Week 6

Fusion: Turning first-time guests into fully-engaged members of your church by Nelson Searcy.

The author opens with a discussion on why having a clear plan in place to help the first time guest make the transition to a fully engaged member is so important. Like other authors, this author points out the reality of front and back doors into and out of the church adding that if the ratio of those staying is not higher than those leaving, the church community is declining. If declining, then he says the parish must evaluate why. The community must understand what about itself encourages some guests to stay and others to leave.

Some things the author admits are beyond the control of the community. However, according to the author, the most essential ingredient needed to foster the transition from guest to member if firmly in our grasp. At the core is a sense of intentional (and natural) hospitality from the time they first look at us to well after they have left the building. Why is such hospitality so critical? It is critical because society has changed. What people once expected of and from the church has changed. Also, because many in the world have little or no connection to a worshipping community and therefore only see the church through a secular point of view and the general consensus is that all the church cares about observance to difficult rules and their money.

Citing the journey of one particular family, people who accept an invitation to "Come and See' often do so reluctantly. Unless the community is able to overcome the preprogrammed vision of what that first encounter will be like, there will not be a second chance to do so again. "Creating an environment that makes First-time guests feel welcome and respected is key" to any program designed to help people develop a relationship with Christ and those in the community they encounter. This doesn't mean that the community hovers over them like a helicopter, but it does mean that guests are cared for and made to feel comfortable.

Like other authors, signage is the first step in offering a comfortable atmosphere. From the advertising, to the website, to the signs on the premises, not only must they truthfully reflect who we are, they must make it easy for the guest to find what they are looking for. For instance, if we say that we are friendly, and the guest walks through our door unnoticed, wanders through the place feeling lost, than our signage is not truthful. One sign often overlooked, according to the author, is the church grounds. When either the outside or inside is in disrepair, and we say we are a thriving community, there is another disconnect between signage and experience. Also, when someone walks through the doors, and they are nervous, they often seek to mask their nervousness by looking for the restroom. When signage does not help them overcome their initial nervousness, or a very real biological need, they must ask. Again, another disconnect.

Throughout this book, the author lays out a plan that lets guests know they are welcome, valued, and seen as a gift from God, not a number on an attendance record or a wallet to empty for the benefit of something the community values, but to which the guest has little if any knowledge of. Much of what the author suggests resonates with other authors on our sabbatical reading list. One area the author spent a lot of time explaining, was the importance of getting contact information. His use of a communication card has merit, and with teaching could easily replace the standard guest book used by so Episcopal churches. The reason this information is so critical, is that the success of any ministry designed to help people transition from first-time guest to that of a fully participating member, requires some degree of follow-up. It is impossible to follow-up if there is no knowledge of who they are or how to reach them.

The follow-up model highlighted is not unique, we do some of what is discussed already. What is important to the author is that it be intentional and grace filled. Pointing out that people who visit fear being placed on a mass mailing list or hounded by well meaning parishioners, any follow-up must be inviting, not intrusive, and it must be personable. In churches our size, the pastor and one or two volunteers could easily manage the program he lays out, but as the congregation grows, a larger group would definitely be needed.

According to the author, the only way to know for sure that any program is successful, is not that more people are sitting in the pew, but that more people have made a commitment to the community. While service (involvement) is an outward sign of such commitment, service can be used to hide the fear of commitment too. One can serve without committing oneself beyond the service being done. This is why a membership class becomes a vital tool in helping people make the transition from guest to member. I have long thought about developing such a class, and the model the author offers is a good starting point to do so.

Overall a good book filled with inspiring insights and well worth reading and studying.

Next week's book:

Lasting Impressions by Mark Waltz

Week 5

Welcome! Tools & Techniques for New Member Ministry by Andrew D. Weeks

Written only a few years after the release of the Kevin Costner's movie "Field of Dreams", the author challenges parishes to ask the question; when they come, are we ready. Most parishes he argues are not. Without a well defined process to invite, welcome, and incorporate those we encounter, than it is like scattering seed on unprepared soil. There is a chance things can happen, but if we prepare the soil first, ensure a plan is in place to care for the sprouts, then the chance of success increases tenfold. His point, such a process does not have to be elaborate, but it must be intentional.

