“Knowing how to structure the use of the Connection Card for maximum impact is critical to your guests’ future. It’s about giving your guests the best possible opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and turn over closely held information. Why? Not so that you can add to the numbers, but so that you can follow up with them … Read More
The Most Effective Method to Gather Guest Information
“The Connection Card is a card that enables you to connect with every person who attends your church on a given Sunday. Measuring about a third of a page, the Connection Card is printed on card stock and inserted into the program. Don’t stick it in the back of the chairs or pews. Put it in the program, and put … Read More
Be Intentional in Contacting Your First-Time Guests
“Unchurched people usually need more than a single exposure to God’s truth and the power of his love before they start becoming receptive to its meaning for them. That’s why it’s incredibly important for you to make them feel welcome and ensure that you know how to follow up with them and invite them back to your church. So what’s … Read More
How to Help Put Your First-Time Guests at Ease
“The late food write James Beard once said, ‘Food is our common ground, a universal experience.’ It also provides a welcome, comforting treat in any situation. Ever notice how a two-hundred-pound man in a crowd of strangers suddenly feels more comfortable if he has an eight-ounce Styrofoam cup to hide behind? Providing food is one of the best ways to show … Read More
The Power of the Pre-Service
“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