I’ve posted in recent months about how we’ve started holding regular (every two months) Newcomers Receptions at The Journey (you can read more here and here).

They only last a half an hour, don’t require a great deal of planning or administration, and they really are a helpful tool in the Assimilation process.  A key part of the reception is giving new people the opportunity to take Next Steps at the gathering.

I’ve gotten a few questions via email about what kind of card we use at the Newcomers Reception, so here’s a sample of a recent Next Steps card.  It’s basic, but it gets the job done (right-click and “Save As…”):

Newcomers Reception Next Steps Card

P.S. If you’re looking for other proven, advanced ideas for connecting more first time guests into the life of your church, check out The Assimilation Intensive Workshop.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

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.