This is the fifth of five chapters in a 25 part blog series titled: The Five Elements of a Fully Implemented Connections Strategy, published over a five week period. Everything I have posted here is the result of my own personal experiences, from serving on church staffs, volunteering as a lay leader, and being brought in as a paid consultant. It is my hope that these posts will help you and your church get better at connecting with guests, not simply to increase your attendance and membership, but ultimately to grow the body of Christ. Implementing a Connections strategy (or “Assimilation” strategy) is a long term process, and one that relies on a culture of continual improvement. This chapter has five entries, which will all be linked below the post as they are published.
The ruins of Cluain Mhic Nóis. Co. Affaly, Ireland.
5.2 A Visible Presence. If you want new families to serve, show them where to start. Be clear about their opportunities, and connect them specifically to the people they can serve with. Put your core ministries and leadership on display, every week. Whether you rotate different groups and departments every month, or have a permanent presence for small groups and/or missions, clear promotional strategies succeed best when there’s an opportunity to connect with a real, live person. You’re inviting them to serve; this is personal.
Think on there things:
- Showcase core ministries in your main Atrium or entryway, or whatever that big open area is out outside your worship center.
- Have some key leaders present all day Sunday to meet people and ask questions. A Staff leader, a married couple, etc.
- The goal here is obvious: knowing a ministry exists isn’t the point, and this is a big Connections and recruitment piece.
- Small Group ministries and Missions departments are two common examples in which churches tend to give a consistent visual and personal presence in the church.
NEXT: 5.3 Offer Opportunities
Main Series Page: The Five Elements of a Fully Implemented Connections Strategy
Element Five: Serving Together