“Most of the people who walk through your door have been burned by the church, by negative press about the church, or by a friend or family member in the name of religion. More than likely, they are skeptical and waiting for you to mess up. When you give them a consistent pre-service experience that makes them feel valued, their … Read More
Fusion Fridays: The Importance of Signage
“We all know the cultural importance of the phrase ‘location, location, location.’ Well, at church, the equally important phrase to remember is ‘signs, signs, signs’! Signs are the single best way to ensure that your guests can easily find what they need. Make sure you have clear signs pointing the way to: the restroom the children’s area And if your … Read More
Maximizing Easter: Easy Ways to Reach More People — And Keep Them Coming Back
God wants your church to grow this Easter and beyond. Here are some easy things you can do in the next week leading up to Easter. Tips to Reach More People at Easter: Pray for God to double your Easter attendance. You move toward what you pray for. Pray daily with your staff for God to bring more lost people … Read More
Fusion Fridays: The Keystone of Assimilation
“Creating an environment that makes your first-time guests feel welcomed and respected is key to a successful assimilation system. You can acknowlege your guests as the gifts God has blessed you with by having a pre-service system in place that will far exceed their expectations and create that elusive positive first impression. You’ll excite them to want to visit your … Read More
New Podcast: Assimilation 101 — The Critical First 7 Minutes of Welcoming Your Guests
Recently, I had the honor of being interviewed by Dr. Steve Greene for Charisma Podcast Network. We talked in-depth about assimilation, or how to turn first-time guests into fully engaged members of our congregations. You can check out the full 31-minute podcast here: Your partner in ministry, Nelson P.S. – If you’d like to go deeper … Read More
Fusion Fridays: Four Components of a Successful Pre-service
“There are four initial areas of contact through which you can influence your guests during the pre-serivce – through controlling how they are greeted, directed, treated, and seated. Greeted: Welcomed with a smile Directed: Simply and politely shown to where they need to go Treated: Happily surprised with comfort food/drink Seated: Led to comfortable, appropriate seats” … Read More
Fusion Fridays: The Pre-Service Mission
“The pre-service is your first opportunity for interaction with everyone who sets foot on your church’s property – from guests to members – but its purpose and influence are particularly important for first-time guests. Your pre-service mission is to take your guests’ guard down and even put a smile on their faces – before the service begins. Always assume they’ve … Read More
Fusion Fridays: The Power of a First Impression
“Seven minutes is all you get to make a positive first impression. In the first seven minutes of contact with your church, your first-time guests will decide whether they are coming back. That’s before a single worship song is sung and before a single word of the message is uttered. This reality must prompt you and me to ask: What’s … Read More
McIntosh on Welcoming Guests
“When we extend our hand of welcome to church guests, we extend God’s hand of grace.” – Gary McIntosh, Professor of Church Growth and Leadership
Fusion Fridays: Reflecting Jesus’s Hospitality
“Understanding the importance of assimilation may require you to change the way you think about service. God has not only given us the responsibility of being hospitable to his guests, but he has also given us the perfect example of how to go about it. Jesus came to this earth to serve, not to be served. Throughout the New Testament, … Read More