The Art of Assimilation

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 5^th to 7^th 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 11^th-13^th 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 5^th, 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