Of those people who join a church and
then become inactive, 70%-75% drop out in their first year. If a newcomer makes it through the first
crucial twelve months, the chances of him/her remaining active increase
significantly. Therefore it is vital to
know why new members stay (or leave) in that first year.
The Church Growth Group conducted a survey of
people who have recently joined a church; some who stayed, some who
didn't. From these interviews, a
fascinating pattern was discovered.
There are three times in the first at which people tend to leave.
The first spike comes within the first few
months. Those that leave are usually new
Christians and the cause is traced back to the process of evangelism. These drop-outs often feel they were
manipulated into a decision or “sold” a false bill of goods.
The second period of drop-out occurs
within the 5th to 7th month after joining. This group did not get a satisfactory answer
to one or more of these questions:
· “Can I develop
friends in this church?”
· “Where do I
fit in?”
· “Am I needed?”
The third point at which a large number of people
become inactive (though a smaller percentage) is at the 11th-13th
month. The question has changed
slightly, but significantly:
· “Are my new
friends as good as my old friends?”
· “Does the
group meet my needs?”
· “Is my
contribution valued?”
You’ll notice that the questions the
people are asking are not theological, eschatological, liturgical, or even
musical, it’s relational!
To put another light on this important
issue, we must address the three “senses” of assimilation of a new member:
1. The sense of well being. Are they
growing spiritually? Are they faithful in attendance?
2. The sense of ownership. Do they
identify with the church’s goals? Do
they have a role or responsibility to carry out? Do they support the church financially?
3. A sense of connectedness. Do they have
new friends in the church? Are they
involved in the fellowship of the class?
As we answer the previous questions of new members in a
positive way, they will become fully assimilated into our church body. Our front door of the church will be swung
wide open for new members and our backdoor will rust on its hinges.
THINGS YOU MIGHT
BE INTERESTED IN ….
FOR CHURCH WIDE
MINISTRY: Movie “Son of God” and corresponding small group Bible study
resources - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Son-of-God
FOR CHURCH WIDE
MINISTRY: Movie “God’s Not Dead” - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/god%27s-not-dead
FOR CHURCH WIDE
MINISTRY: Movie “Mom’s Night Out” - http://www.momsnightoutmovie.com/
FOR LEADER
DEVELOPMENT: Ministry Grid
- http://www.ministrygrid.com/?emid=PD-BSI-MinistryGrid-20131008
FOR KIDS MINISTRY: CentriKid
summer camp locations - http://centrikid.com/find-a-camp/by-location/#.UxfmoIUjTGY
FOR KIDS MINISTRY: ZIP for Kids - http://www.zipforkids.com/
FOR STUDENT MINISTRY LEADERS: Youth Pastor Summit, a FREE
leadership conference in Orlando, March 31-April 1 - http://www.slulead.com/Orlando-FL
FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Live Simulcast, April 5th,
host it or attend - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&intcmp=PriscillaShirerLiveSearch-MTX-Banner-Simulcast-20131219
FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Live at Warner Robins, GA,
August 22-23 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Womens-Event-Priscilla-Shirer-Live-2014-Warner-Robins-GA?intcmp=PriscillaShirerLive-MTX-Button-WarnerRobins-20130731
FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: ‘Hebrews’ by Lisa Harper - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/hebrews-the-nearness-of-king-jesus-leader-kit-P005592097
FOR MEN’S
MINISTRY: “The Real Win: Pursuing God’s Plan for Authentic Success” by Colt McCoy - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-real-win-pursuing-gods-plan-for-authentic-success-member-book-P005558786
FOR MEN’S
MINISTRY: “Samson: A Life Well Wasted” by Chip Henderson - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/samson-a-life-well-wasted-leader-kit-P005474751
FOR MEN’S
MINISTRY: Main Event 2014,
August 1-2, 2014 featuring former President George W. Bush, - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&intcmp=MensEvents-MTX-Text-TheMainEvent-20130815
FOR DISCIPLESHIP: ‘Resilient
Faith: Standing Strong in the Midst of Suffering’ by Mary Jo Sharp - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Bible-Studies-for-Life-Small-Group-Studies/Resilient-Faith?intcmp=BSFLSmallGroups-MTX-Text-Resilient-LearnMore-20140102
FOR DISCIPLESHIP: ‘Beyond
Belief: Exploring the Character of God’ by Freddy Cardoza - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Bible-Studies-for-Life-Small-Group-Studies/beyond-belief?intcmp=BSFLSmallGroups-MTX-Text-Belief-LearnMore-20140228
FOR DISCIPLESHIP: ‘The
Power of God’s Names’ by
Tony Evans - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Power-of-God%27s-Names?emid=PD-Product-BSI-PoGN-20140121
FOR DISCIPLESHIP: ‘What
Are You Afraid of?’
by Dr. David Jeremiah - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/What-Are-You-Afraid-Of?emid=PD-Product-BSI-WAYAO-20131217
FOR DISCIPLESHIP: ‘Connected: My Life in the Church’ by Thom Rainer
(a great follow up to I Am a Church Member) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-connected-my-life-in-the-church-group-leader-kit-P005672341
