- Nov 23, 2015
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Most Baptist Churches want new members, at least we say so. But do we assimilate new people and allow them to feel a part of the church? I believe this is a serious issue for many Baptist Churches, in showing new members that they are really a valued and wanted. This is a real issue even for members that have been going to our church for a long time. No member should be taken for granted.
Here are some facts. If a member misses two times we need to make contact and see how they are. If someone does reach out after missing three consecutive weeks that member is generally gone. After four missed weeks it is very unlikely that person will return.
These facts are taught to people in most seminaries, and therefore pastors with dwindling church memberships who don't visit or have visitation programs have to assume much of the responsibility. But what is the responsibility of the Elders, Deacons, and membership in general?
People go to church for a lot of reasons, and wanting to know they are welcome is very important. Some churches are overflowing with friendliness. Some churches are family churches and visitors are tolerated, but the odds of being assimilated are slim to none. But many churches are somewhere in between, it's going to take effort to prove you really want to be apart of that church.
Here is my questions. What experiences have you had in joining a church. What does your church do to welcome people, and assimilate people? What does your church do for a visitation program? What does your church do to keep members from falling off the membership rolls?
Here are some facts. If a member misses two times we need to make contact and see how they are. If someone does reach out after missing three consecutive weeks that member is generally gone. After four missed weeks it is very unlikely that person will return.
These facts are taught to people in most seminaries, and therefore pastors with dwindling church memberships who don't visit or have visitation programs have to assume much of the responsibility. But what is the responsibility of the Elders, Deacons, and membership in general?
People go to church for a lot of reasons, and wanting to know they are welcome is very important. Some churches are overflowing with friendliness. Some churches are family churches and visitors are tolerated, but the odds of being assimilated are slim to none. But many churches are somewhere in between, it's going to take effort to prove you really want to be apart of that church.
Here is my questions. What experiences have you had in joining a church. What does your church do to welcome people, and assimilate people? What does your church do for a visitation program? What does your church do to keep members from falling off the membership rolls?