good morning, and… dr. charles arn. session one: introducing assimilation
Post on 14-Dec-2015
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Goal of Today’s Seminar ...Goal of Today’s Seminar ...
To help seminar participants (lay and To help seminar participants (lay and professional church leaders) better professional church leaders) better understand how people do or do not understand how people do or do not become assimilated into a church become assimilated into a church fellowship, and to equip participants to fellowship, and to equip participants to develop a workable plan to see more of develop a workable plan to see more of their church’s visitors become active their church’s visitors become active responsible members of the church.responsible members of the church.
To help seminar participants (lay and To help seminar participants (lay and professional church leaders) better professional church leaders) better understand how people do or do not understand how people do or do not become assimilated into a church become assimilated into a church fellowship, and to equip participants to fellowship, and to equip participants to develop a workable plan to see more of develop a workable plan to see more of their church’s visitors become active their church’s visitors become active responsible members of the church.responsible members of the church.
as-sim-'i-late:as-sim-'i-late:
“To include into a larger whole; to involve; to make one.”“To include into a larger whole; to involve; to make one.”
Definition of Assimilation ...Definition of Assimilation ...
“You are a member of God’s very own family … and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Eph. 2:19)
“You are a member of God’s very own family … and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Eph. 2:19)
as-sim-'i-late:as-sim-'i-late:
Definition of Assimilation ...Definition of Assimilation ...
Active ResponsibleChurch MemberNew Member
Prospect
A Model of Assimilation ...A Model of Assimilation ...
Active ResponsibleChurch Member
Prospect
Non-Active Member
New Member
A Model of Assimilation ...A Model of Assimilation ...
Active ResponsibleChurch Member
Prospect
Non-Active Member
Inactive Member
New Member
A Model of Assimilation ...A Model of Assimilation ...
Active ResponsibleChurch Member
Prospect
Non-Active Member
Inactive Member
Dropout
New Member
A Model of Assimilation ...A Model of Assimilation ...
Discussion Question ...Discussion Question ...
What are the obstacles to assimilating a newcomer into a church community?
What are the obstacles to assimilating a newcomer into a church community?
Assumptions About AssimilationAssumptions About Assimilation
1. Assimilation of newcomers does not happen1. Assimilation of newcomers does not happen automaticallyautomatically..
2. The responsibility for assimilating newcomers 2. The responsibility for assimilating newcomers rests with therests with the churchchurch, not the newcomer., not the newcomer.
3.3. The process of assimilating the newcomer The process of assimilating the newcomer beginsbegins beforebefore membership.membership.
4.4. Assimilation is anAssimilation is an ongoingongoing processprocess..
5.5. Most churches canMost churches can improveimprove their their effectiveness in assimilating newcomers.effectiveness in assimilating newcomers.
1. Assimilation of newcomers does not happen1. Assimilation of newcomers does not happen automaticallyautomatically..
2. The responsibility for assimilating newcomers 2. The responsibility for assimilating newcomers rests with therests with the churchchurch, not the newcomer., not the newcomer.
3.3. The process of assimilating the newcomer The process of assimilating the newcomer beginsbegins beforebefore membership.membership.
4.4. Assimilation is anAssimilation is an ongoingongoing processprocess..
5.5. Most churches canMost churches can improveimprove their their effectiveness in assimilating newcomers.effectiveness in assimilating newcomers.
1. Are there large numbers of “transfers out” 1. Are there large numbers of “transfers out” who keep the same residency?who keep the same residency?
1. Are there large numbers of “transfers out” 1. Are there large numbers of “transfers out” who keep the same residency?who keep the same residency?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Checking Our “Backdoor”Checking Our “Backdoor”
... and all churches have a “backdoor!”... and all churches have a “backdoor!”
2 - 3% transfer out
1 - 2% death
2 - 6% inactivity
2 - 3% transfer out
1 - 2% death
2 - 6% inactivity
Checking Our “Backdoor”Checking Our “Backdoor”
... and all churches have a “backdoor!”... and all churches have a “backdoor!”
Ways people leave the church…Ways people leave the church…
2.2. Are there large numbers of members Are there large numbers of members with no role, task, or small group with no role, task, or small group involvement?involvement?
2.2. Are there large numbers of members Are there large numbers of members with no role, task, or small group with no role, task, or small group involvement?involvement?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
How many roles/tasks should a church have ?How many roles/tasks
should a church have ?
