Including and Involving People
New Life Ministries is happy to share a variety of ideas that congregations have found helpful in their ministry of evangelism and outreach. We welcome your suggestion of an idea you've tried that has been especially helpful to your ministry. Send a brief description of your idea to our WebServant. More details are available for some ideas through the highlighted links.
Send
us your ideas for incorporating people (especially those new to your
congregation) into the fellowship circle of
your church . . . and helping them become involved in a meaningful ministry! And
check below regularly for the addition of
detailed information on previously listed ideas.
Agape Leaders
Set up a caring network of support for newcomers
and established members by training a core of leaders who will each relate to a
unit of four to eight families. These "agape leaders" visit each of
their families in the first six months to get-acquainted and discover their
concerns and interests. They also follow-up on new regular attendees and serve
as greeters to visitors on Sunday morning.
Church Family Quilt
Encourage families, singles, and inactive members
to make a quilt square that represents their family.
Conversational Dinner Plan
Set up a systematic plan where 7-8 people are
grouped together in someone's home for the evening meal once a month for a
series of four months. Use as a time for regulars to learn to know each other
better as well as the newer people.
Encouragement Cards
Place postcard-size encouragement cards in each
hymnal rack. The cards should have enough space to write a note of encouragement
or affirmation to each other. The cards can then be placed in the church
offering plate or mailed directly to the person.
Family Tree
Design a bulletin board display of photos of
members and friends (regular participants) of your church. Show the connections
between folks, family-wise. Include photos of new members, connecting them with
church family as a whole.
Friendship Partners
Provide one-on-one support for newcomers. Appoint
a friendship partner for new folks to "help show the way," both before
and after they officially join the membership of the church. Guides newcomers
into the life of your congregation.
Gifts Discernment Committee
Organize a committee to get in touch with the
gifts and talents in your congregation. Once in touch with the gifts of persons,
be pro-active in calling individuals to various tasks. Challenge persons to
serve. Also make gift discernment a part of each "Welcome
Class."
Gourmet Dinner for Prospective/Inactive Members
Provide a special gourmet fellowship meal for new
and inactive folk. Through this warm and unique occasion, embrace these persons,
drawing them closer towards the fellowship of the church.
Holiday Get-Acquainted Dinners
One or two times a year offer a get-acquainted
dinner to introduce those new to the church to the members of the church, to one
another, and to the church program.
Inquirers’ Class (see Welcome Class)
Intergenerational Evening
Organize evenings when you bring together older,
middle-aged, and younger people to learn to know each other by playing games
together. New people especially need to be personally invited so the newer and
older members can become acquainted.
Monthly Appreciation Recognition Drawing
Heighten the inclusiveness and warmth of your
church by regularly honoring congregational members/participants. Encourage
persons to nominate others for a special word of appreciation and a banquet
(with others recognized that year) in their honor. Show that the involvement of
folks in your fellowship is not taken for granted.
New Member Class (see Welcome Class)
New Participants Introductions
Plan one or two evenings each year when you invite
new participants (even though they may not have yet become members) to share
their life's experiences a few minutes each before the congregation.
Newcomer Party
Introduce established members to new and
"not-yet" members by inviting a group of twelve to twenty persons
together for a newcomer party. Following simple questions to help persons get
better acquainted, have brief presentations by the pastor and another
congregational leader. End the evening with refreshments and informal
interaction.
Newsletter Recognition
Within the week or month following the reception
of a new member, include a blurb in your church newsletter about the person,
aiding other members to become acquainted and encouraging further interaction.
If possible, include a picture of the individual or family.
One Dish for Eight
Provide a monthly social event (for 4 months) that
aims at helping persons in the congregation become better acquainted. Invite
both new and existing members to this meal/discussion activity. Follow a
recommended discussion guide for each evening, which leads persons into a sense
of community and trust. (adapted from An Evangelism Primer
by Ben Johnson)
Pastoral Care Team
Create a pastoral care system in which every
household receives friendship, encouragement, and caring spiritual support from
either a small group leader or caregiver. In addition, these two groups of
leaders form a pastoral care team, which assists the pastor(s) in meeting to the
spiritual needs of those in the congregation.
Pastor’s Class (see Welcome Class)
Reaching Inactive Members
Develop a plan to bring inactive members back into
the love and care of the congregation. Understand that the challenge of helping
lapsed members feel good about coming back can be time consuming, but it can
also be very rewarding. Get them involved once again in the life, ministry and
outreach of your congregation.
Reception for New Members
Celebrate receiving of new members with a festive
gathering in their honor. Invite the whole church family to attend,
demonstrating love and support. Invite the guests of the new members to join in
the reception as well. Welcome your new members in a special way.
Ritual of Friendship
Provide a means of keeping track of regular worship participants and guests
alike. Put a worship registration pad in each pew. During the worship service
ask all worshippers to complete the form, passing it up and down the pew. Ask
persons to take note of the names of those sharing their pew. After worship, use
the registration sheets to identify both guests and persons missing that Sunday.
Follow-up on these individuals as needed.
Small Groups to Incorporate/Include Newcomers
Begin one or more new small groups. Target them
towards the needs and longings of new folks. Intentionally reach out to your
newcomers and encourage them to join one of these new groups as a way of
connecting with congregational life.
Volunteer of the Month
Strengthen the inclusiveness and warmth of your
congregation by creating a monthly display, which honors those who volunteer in
the various ministries of the congregation.
Young Adult Fellowship
Reach out and include young adults (ages 18-35) in
the life of your congregation. Provide programming and activities oriented
towards their needs. Bring alive Christian faith and fellowship for the rising
generation.
Weekly E-mail
Correspondence
Send a weekly message to everyone in your church who has an
e-mail address to reinforce Sunday's activities and to build a greater sense of
being part of the congregational family.
Welcome
Class
Several times a year hold a class for new and
potential members. Use a "no-strings-attached" format. Encourage frank
and open conversation about the things of faith and church membership.
Also see Lay Ministry Mobilization Ideas
Ideas That Work Index