Category: Ministry

4 Things That Should Happen in the First 7 Minutes in Our Churches Each Sunday

Posted in Assimilation, Church Chat, Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Evangelism, Ministry, Preaching, WorshipLeave a comment

FourToday, as I continue discussing Nelson Searcy’s book Fusion: Turning First-Time Guests into Fully-Engaged Members of Your Church, I will look at the 7-minute, pre-service period when first-time guests decide if they will return for a second visit. Searcy refers to this time as the time “from the street to the seat.” This is the time before the service even begins. Searcy says “Your pre-service mission is to make every effort to take your guests’ guard down and even put a smile on their face–before the service begins.

4 THINGS IN THE FIRST 7 MINUTES

  • GREETED: Welcomed with a smile. Searcy says we should memorize the sentence “everything speaks to first-time guests–everything.” He says we should strive for excellence and he defines excellence as “doing the best you can with what you’ve got.” Journey Church discovered from their surveys of first-time guests that one of the things they noticed and appreciated most were the smiling faces and the warm welcome as they entered the building. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A SMILE!
  • DIRECTED: Simply and politely shown to where they need to go. Guests should be directed either by a sign or a volunteer–preferably by both. When it comes to first-time guests, Searcy said the real estate axiom “location, location, location” should be replaced by “signs, signs, signs.” Searcy says that signs are the single best way to ensure that guests can find what they need. I strongly agree, but I think a church can overdo it in this area. You can get so many signs that none of the signs stand out. Having said that, I’ve only seen a couple of churches that had too many signs.
  • TREATED: Shown respect, and happily surprised with comfort food and a drink. Searcy says, “first-time guests want to feel respected and welcomed. They want to know that you are happy they’re there and that you are serious about making sure they have a good experience.” One of the best ways to convey that message is through food, but it should be well done. Searcy says, “Don’t skimp on food. This is not the area to try to save a nickel. Don’t halve foods to make them stretch. Don’t glare at the person who takes three donuts. Good food lets your guests know that you care enough to offer them something for free that will meet a need.” Provide a good, quality coffee with flavored creamers and large cups. Provide juice, bottled water, and a high quality donut. Some may also want to provide bagels and other alternatives.
  • SEATED: Led to comfortable, appropriate seats. If possible, guests should be led to a seat. It is often very awkward when they try to find a seat on their own. The usher will feel comfortable asking someone to slide over, but the first-time guests usually will not do so. Guests typically are among the last to enter. As a result, it is more difficult for them to find seats on their own. A great usher can strategically seat guests in sections that have people their age.

By the way, be sure to buy Searcy’s book, Fusion. We are only touching the highlights here, so you will want to read it from cover to cover. Here are a few of my other posts on similar topics.

Great Book on Assimilation by Nelson Searcy

Posted in Assimilation, Book Reviews, Church Chat, Church Revitalization, Ministry, WorshipLeave a comment

19_largeIn the next few posts, I am going to be discussing Nelson Searcy’s excellent assimilation book entitled, Fusion: Turning First-Time Guests into Fully-Engaged Members of Your Church. Searcy is the founding pastor of Journey Church in New York City and formerly served as the founding director of the Purpose Driven Community with Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. He has personally trained more than 20,000 pastors, church planters, and church leaders through Church Leader Insights.  I have been privileged to particpate in one of his 12-month coaching networks–I highly recommend it!

In chapter 2 of his book, Searcy discusses the concept of “biblical hospitality.” Here’s an excerpt:

The Church–your church–truly is a family expecting guests. And you should be ready to show them intentional hospitality when they arrive. While they are in your company, they need to feel comfortable and valued, no matter where they are in their spiritual development. When they leave, be proactive in giving them a return invitation they’ll be hard pressed to refuse. Your church is a representative of the bigger family of God. As you put a system in place to effectively integrate guests into the family, you will be able to fulfill part of the responsibility He placed on you when He prompted them your way. God is honored when you show your guests true biblical hospitality. . . . Assimilation is simply well-planned biblical hospitality through service.

I like the phrase “biblical hospitality” because it reminds us that being hospitable to others is biblical. When God sends guests to our church, He expects us to prepare for their visit, speak the truth in love, and minister to their needs. He expects us to meet them where they are, regardless of their level of spiritual maturity and move them closer to Christ.

As the church, we should put our best foot forward, treat our guests with kindness, and let people know we care.

The 3-Minute Rule

Posted in Assimilation, Church Chat, Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Evangelism, Ministry1 Comment

stopwatchAny church can immediately become more effective by practicing a simple little rule each time they gather for worship.  I call this rule the 3-Minute Rule. It’s simple, and it ONLY takes three minutes.