Growing churches: Growing churches: 55:10055:100
Plateaued churches: Plateaued churches: 43:10043:100
Declining churches:Declining churches: 27:10027:100
Growing churches: Growing churches: 55:10055:100
Plateaued churches: Plateaued churches: 43:10043:100
Declining churches:Declining churches: 27:10027:100
3. Is there a large gap between church membership and average worship attendance?
3. Is there a large gap between church membership and average worship attendance?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
The typical church has about 40% of its members in
attendance on an average Sunday.
The typical church has about 40% of its members in
attendance on an average Sunday.
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
4. Is there a large gap between Sunday School enrollment and Sunday School attendance?
4. Is there a large gap between Sunday School enrollment and Sunday School attendance?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
5. Is there a high percentage of members whose worship attendance is one Sunday per month or less?
5. Is there a high percentage of members whose worship attendance is one Sunday per month or less?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Who’s here and who’s not?Who’s here and who’s not?
4 Sundays per month 125
3 Sundays per month 78
2 Sundays per month 31
1 Sunday per month 7
Visitors 9
TOTAL 250
Average Sunday morning attendanceAverage Sunday morning attendance
Church“A” Church“A”
Who’s here and who’s not?Who’s here and who’s not?
4 Sundays per month 125 17
3 Sundays per month 78 39
2 Sundays per month 31 75
1 Sunday per month 7 96
Visitors 9 23
TOTAL 250 250
Average Sunday morning attendanceAverage Sunday morning attendance
Church“A” “B” Church“A” “B”
6. How many of your members feel “left out”?
6. How many of your members feel “left out”?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
7. Are there large numbers of first-time visitors who don’t come back?
7. Are there large numbers of first-time visitors who don’t come back?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
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?What percentage of visitors return?
8. Is there a high percentage of new members who were not exposed to the ministries and people of your church prior to joining?
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?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
How many times haveHow many times have they they heardheard about you?about you?How many times haveHow many times have they they heardheard about you?about you?
Number of exposures of Number of exposures of active active membersmembers prior to membership:prior to membership:
Number of exposures of Number of exposures of drop-outsdrop-outs prior to membership:prior to membership:
Number of exposures of Number of exposures of active active membersmembers prior to membership:prior to membership:
Number of exposures of Number of exposures of drop-outsdrop-outs prior to membership:prior to membership:
6666
2222
9. Are there large numbers of new members who don’t have a friend or relative in the church?
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?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Drop-OutsActive Mbrs
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
Number of new friends in churchNumber of new friends in church
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
Drop-OutsActive Mbrs
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
Number of new friends in churchNumber of new friends in church
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
Drop-OutsActive Mbrs
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+
Number of new friends in churchNumber of new friends in church
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
Average number of new friends Average number of new friends in church for in church for activeactive members: members:
Average number of new friends Average number of new friends in church for in church for drop-outsdrop-outs::
77
22
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
New Friendships Established New Friendships Established AfterAfter Membership Membership
10. Are there members whose level of involvement has suddenly declined?
10. Are there members whose level of involvement has suddenly declined?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Do We Have An Assimilation Problem?
Sensitive indicators:
1.1. Change in worship attendance patternChange in worship attendance pattern
2.2. Change in giving patternChange in giving pattern
3.3. Change in languageChange in language
Discussion Question:Discussion Question:
““What issues come What issues come to mind–for your to mind–for your church–from this church–from this
morningmorning’’s s sessions?”sessions?”
““What issues come What issues come to mind–for your to mind–for your church–from this church–from this
morningmorning’’s s sessions?”sessions?”
Assumptions About VisitorsAssumptions About Visitors
1.1. No one joins a church without No one joins a church without first first visitingvisiting..
2.2. Visitors won’t tell you what Visitors won’t tell you what they really think about your they really think about your church.church.
3. You don’t have a second chance 3. You don’t have a second chance for a good for a good first impressionfirst impression..
1.1. No one joins a church without No one joins a church without first first visitingvisiting..
2.2. Visitors won’t tell you what Visitors won’t tell you what they really think about your they really think about your church.church.
3. You don’t have a second chance 3. You don’t have a second chance for a good for a good first impressionfirst impression..
