT PROCLAIMER STYLE EMPHASIS

64. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Drop-out Rate Months The first six months The First Year High Low

65. 1. Can I make friends in this church? 2.Is there a place I can fit in, in this church? 3.Does this church really want me? First Six MonthsSecond Six Months The First Year

66. The second six months 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Drop-out Rate High Low Months The second six months The First Year

67. 1. Are my new friends as good as my old ones? 2.Is the benefit of being involved worth the cost? 3.Is my contribution important? The First Year First Six MonthsSecond Six Months 1. Can I make friends in this church? 2.Is there a place I can fit in, in this church? 3.Does this church really want me?

68. New MembersOlder Members 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference?

69. New MembersOlder Members 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference?

70. New MembersOlder Members 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference?

71. 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. 2. have had one or more disillusioning experiences. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. 2. have had one or more disillusioning experiences. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members

72. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 3. feel like outsiders with little sense of belonging. 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 3. feel like outsiders with little sense of belonging. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. 2. have had one or more disillusioning experiences. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. 2. have had one or more disillusioning experiences.

73. 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 3. feel like outsiders with little sense of belonging. 1. are members today because of a need being met in their life. 2. tend to be enthusiastic about the present congregation. 3. feel like outsiders with little sense of belonging. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. 2. have had one or more disillusioning experiences. 3. feel they have earned their sense of belonging. 1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church. 2. have had one or more disillusioning experiences. 3. feel they have earned their sense of belonging. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members

74. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are usually future- oriented.

75. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are usually future- oriented. 4. are often past-oriented.

76. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 4. are often past-oriented.

77. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo.

78. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo.

79. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 6. “I remember Pastor Jones...” 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 6. “I remember Pastor Jones...”

80. New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 7. are not attached to the present building. 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 7. are not attached to the present building. 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 6. “I remember Pastor Jones...” 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 6. “I remember Pastor Jones...”

81. 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 7. are not attached to the present building. 4. are usually future- oriented. 5. are more open to change in the church. 6. have strong positive feelings toward present minister. 7. are not attached to the present building. 7. often see the building as a “sacred place.” New Members and Older Members What ’ s the Difference? New MembersOlder Members 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 6. “I remember Pastor Jones...” 4. are often past-oriented. 5. are often concerned with perpetuating status quo. 6. “I remember Pastor Jones...”

82. So, What Do These Differences Mean To Us? 1. New members will be seen as either assets or as liabilities. 2. New members provide the greatest pool for volunteers. 3. New members should be well-represented in policy-making positions. 4. New members make an important contribution to the evangelism and the assimilation committees. 5. New members are excellent for starting new groups and classes.

84. SESSION FOUR Characteristics of An Assimilated Member

85. A Model of Assimilation... Active Responsible Church Member

86. Characteristics of An Assimilated Member 1. Friends in the church. 1. Friends in the church. 2. A role or task consistent with gift/interest/skills/personality 2. A role or task consistent with gift/interest/skills/personality 3. Involved in a small group. 3. Involved in a small group. 4. Regular in worship attendance. 4. Regular in worship attendance. 5. Gives financially to the church. 5. Gives financially to the church. 1. Friends in the church. 1. Friends in the church. 2. A role or task consistent with gift/interest/skills/personality 2. A role or task consistent with gift/interest/skills/personality 3. Involved in a small group. 3. Involved in a small group. 4. Regular in worship attendance. 4. Regular in worship attendance. 5. Gives financially to the church. 5. Gives financially to the church.

87. 7. Feels a sense of spiritual growth. 8. Taken a public step of affiliation. 8. Taken a public step of affiliation. 9. Praying regularly. 9. Praying regularly. 10. Witnessing to friends/family. 7. Feels a sense of spiritual growth. 8. Taken a public step of affiliation. 8. Taken a public step of affiliation. 9. Praying regularly. 9. Praying regularly. 10. Witnessing to friends/family. 6. Understands and identifies with the church’s goals. 6. Understands and identifies with the church’s goals. Characteristics of An Assimilated Member

88. How Many of Your Members Are Assimilated? Church Member #1#2#3#4#5#6 Jim Adams Betty Burns Harry Eckstrom Marge Foster Herbert Carter Louise Gardiner X X X XXX X X X X X Our Characteristics...