Here’s how the 3-Minute Rule works. Immediately after the morning worship service ends, all the regular attenders spend the first 3 minutes talking with guests, newcomers, or simply people they do not know, before they begin talking with their friends. If possible, they introduce those they meet during the 3-Minute time to their friends with the hope of including them in the group. This intentional approach would greatly improve “first impressions” of the church and assist with the assimilation of newcomers. We should always keep in mind that . . . .

We are a culture craving relationship. In the midst of our crowded existence, many of us are living lonely lives. We live and work in a sea of humanity, but we end up missing out on the benefits of regular, meaningful relationships.  (Andy Stanley)

I think we should practice a similar rule before the service as well. I call it the 2-Person Rule. Strive to meet at least two new people before the service begins. Imagine how many people you would meet after a few weeks. Remember . . . .

People are not merely looking for a friendly church; they are looking to make friends at church.  (Steve Rice)

It’s true that worship can be a time of personal reflection and adoration for the Lord, but it can also be a place of service. Make an effort this Sunday to meet at least two new people before the service and then take the first three minutes after the service to venture outside your normal conversation circle.  You’ll be blessed and you be a blessing to others as well!

New Assignment from the Lord

Posted in Church Chat, Ministry1 Comment

On Sunday, September 16, 2012, I submitted my resignation as senior pastor of the historic 193-year-old First Baptist Church of Shelbyville, Kentucky with a heavy heart and with tear-filled eyes. Words can NEVER express my gratitude for the support and encouragement given to me during my time there. I assume the position of Team Leader of Church Consulting & Revitalization for the Kentucky Baptist Convention on October 1, 2012.

We will continue to live in Shelbyville and we plan to continue to be active members of Shelbyville First Baptist Church. Because of my Kentucky Baptist Convention job responsibilities, I will be out many Sundays, but my family will continue to attend regularly. Allow me to share a few final thoughts concerning the days ahead.

Let’s trust God together. Let’s thank God for our journey together and fully trust Him as we move forward. Although I did not see this transition coming, God was not surprised. In looking back now, I can see His hand in preparing me for this new role and I can see His hand in preparing our church for this next season of ministry.

Show your loyalty to God and to Shelbyville First Baptist. This has been a great church for over 193 years. God will provide you with a leader. Now is the time for you to support the church with your attendance, your service, and your finances.

Make this a time to grow closer to God and to each other. Great churches always unite during a time of transition. Give visible love and support to one another and make this an opportunity for a fresh start. Walk close to our Father and close to His children.

Release us and help us follow God. I have always taught you that we should follow God regardless of the cost. Please know that our hearts are heavy. We humbly seek your blessing and your understanding. Help us have courage and release us to follow God. Pray that our faith will be strengthened and that God will anoint our ministry to the churches across the state of Kentucky.

Love your new pastor. When God brings a new pastor to you, give him the same love and support you gave me. Be his friend and be his partner in ministry. But remember, I will be his biggest cheerleader!

Don’t be a stranger. We have treasured your friendship and partnership in the gospel. We still desire and need your friendship as fellow Christians in the Lord’s work. Please include us in your prayers, your friendships, and your gatherings.

Love Jesus. There is no greater joy than serving and loving Jesus because of His grace and His love. He is faithful and I encourage you to faithfully love Him above all else!

 

Project 1189

Posted in Church Chat, Discipleship, Ministry, Preaching, WorshipLeave a comment

Several months ago, while I was on a morning run through Clear Creek Park, the Lord distinctly laid something on my heart. He emphasized that I was to lead our church to read straight through the entire Bible from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22—all 1,189 chapters. He also stressed that we should read from behind our pulpit in our sanctuary.

In obedience to His instructions, we are going to read through the entire Word of God beginning Sunday, March 11 and ending Sunday, March 25. Every person who wishes to participate in reading a portion of the Scripture, will be asked to sign-up for a time slot on the sheet posted in the Sanctuary. The weekday schedule will look like this:

 Week of March 12-16 & March 19-23 / 10am-6pm

Pray about how the Lord wants you and your family to participate. Maybe He will lead you to read or just drop in and listen while others read—just obey Him as He leads.

Here are three important things I believe the Lord wants us to accomplish through PROJECT 1189:

  • Renew our dedication as a church to hearing and obeying the Word of God
  • Renew our commitment in our families to the Word of God
  • Renew our passion as individuals to the Word of God