- the - the numbernumber of visitors; of visitors;
- the - the retentionretention raterate of of
visitors;visitors;
- the - the backback doordoor rate. rate.
Your worship attendance one Your worship attendance one year from today depends on...year from today depends on...
How to Project Your Attendance for Next Year
How to Project Your Attendance for Next Year
Most first-time visitors determine whether they’re
coming back...
Most first-time visitors determine whether they’re
coming back...
based on the “friendliness” of the church.
before they leave the first time!
based on the “friendliness” of the church.
before they leave the first time!
How do visitors determine the “friendliness” of your church?How do visitors determine the “friendliness” of your church?
The number of people The number of people who talk to themwho talk to them!!!!
The number of people The number of people who talk to themwho talk to them!!!!
following the conclusion of the the conclusion of the
service!!service!!
following the conclusion of the the conclusion of the
service!!service!!
When do visitors determine the “friendliness” of your church?When do visitors determine the “friendliness” of your church?
After-service hostsAfter-service hosts
The first 10 minutesThe first 10 minutes
Non-growing GrowingChurches Churches
1st Time Guests
2nd Time Guests
3rd Time Guests
Non-growing GrowingChurches Churches
1st Time Guests
2nd Time Guests
3rd Time Guests
9%9% 21%21%
17%17% 38%38%
36%36% 57%57%
How Many Visitors Stay?How Many Visitors Stay?
Visits during a 6-week period
“a person welcomed into one’s house; a person to whom hospitality is extended; a person held in honor who is due special courtesies.”
“a person welcomed into one’s house; a person to whom hospitality is extended; a person held in honor who is due special courtesies.”
GuestGuest
“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.”
“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.”
VisitorVisitor
What Do You Call Them?What Do You Call Them?
“one who meets or extends welcome in a specified manner; one who gives a formal salutation at a meeting.”
“one who meets or extends welcome in a specified manner; one who gives a formal salutation at a meeting.”
GreeterGreeter
“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.”
“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.”
HostHost
What Do You Call Yourself?What Do You Call Yourself?
Parking hosts
Lobby hosts
Class hosts
Service hosts
Coffee hosts
Parking hosts
Lobby hosts
Class hosts
Service hosts
Coffee hosts
Where are your hosts?Where are your hosts?
After-service hosts After-service hosts
Friendliness and warmth of the Friendliness and warmth of the churchchurch
Character of the worship serviceCharacter of the worship service
Place for childrenPlace for children
Adult programAdult program
Church buildingChurch building
Reputation in the communityReputation in the community
Friendliness and warmth of the Friendliness and warmth of the churchchurch
Character of the worship serviceCharacter of the worship service
Place for childrenPlace for children
Adult programAdult program
Church buildingChurch building
Reputation in the communityReputation in the community
What are visitors looking for?What are visitors looking for?
Time PrincipleTime Principle1. Contact guests within 48 hours of their visit.
1. Contact guests within 48 hours of their visit.
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up55
SUNSUN MONMON TUETUE WEDWED THUTHU FRIFRI SATSAT
Vis
itor
Ret
urn
Rat
eV
isit
or R
etu
rn R
ate HIGH
LOW
Time PrincipleTime Principle1. Contact guests within 48 hours of their visit.
1. Contact guests within 48 hours of their visit.
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up55
Purpose PrinciplePurpose 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
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up55
9%9% 21%21%
17%17% 38%38%
36%36% 57%57%
Non-growing churches
Non-growing churches
Growing churchesGrowing churches
1st time guests1st time guests
2nd time guests2nd time guests
3rd time guests3rd time guests
Purpose PrinciplePurpose 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
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up55
3. Laity should make follow-up contacts
3. Laity should make follow-up contactsPersonnel PrinciplePersonnel Principle
Small Group PrincipleSmall Group Principle5. The more small groups you provide, the more newcomers will get involved
5. The more small groups you provide, the more newcomers will get involved
Side-door PrincipleSide-door Principle4. Create opportunities for newcomers to become involved.
4. Create opportunities for newcomers to become involved.
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up
Guidelines for Effective Visitor Follow-up55
Discussion Question…Discussion Question…
What are our visitor welcome procedures?What are our visitor welcome procedures?
How satisfied are we?How satisfied are we?