89. Review Quiz !!!

91. SESSION FIVE Small Groups: A Key to Assimilation Small Groups: A Key to Assimilation

92. What is a “small group”? A) Size of less than 25 people

93. The goal affects the ideal size 1. Intimacy 3 - 8 2. Task Achievement 9 - 15 3. Fellowship 16 - 25 1. Intimacy 3 - 8 2. Task Achievement 9 - 15 3. Fellowship 16 - 25 GoalIdeal Size

94. What is a “small group”? A) Size of less than 25 people B)Strong & close sense of belonging among those who attend A) Size of less than 25 people B)Strong & close sense of belonging among those who attend

95. What is a “small group”? A) Size of less than 25 people B)Strong & close sense of belonging among those who attend C)Minimum of one meeting per month, for at least six months. A) Size of less than 25 people B)Strong & close sense of belonging among those who attend C)Minimum of one meeting per month, for at least six months.

96. A) Size of less than 25 people B)Strong & close sense of belonging among those who attend C)Minimum of one meeting per month, for at least six months. D)Contributes to the emotional, relational, and/or spiritual needs of participants. A) Size of less than 25 people B)Strong & close sense of belonging among those who attend C)Minimum of one meeting per month, for at least six months. D)Contributes to the emotional, relational, and/or spiritual needs of participants. What is a “small group”?

97. Ingredients of a healthy small group  Spiritual growth  Service opportunity  Outreach to others  Meaningful friendships  Intellectual growth  Fellowship & fun  Spiritual growth  Service opportunity  Outreach to others  Meaningful friendships  Intellectual growth  Fellowship & fun The group will provide:

98. What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about?

99. What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about? A. Covenant groups

100. CHARACTERISTICS : – long-term commitment – group consent – membership: 3 - 8 – homogeneous A. Covenant groups CHARACTERISTICS : – long-term commitment – group consent – membership: 3 - 8 – homogeneous What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about?

101. What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about? B. Study groups

102. CHARACTERISTICS : – pre-determined topic – similar interests – short-term (4-12 weeks; 6-8 ideal) B. Study groups CHARACTERISTICS : – pre-determined topic – similar interests – short-term (4-12 weeks; 6-8 ideal) What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about?

103. What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about? C. Evangelistic groups

104. CHARACTERISTICS : – topical – no time commitment – size varies – neutral meeting place C. Evangelistic groups CHARACTERISTICS : – topical – no time commitment – size varies – neutral meeting place What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about?

105. What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about? D. Action groups

106. CHARACTERISTICS : – focused on a clear goal beyond themselves – limited time commitment – size varies – can involve non-members D. Action groups CHARACTERISTICS : – focused on a clear goal beyond themselves – limited time commitment – size varies – can involve non-members What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about?

107. What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about? E. Support groups

108. CHARACTERISTICS : – emotional / spiritual support – uses book or study guide – 8-12 weeks – no size limit (6- 8 ideal) CHARACTERISTICS : – emotional / spiritual support – uses book or study guide – 8-12 weeks – no size limit (6- 8 ideal) What kind of groups are we talking about? What kind of groups are we talking about?

109. How Small Groups Can Be Part of Your Assimilation Strategy  Increase the number of your groups.  Increase the diversity of your groups.  Increase the number of your groups.  Increase the diversity of your groups.

110. Key Questions To Answer Before Starting Your Next Small Group…

111. Ratios for Effective Assimilation  Friendship Ratio.......... 1:7  Role/Task Ratio...........60:100  Visitor Ratio.............. 5:100  Visitor Retention Ratio..... 1:4  Group Ratio.............. 7:100  New Group Ratio.......... 1:5  Group Involvement (O M)....75:100  Group Involvement (N M)... 9:10  Church Leadership Ratio... 1:5  Friendship Ratio.......... 1:7  Role/Task Ratio...........60:100  Visitor Ratio.............. 5:100  Visitor Retention Ratio..... 1:4  Group Ratio.............. 7:100  New Group Ratio.......... 1:5  Group Involvement (O M)....75:100  Group Involvement (N M)... 9:10  Church Leadership Ratio... 1:5

112. When We Go Home... Thanks for coming…