First Contact
July 1, 2002
Plug Them in, Quick!
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 art galleries, for example, where worship guests can stop and talk with the artist. Our members are trained to include first-timers and guests in their ministry. We create service opportunities for people who aren't even seekers yet. Our next monthly "Quest Experience" includes a special musical piece where it's appropriate for an unbeliever to play with the band. And we welcome artists and designers who are friends of our regular attenders. We include seekers as greeters in the coffee area or on the medical mission team to Mexico-any way we can get people involved. We sometimes forget that people without Christ are often looking for places to serve, too.
Create a Mingling Place.
In 23 years, we've never really had a consistent way to manage our stream of visitors-until now. Our church had not provided an inviting environment for people to linger after services. So I insisted our new ministry center have a section like Borders-to grab a cappuccino and peruse the books, or sink into comfortable chairs and have good conversation. Café Evergreen has become our hospitality hub. We offer coffees, Hawaiian shaved ice, and Taiwanese milk tea with tapioca balls on the bottom ("boba naicha"), which is hugely popular here. We have teak tables with umbrellas on the patio and benches throughout the plaza. Soon we will add computer terminals to access our Web site, print the newsletter, register ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
