As the old saying goes: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. With Easter approaching — one of our biggest days of the year — I’d like to spin that a little and say: If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. Preparation is key to success in any endeavor. To leave your house in the morning, … Read More
Why Assimilate?
“Assimilation leads to life transformation by giving people the means and opportunity to become maturing followers of Christ. In broad terms, assimilation can be defined as the process used to encourage your first-time guests to continue coming back until they see and understand God’s power, accept Jesus as Savior, and commit themselves to the local church through leadership.” … Read More
The Power of Systems to Grow Your Church
Think about the system you have for getting dressed in the morning. You don’t put on your deodorant until you get out of the shower. You drink your coffee before you brush your teeth. Right? There’s a system to the way you prepare yourself for the day that makes getting out of the house faster and easier. You also have … Read More
The 36-Hour Email Response to First-Time Guests
“The 36-Hour Email Response is almost the same in content as the letter we put in the free copies of Unshakable, plus an intentional postscript that’s meant to make a personal connection. Sending this email accomplishes three things: It follows up on those who did not take a book or read the letter It lets guests know we are thinking … Read More
Avoiding a Small Groups Roadblock
“What if I were to tell you that the most powerful potential for your small groups lies in their ability to move people from the crowd to the congregation? What if I were to tell you that your small group system should be designed first and foremost for those who are not yet involved in it – those who … Read More
The 2 Things You Should Say in Every New Guest Follow-up Email
“Within a day and a half after their visit, each and every one of your first-time guests should receive an email that (1) thanks them for attending your church and (2) invites them to come back. Make sure you do both of these things. Too often, churches thank their guests for attending but fail to give them a direct invitation … Read More
Assimilation Opens Unchurched Hearts
“At The Journey, the crux of assimilation is also the heart of our overall mission: to give people the best possible opportunity to become fully developing followers of Jesus Christ. We know, as I’m sure you do, that the majority of people who visit a church do not come to Christ on their first visit – or their second or … Read More
The Importance of the Guest Table
“Some of your guests may not be in much of a hurry to duck out after Sunday service. They may want to ask some questions, get more information on specific ministries, and meet you or some of your staff. The most effective way to give them that opportunity is to designate a clearly marked guest table. During your closing remarks, … Read More
The Power of Reflecting God’s Love in Small Ways
“On big Sundays, such as Christmas or Easter, consider adding a little something extra to the free gift you give to first-time guests. We’ve been known to put movie tickets or ice-cream gift cards inside the Unshakable books we give as gifts. Never underestimate the power of wowing your guests. The unchurched first-timers who walk through our doors are usually … Read More
First-Time Guests: The 3 Things a Free Gift Should Do for Them
“Your post-service follow-up consists of the free gift you offer your first-timers and what you make available to them at your guest table. Offering a gree gift – preferably a good book – not only encourages your first-time guests to turn in their contact information, but also gives you the powerful opportunity to surprise them with something that can help … Read More