Old Book Review #2

“Making Your Church A Place to Serve” – Don Waddell – That big church in Louisville …

10 Reasons for Success:
1. Set BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals – goals so big only God can see them through).
2. Not discouraged by closed doors.
3. Staff is empowered and de-centralized.
4. Church Leadership is committed to the standard of excellance.
5. Staff is willing to change.
6. Getting the church into the public eye.
7. Mission Statement.
8. Have and retain the right people.
9. Church is a great place to work/volunteer.
10. Expectation that church members would not just be spectators but participants.

***********

New Member Ministry Mission Statement:
Guide Seekers to:
1. Receive Christ as their Lord and Savior
2. Become members, finding spiritual gifts, and using those gifts in service to our Lord by ministring to others.
3. Guide new members to a deeper level of spiritual maturity and service

***********

5 General Principles:
1. A successful program involves the whole congregation.
2. Personal authentic contact by a guest or new member with the ministry staff is vital.
3. Keep up with the numbers.
4. Follup with guests/new members with phone calls/letters.
5. Logical thoughtful process of involvement where each step is identified to the new member.

***********

Models of Involvement:
Arrow
Wheel

***********

Top 5 reasons people come to church (in reverse order):
5. Curiosity.
4. Kids brought them.
3. Were not getting fed at the “old” church.
2. In the area.
1. Friend invited them.

***********

Expectations of new members:
1. Growing their relationship with Christ.
2. Live a life that honors God and the church.
3. Get involved in a Small Group.
4. Get involved in a ministry.
5. Give regularly.
6. Help the church to grow.

***********

Welcome to … Agenda:
-Introduction
-Process of Involvement
-Review History
-What We Believe
-Mission Statement
-How to grow spiritually (devotionals, Bible study, worship, fellowship)
-Review church organization
-Membership Expectations
-Ministries Described
-Fellowship Circles
-Tour

***********

“It has been said that a visitor will make a decision whether or not to return to a church during the first 4-7 minutes.  That means the first impression a visitor gets begins at the front gate, parking lot and lobby not just the worship service and other programs.  If that impression is based on quality professionalism and excellance, the visitor is more likely to return.” – Don Waddell – “Making Your Church A Place To Serve” – College Press (2001) – pg. 20