In almost every consultation I conduct through my company, the Rainer Group, and in almost every church I research, the issue of assimilation arises. "If we could just keep the people who join our church, our attendance would be twice as high," church leaders often lament. Is there a "secret" to retention? Is there some type of process that can close the back door?

While there is neither a secret nor ...

Topics:	Assimilation, Community, Expansion, Growth, Membership, New members, Newcomers, Regular attenders, Service, Small groups, Spiritual gifts, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Evangelism, Outreach, Pastor, Small groups, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, Hebrews 10:24
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

Identifying effective aspects of yourself and your own inclinations helps to jumpstart you in creating a Personal Ministry Plan. Consider the following 14 elements when preparing for your Personal Ministry Plan.

1. The nature of your calling
2. Your spiritual gifts
3. Your natural abilities
4. Your values, what is important to you
5. What makes you cry or where you have had pain
6. Your interests, the desires of your heart

Topics:	Calling, Discipleship, Passion, Planning, Spiritual care, Spiritual formation, Spiritual gifts, Spiritual growth, Spiritual leadership, Vision
Filters:	Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4
Date Added:	July 12, 2007