Ideas That Work - "Welcome Wagon" Style Task Group

"Welcome Wagon" Style Task Group

Invite new residents in your community to "come and see" the life of your congregation. Use the same principles utilized by the community Welcome Wagon. Provide a simple welcome packet containing helpful community information along with a brochure from your congregation.

BEST SUITED FOR: Any Size Congregation

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

Create a task group to conduct the ministry.

On a weekly basis, secure the names and addresses of newcomers from a local utility (gas, electric, water) or other agency.

Divide your ministry area into sections (normally, use zip codes or clearly-defined neighborhoods). Assign a captain from your task force to each section.

Each captain does the following as he/she/they visit:

Indicate that you are just stopping by (gives a clear signal that this will be a short visit).

Welcome the new family to the community.

Give them a simple "welcome packet." This might include:

	A card with church information on one side and frequently used community phone numbers on the back.
	A brochure about the area (tourist-type piece); may be available from the local chamber of commerce or visitor and convention bureau.
	A church brochure or another simple information piece about the program of your congregation.

Without probing, ask about other family members. Try to make a connection between apparent family needs (young children, senior citizen, etc.) and ministries of the congregation.

After about 15 minutes (no longer!), indicate that it was good to meet them and prepare to leave. Extend an invitation for family members to attend services at your congregation the next Sunday.

DO'S AND DON'TS

	DO......visit as soon as possible after a new resident has moved into the community.
	DO......recognize that times of transition (like moving) are some of the most receptive moments for folks to consider active church participation.
	DO......consider some appropriate form of follow-up—if the new resident visits your congregation, or even if they do not! Perhaps follow-up by mail.
	DON'T......become discouraged if not all new residents respond to your invitation.

RESOURCES NEEDED

A task group.

Access to new resident listings through a local utility company (gas, electric, water). Advantages: available locally, usually at no cost; may be accessible weekly so you may visit new residents soon after their move.

Access to new resident listings through one of the many firms that supply addresses on a monthly basis for a fee. Direct mail "card deck" promotions almost always have ads for one or more of these companies. Advantage: for a small fee, you receive names from many sources (not just utility hook-ups). Disadvantage: sometimes these lists include people who have not actually moved but simply have applied for some new service.

Following are some professional agencies supplying addresses for a fee. These companies have not been screened by New Life Ministries, nor does their inclusion here constitute an endorsement:

COR Information - 117 Landmark Sq, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; 1-800-877-LIST

GGC Associates, Inc., 2691 Richter Suite 109, Irvine, CA 92606

COST: Cost of mailings lists, if purchased from a professional service.

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"Welcome Wagon" Style Task Group

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