The process begins beyond the four walls of the church. In the past, people went to the church they grew up in. As people's mobility changed, so too did their expectations of the church. New needs offered new challenges and churches unwilling to invite, welcome, and include the traveler, and at the same time strive to meet those needs, found that people who wandered in, did not stay very long. True in the 90's, true today. We must be ready to invite, welcome, and include the traveler. While generational needs are more varied, the author says there are some basic needs all have. If a church is to be successful, it must not try to be all things to all people, but focus on meeting the basic and timeless needs of those we encounter along life's journey.

Despite the rise in mobility and social media, the author insists that the best invitation is still the personal one-to-one. A friend, a family member, or even a co-worker who invites someone to check out a particular service or event at a local church, will be more successful than the flashiest advertisement or the most elaborate website. However, once the invitation is accepted, unless the person invited finds what they have been told to expect, or on the second visit they find that the warmness and excitement of the first visit was only a facade, then the chances of keeping them around long enough to develop the relationships needed to feel part of the community, is slim.

The church, just like a business, must be honest about what they offer and who they are. While it is important to ensure we present what we offer in the best light, it is equally important that every aspect of our presentation be genuine and reflect the same degree of importance as our words. From the website, to the church grounds, to the signage, bathrooms, and child facilities; from our worship, our coffee hour, to our post visit follow-ups, all must say that the good news we profess permeates our very being. People have become skeptical and are constantly looking for the catch, the thing we are really after. If what we are after is not them, for the reason we profess, then again, they will not stay along for very long.

The author offers several tools parishes can use to invite, welcome and include those who do not yet have a relationship with God, in and through Christ, and those whose relationship has waned over the years. Early in his book, the author says that not all the tools he offers are needed, and that there may be better tools available and already in use. What they do offer, is a process that prepares the soil for planting, and that cares for the harvest as it grows. At CHS, we already have some of what the author describes in place, but we have gaps that allow people to slip through unnoticed or unengaged.

In closing, as we examine our own tools, there is one comment the author makes very early in his book, a comment that really speaks to the world today; a world that has become less connected to the church than when the book was first written. The author says "we cannot assume everyone knows what we have to offer". We must be clear in our presentation, we must ensure our presentation is unified, and we can no longer sit back waiting on the traveler to find their way. We must be pro-active, and we must be intentional, if we are to live into the fullness of our ministry of building and deepening relationships with God and one another.

Next week's book:

Fusion: Turning first-time guests into fully-engaged members of your church by Nelson Searcy.

Week 4 - Book 2

Welcome to our Church by Annette Schroeder

This 48 page book, written to help train Greeters and Ushers in smaller sized churches, is packed with information, questions, and checklists. The opening lists were an interesting read and cut to the chase without all the flowery dialogue that often accompany the dos and don'ts of a particular task. As the author moved into the first part of the book, covering the Greeter Ministry, she did a fairly nice job unpacking some of what she outlined up front. Most notably was her insistence that greeters are more than a smiling face or outstretched hands, but hosts who strive to ensure the visitor's experience is a good one.

Worth noting, as compared to other books I have been reading, this author much preferred the use of the word visitor. The only time she used the word guest, was when she talked about the guest book. I struggled with this, especially with her view of greeters as hosts. As a training tool, this book viewed the interaction between greeter, usher, and visitor as one that is a task to be accomplished. I did not find the theological underpinning I have from other authors. Still, the book did offer some good advice.

Whether as greeter or usher, a key component of the ministry is attitude and enthusiasm. If one's attitude is not welcoming and focused on the other, than the other will not find the warmth and connection they seek. "Visitors need more than a parking space and a bulletin" or a smile. They want to feel welcome, comfortable, listened to, and important. Even if the words used are right, body language speaks equally as loud, and if the two don't match, than the chances are the visitor will notice it rather quickly. If it is different enough, they will likely not make a second visit.

