Erwin McManus
Mosaic
Los Angeles,
California

The number one indicator that a first-time guest will be here a year from now is if we get them serving somewhere, so first contact is critical.

A lot of times trying to assimilate guests is like fishing in the rapids—they're rushing in and out. We create shallower pools, places where people slow down so we can talk to them. We have ...

Topics:	Assimilation, Greeters, Growth, Membership, New members, Newcomers, Outreach, Regular attenders, Ushers, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Evangelism, Outreach, Pastor, Preaching, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

First impressions are important to first-time guests at your church, but the half-hour after service can determine whether they'll come back—and stay. Our research reveals three insights:

1. "Friendliness of the people" is the most important thing newcomers look for.
   
   
2. "Friendliness" is based on how many people talk to them.
   
   
3. The most important time for "friendly talk" is immediately following the service.
   
   

Topics:	Assimilation, Greeters, Growth, Membership, New members, Newcomers, Outreach, Regular attenders, Ushers, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Evangelism, Outreach, Pastor, Preaching, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Acts 2:42-47
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

We employ four strategies to make our church more welcoming.

1. Hospitality time. We have a 20-minute segment between our two services when we provide coffee, juice, and donuts in our lobby. Greeters and hosts mingle and welcome people with cup in hand (one greeter remarked, "It's amazing how a six-ounce cup provides a sense of security for a 180-pound male").
2. Response cards. Our worship bulletins have perforated tear-offs that members and guests are asked to fill out and place in the offering plate. It has spaces for all kinds of quick interaction (such as "My decision today," "I'd like information," "Prayer need"), which we try to respond to quickly.

Topics:	Community impact, Fellowship, Hospitality, Newcomers, Outreach, Relationships, Unchurched, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church staff, Evangelism, Greeter, Hospitality, Outreach, Pastor, Usher, Worship leader
Purpose:	Evangelism
References:	Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

Don't apply the "cheap and easy" mentality of consumerism to relationships with God and each other.

Have you ever noticed how long it takes to make microwave popcorn? "Delicious popcorn in only three minutes!" Well, that's what it says on the bag, but standing there waiting for it to get done seems like an eternity.

We live in a microwave society. We've come to expect that everything in life will take ...

Topics:	Balance, Christian life, Hospitality, Priorities, Relationships, Stewardship, Time
Filters:	Greeter, Hospitality, Mentoring, Outreach, Pastor, Volunteer
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10
Date Added:	July 12, 2007