Q&A: Welcoming and following up with first-time guests

Today we’re revisiting one of the foundational church systems, Assimilation, and answering a few of the most common questions. Improving this system is the fastest way for your church to grow — especially coming out of a pandemic — so any time you invest here will reap great rewards later. Q: WHERE DO YOU START WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN … Read More


Sandra OlivieriAssimilation, Church Growth, Church Systems, Church Systems - General

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Overcome Skepticism Through Consistency

Most of the people who walk through your door have been burned by church, 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 it up.    But when you give your first-time guests a consistent pre-service experience that makes them … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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The Signs… Should Be Everywhere!

When I talk about the power of Assimilation, I often talk about the power of signage as well and how you can effectively use it to engage with first-time guests. Here’s a great example of this at NewSpring Church in Wichita, Kansas, where they’re using signage very creatively to cultivate a memorable experience for their guests. The following post was written by Steve Aust … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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Your church can grow this summer – Keep summer guests coming back!

Summer is a popular time of the year for people to move and these folks are going to be looking for a home church in their new community. You’ll be seeing many more people in transition coming to your church for the very first time this summer! The pre-service is your first opportunity to interact with everyone who sets foot on your church’s … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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Celebrating an amazing Easter! Now what?

Easter Sunday is always such an amazing day. I hope you had as wonderful of an Easter service as The Journey did in all of our locations. God truly blessed us with so many gifts. The gifts are the people that walked through our doors for the first time yesterday. Now we get to show our faithfulness by following up … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation, Coaching

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Church Systems How To – Think One Step At A Time

Last week I mentioned the HALF OFF “Back to the Basics” Sale we’re running on my 3 hour Seminar Resources (here’s the link) – I’ve expanded the sale this week, but I wanted to share one of the “basics” when it comes to your Assimilation System. If you’re not sure where to begin improving the 8 systems of your church for … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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How to Responsibly Handle Your Church People’s Vital Information

As you may know, one of the hallmarks of my Assimilation System – for integrating newcomers into the life of your church – is the weekly use of a Connection Card.  This is an information card that is filled out each week by everyone in attendance and includes contact info on one side and next steps and sign-ups on the … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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How to Keep More First Time Guests at Your Church (one pastor’s tips)

I received an email recently from Jeff Rogers, a member of my Tele-Coaching Network and Pastor of Canastota (NY) Church of the Nazarene. He took the time to share some great news about their Assimilation System – In just a few months, they’ve increased their Retention Rate (the number of guests they keep) from 1 out of 16 to an … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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Why Do The Offering at the End of the Service? (Your Fusion Webinar Questions Answered)

Today I’m answering another one of the most common questions from last week’s Fusion Webinar. This is a great time to make changes to your church’s Assimilation System, just in time to follow up on all of your Easter guests. Here’s today’s question: Q: Why do you receive the offering at the end of the service? A: I think I … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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Can’t You Just Use Those Tear-Off Communication Cards? (Your Fusion Webinar Questions Answered)

I’m answering another one of the most common questions today from last week’s Fusion Webinar. Now is one of the most fruitful times of the year to tweak  your church’s Assimilation System – to connect all of your upcoming Easter guests to your church in the coming weeks and months. Here’s today’s question: Q: What’s the difference between using your … Read More


Nelson SearcyAssimilation

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