What could we do to improve?What could we do to improve?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 121 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Dro
p-o
ut
Rat
eD
rop
-ou
t R
ate
High
Low
MonthsMonths
The typical drop-out pattern in the first yearThe typical drop-out pattern in the first year
The First YearThe First Year
2. When a person drops out immediately 2. When a person drops out immediately after joining, the problem is usually: after joining, the problem is usually: with the evangelistic processwith the evangelistic process..
The First YearThe First Year
InformationTransmission
Non-Manip.Dialogue
SUBJECT
PROCLAIMER
STYLE
EMPHASIS
Teacher
Student
Impersonal
Information
Salesperson
Customer
Confrontation
Decision
Friend
Friend
Relational
Disciple
ManipulativeMonologue
The First YearThe First Year
Different Views of Evangelism
The highest drop-out rate!The highest drop-out rate!
The First YearThe First Year
InformationTransmission
Non-Manip.Dialogue
Teacher
Student
Impersonal
Information
Salesperson
Customer
Confrontation
Decision
Friend
Friend
Relational
Disciple
ManipulativeMonologue
Different Views of Evangelism
SUBJECT
PROCLAIMER
STYLE
EMPHASIS
The highest retention rate!The highest retention rate!
The First YearThe First Year
InformationTransmission
Non-Manip.Dialogue
Teacher
Student
Impersonal
Information
Salesperson
Customer
Confrontation
Decision
Friend
Friend
Relational
Disciple
Different Views of EvangelismManipulativeMonologue
SUBJECT
PROCLAIMER
STYLE
EMPHASIS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 121 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Dro
p-o
ut
Rat
eD
rop
-ou
t R
ate
MonthsMonths
The first six months
The First YearThe First Year
High
Low
1. Can I make friends in 1. Can I make friends in this church?this church?
2.2. Is there a place I can Is there a place I can fit in, in this church?fit in, in this church?
3.3. Does this church Does this church really want me?really want me?
First Six Months Second Six Months
The First YearThe First Year
The second six months
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Dro
p-o
ut
Rat
e
High
Low
Months
The second six months
The First YearThe First Year
1. Are my new friends as 1. Are my new friends as good as my old ones?good as my old ones?
2.2. Is the benefit of being Is the benefit of being involved worth the cost?involved worth the cost?
3.3. Is my contribution Is my contribution important?important?
The First YearThe First Year
First Six Months Second Six Months
1. Can I make friends in 1. Can I make friends in this church?this church?
2.2. Is there a place I can Is there a place I can fit in, in this church?fit in, in this church?
3.3. Does this church Does this church really want me?really want me?
New Members Older Members
1. are members today because of a need being met in their life.
1. are members today because of a need being met in their life.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members Older Members
1. are members today because of a need being met in their life.
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.
1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members Older 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.
1. are members today because of relationships with those in the church.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
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 Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older Members
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older 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.
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 Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older Members
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older Members
4. are usually future-oriented.
4. are usually future-oriented.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older Members
4. are usually future-oriented.
4. are usually future-oriented.
4. are often past-oriented.4. are often past-oriented.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older 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.4. are often past-oriented.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older 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.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older 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.
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older 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 ...”
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older 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 ...”
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.”
7. often see the building as
a “sacred place.”
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?
New Members and Older Members
What’s the Difference?New Members Older 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 ...”
So, What Do These Differences Mean To Us?
So, What Do These Differences Mean To Us?
1. New members will be seen as either 1. New members will be seen as either assetsassets or as or as liabilitiesliabilities..
2. New members provide the greatest pool for 2. New members provide the greatest pool for volunteersvolunteers..
3. New members should be well-represented in 3. New members should be well-represented in policy-makingpolicy-making positions. positions.
4. New members make an important contribution to 4. New members make an important contribution to the the evangelismevangelism and the and the assimilationassimilation committees. committees.
5. New members are excellent for starting 5. New members are excellent for starting newnew groupsgroups and classes. and classes.
Characteristics of An
Assimilated Member
Characteristics of An
Assimilated Member 1. Friends in the church.1. Friends in the church.
2. A role or task consistent with 2. A role or task consistent with gift/interest/skills/personality 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 2. A role or task consistent with gift/interest/skills/personality 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.
7. Feels a sense of spiritual growth.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.10. Witnessing to friends/family.
7. Feels a sense of spiritual growth.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.10. Witnessing to friends/family.
