Connecting Newcomers

One of the most important activities of the church is to draw in people from the outside?whether believers or those who may have never been involved in the church before. This resource helps evaluate how welcoming your church is and gives you tools to improve. Helpful topics include: how to foster hospitality on Sunday mornings among regular worship attenders; how to make sure people are not overlooked; and how to encourage members to cultivate commitment. This 22-page resource offers biblical reflection, wisdom from experienced pastors, and practical tips on how to connect newcomers into the life of your church. Table of Contents: Who Is Our Target? 3 questions to match our church strengths. Wayne Schmidt Welcome Check-up How does our congregation measure up? Stephen C. Butler Can This Class Become More Welcoming? From stagnation to vitality. Don Michael McDonald The Fringe Ministry Leader Will responsibility deepen commitment? Richard Doebler Willing to Commit How to tap into the needs of newcomers. with Reggie McNeal Points of Entry How many doors does our church have? Lyle Schaller Overcoming Resistance to Growth When one member stonewalls growth and outreach, what is a church to do? John Throop From Outsiders to Insiders The basis is our common bond in Christ. Steven D. Mathewson No Charter for Comfort Jesus commissioned the church to shake up the world. James D. Berkley From Visitors to Attenders Four ways to increase repeat visits. Charles Arn A Welcoming Place Focus on these areas to ensure newcomers feel welcome. Rich Nathan Filling the Cracks How to make a personal connection with newcomers. Dave Wilkinson Answer the Questions Help newcomers answer yes to these six questions. Charles Arn Restored for Service How to coach wounded people back into service. Daniel Brown and Bob Moeller Rejected What goes through your mind and heart when people stop coming? Dave Slagle Further Resources Sample Retreat Plan