First person: 10 critical points to assimilation for every church

The act of complete absorption and integration of people, ideas or culture into a wider society or culture. This is the definition of assimilation. Notice it is not partial, somewhat or limited, but it is complete, full integration.

1. Assimilation does not happen by accident. A church must be intentional about assimilating people into the culture of your group having a planned and purposeful process.

2. A church must project a warm, welcoming atmosphere to outsiders and newcomers. Without realizing it, churches today tend to be closed societal groups. We sing “Just as I am without one plea.” Yet newcomers experience, “Just as I Am, As long as you dress and talk just like me.”

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3. Assimilation begins at the first contact with the church. The rule of sevens is a good basis to remember. The first seven minutes in each of these is critical to keeping and assimilating newcomers. The first seven minutes on your property (driveway entrance and parking lot), in your buildings, in the classroom, in the worship service. Is each one warm, friendly and accepting?

4. Guests need to be contacted in the first 36 hours. If clergy makes the initial contact it is good, but if made by a lay person, these are twice as effective.

5. Newcomers must begin building relationships within the church immediately. Without fostering new relationships within the church they will depart. See previous posts.

6. Structured small groups. Organized/structured small group Bible studies are vital to the sustained growth of a church and inclusion of newcomers.

7. Expectations. Civic groups like rotary clubs have more member expectations than the average church. People need and desire expectations. The church in North America lost more than 22 million people in the early 1990’s. The number one reason, no expectations.

8. The process of bonding must be ever present. Newcomers need multiple avenues for interfacing and connecting where they experience acceptance, belonging, community and continuity.

9. Outreach and Lay involvement. Churches that reach out to others will keep more of their own membership. Lay involvement is needed in all 10 areas and critical as related in # 3, 4, & 5.

10. Implement and strengthen these ministries. Discovery and utilization of spiritual gifts, lay mobilization, specific discipleship, student and family ministries.

Churches who follow these 10 critical points will greatly increase assimilation and keeping members for Kingdom focused work. A byproduct will be increased outreach as more people are looking for what your members are talking about. Which of these 10 is your church’s strongest. Which ones need immediate attention?