6. Understands and identifies with 6. Understands and identifies with the church’s goals. the church’s goals.
6. Understands and identifies with 6. Understands and identifies with the church’s goals. the church’s goals.
Characteristics of An
Assimilated Member
Characteristics of An
Assimilated Member
How Many of Your How Many of Your Members Are Members Are Assimilated?Assimilated?
How Many of Your How Many of Your Members Are Members Are Assimilated?Assimilated?
Church MemberChurch Member #1#1 #2#2 #3#3 #4#4 #5#5 #6#6
Jim Adams
Betty Burns
Harry Eckstrom
Marge Foster
Herbert Carter
Louise Gardiner
X X X
X XX
X
X X
X
X
Our Characteristics...Our Characteristics...
What is a “small group”?What is a “small group”?
A) Size of less than 25 peopleA) Size of less than 25 people
The goal affects the ideal sizeThe goal affects the ideal size
1. Intimacy1. Intimacy 3 - 8 3 - 8
2. Task Achievement2. Task Achievement 9 - 159 - 15
3. Fellowship3. Fellowship 16 - 25 16 - 25
1. Intimacy1. Intimacy 3 - 8 3 - 8
2. Task Achievement2. Task Achievement 9 - 159 - 15
3. Fellowship3. Fellowship 16 - 25 16 - 25
Goal Ideal SizeGoal Ideal Size
What is a “small group”?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
What is a “small group”?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.
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”?What is a “small group”?
Ingredients of a healthy small group
Ingredients of a healthy small group
Spiritual growthSpiritual growth Service opportunityService opportunity Outreach to othersOutreach to others Meaningful friendshipsMeaningful friendships Intellectual growthIntellectual growth Fellowship & funFellowship & fun
Spiritual growthSpiritual growth Service opportunityService opportunity Outreach to othersOutreach to others Meaningful friendshipsMeaningful friendships Intellectual growthIntellectual growth Fellowship & funFellowship & fun
The group will provide:The group will provide:
What kind of groups are we talking about?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
A. Covenant groupsA. Covenant groups
A. Covenant groups
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?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
B. Study groupsB. Study groups
B. Study groups
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?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
C. Evangelistic groupsC. Evangelistic groups
C. Evangelistic groups
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?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
D. Action groupsD. Action groups
D. Action groups
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?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
What kind of groups are we talking about?
E. Support groupsE. Support groups
E. Support groupsE. Support groups
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?
How Small Groups Can Be Part of Your Assimilation Strategy
How Small Groups Can Be Part of Your Assimilation Strategy
Increase the Increase the numbernumber of your groups. of your groups.
Increase the Increase the diversitydiversity of your groups. of your groups.
Increase the Increase the numbernumber of your groups. of your groups.
Increase the Increase the diversitydiversity of your groups. of your groups.
Key Questions To Answer Before Starting Your Next
Small Group…
Key Questions To Answer Before Starting Your Next
Small Group…
Ratios for Effective Assimilation
Ratios for Effective Assimilation
Friendship Ratio . . . . . . . . . .Friendship Ratio . . . . . . . . . . 1:7 1:7 Role/Task Ratio . . . . . . . . . . .Role/Task Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . 60:10060:100 Visitor Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Visitor Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:100 5:100 Visitor Retention Ratio . . . . . Visitor Retention Ratio . . . . . 1:4 1:4 Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:100 7:100 New Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . .New Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . . 1:5 1:5 Group Involvement Group Involvement (O(O M)M) . . . . . . . . 75:10075:100 Group Involvement Group Involvement (N(N M)M) . . . . . . 9:10 9:10 Church Leadership Ratio . . .Church Leadership Ratio . . . 1:5 1:5
Friendship Ratio . . . . . . . . . .Friendship Ratio . . . . . . . . . . 1:7 1:7 Role/Task Ratio . . . . . . . . . . .Role/Task Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . 60:10060:100 Visitor Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Visitor Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:100 5:100 Visitor Retention Ratio . . . . . Visitor Retention Ratio . . . . . 1:4 1:4 Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:100 7:100 New Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . .New Group Ratio . . . . . . . . . . 1:5 1:5 Group Involvement Group Involvement (O(O M)M) . . . . . . . . 75:10075:100 Group Involvement Group Involvement (N(N M)M) . . . . . . 9:10 9:10 Church Leadership Ratio . . .Church Leadership Ratio . . . 1:5 1:5
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