This fast-paced, information-packed seminar includes 6 sessions as presented below:
SESSION ONE - Introducing Assimilation
What is "assimilation" anyway? And is it really so important for church leaders to know about?. Every church has a "back door." But the back door in some churches is open much wider than it is necessary or healthy. This session will help you understand your church's attrition rate, and determine whether you should raise the priority of assimilation in the life of your church. This session presents basic but often overlooked assumptions about how people do (or don't) move from "outsiders" to "insiders" in a church.
SESSION TWO - Visitors - The Key To Growth
Why do some visitors come back, while others do not?. What ... how ... when is that critical first impression made? Research of first-time visitors reveal common reasons why they do or don't return. In this session participants will learn what influences a visitor's decision to go back to the same church again, and how to assess your church in these key areas. Six things visitors are looking for, and five guidelines for increasing visitor return rates will presented and you will be encouraged to consider their application to your situation.
SESSION THREE - The First Year
Over 80% of those who drop out of church active involvement do so in the first year of their involvement. The first twelve months are critical for assimilation of the newcomer. In this session participants will learn more about why some new members stay while others leave and how to increase the number of who become active and involved. We will look at six critical questions that newcomers are subconsciously asking about their new church and how to help them answer those questions so that they stay.
SESSION FOUR - Characteristics Of An Assimilated Member
What is an ideal, assimilated member? What does he do? What does she say? How do they feel? Ten characteristics are suggested of an assimilated member, before you are given the opportunity to consider the qualities you would like to see in your own church's active members.
SESSION FIVE - Small Groups - A Key To Assimilation
A healthy small group network provides many benefits; not the least of which is the best vehicle for assimilating newcomers into the community of the church. But just the existence of small groups does not guarantee effective assimilation. This session provides helpful guidelines for nurturing a healthy small group system in your church that will help assimilate newcomers.
SESSION SIX - Steps To Effective Assimilation
Summarizing the day, this session presents practical "ratios" for effective assimilation, and specific "action steps" recommended to take home and help you move from the conclusion of the seminar to the beginning of an exciting new day of growth through welcoming newcomers into the life and fellowship of your church.
