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 other side.

As you might expect, one of the questions that church leaders often ask me is about what we do with all those cards after they’re turned in. Well that’s a great question!

In a time where people are hesitant to share their personal information, it is important for you to not only protect their information, but also to communicate that it will not be shared with anyone else. The only way to successful accomplish that is to shred them at some point.

At The Journey, we archive the cards for three months (you never know when you need to double check and email or phone number) and then we have them shred. Taking the simple step of shredding the connection card ensures that your First Time Guests, Regular Attenders, and Members can have confidence that you’ll never be the source of their identity theft!

P.S. For all the details of implementing, evaluating and improving your church’s Assimilation System, check out The Assimilation Intensive Workshop.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.