Enthusiasm is also critical. If the visitor encounters someone who genuinely enjoys being where they are, and what they are doing, than it goes a long way to helping the other feel like the community is one they would like to explore more fully. Of course this enthusiasm can be overwhelming. That is why the author warns greeters and ushers not to seek commitment from the visitor on their first visit, not even the commitment to come back and worship with them again. Instead of commitment, offer invitation. Thanking them for being present and inviting them back is less stressful on the visitor and lets them know they are important.

The author's transition into part two, a section on ushers, she quickly differentiated the two jobs. Greeters handle things up to the worship space, and the ushers take care of things inside the worship space. Pointing out that ushers are hosts for the worship service, she says they have a responsibility to ensure that visitors do not feel lost during the service. Ushers can explain things to visitors who might not be familiar with the parish's worship practices, sit visitors next to someone who can help them navigate the service, nd when needed, they can invite and encourage the visitor to participate as they are seen as an authority figure.

The checklists for training both greeters and ushers overlap in several areas, most notably in their shared responsibility to make the visitor feel welcome, comfortable, listened to, and important. At CHS, some of the duties assigned to greeters and ushers are picked up by our Vestry person of the day. One final note, the author is emphatic, that greeters and ushers should be in place at least 20 minutes before a service and for a period of time after the service begins. Nothing is worse than to have someone show and not know where to go or what to do. There is no more unwelcoming or uncomfortable feeling than this. Also, she says greeters and ushers should remain in place for a period of time after the service begins, especially in those cases where the worship space is not immediately accessed entering the building. In this case, greeters escort them to the worship and ushers seat them at a time that does not disrupt the service.

This book was a quick read, straight forward, and offers a variety of ideas on how to divide responsibilities. Unfortunately, I do not think it brings to the forefront the role hospitality plays in the interaction between the church, its members, and those who walk through its doors. Having said that, I could see it used in conjunction with other materials to help broaden the understanding of what these two essential ministries can offer.

The book to be reviewed next week is:

- Welcome! Tools & Techniques for New Member Ministry by Andrew D. Weeks

Week 4 - Book 1

Finding Them, Keeping them by Gary McIntosh and Glen Martin

While the title of this book intrigued me, I was a bit hesitant to read it as it was published in 1992. Afraid the material would be dated, I was surprised to find how much was still relevant. Granted some of the images used were dated, like trying to program a VCR, the relative newness of computers, just to name a few; on the first page the authors laid a truth that's timeless. "People are looking! Looking for God, looking for supportive relationships with others who love and care for them. The thrust of this book: Finding those who are looking for God and keeping those who are looking for relationships."

I know what some of you are already thinking, a book on evangelism. You're right. That is exactly what this book discusses in no uncertain terms. However, one interesting note the authors make, is that no matter how important evangelism is, unless you help someone to deepen their relationship with God, and the community, their newfound faith will soon wither; and as it does, they will look for ways to gracefully, or not so gracefully exit through one of the church's back doors. Again, this author is not talking about the physical doors of the building, but the ones that exist as a result of a community's inability to develop friendships and help guests truly become part of the community.

Back doors such as these have been discussed in other readings I have reviewed. There are other back doors, those opened by death and transfer for instance, but the two above are ones that most parishes can do something about. Getting people in the door, the authors say, is only a matter of effort; it is keeping them coming back that is the hard part. One tool the authors encourage is something called 'Friend Day', a service or event everyone strives to invite at least one friend to. These are great, and if the experience is great enough, they come back again. But what happens when the experience they had at the special event is not what they find in the day to day life of the community? That too is a problem.

The way guests are welcomed and then included is the same challenge today as when this book was written. People are still looking for relationships, people are still looking for meaning in their life, and people still want to know what they do has meaning also. For this reason, the authors are less concerned about the door greeters, the ushers, even the quality of coffee hours, although all these are important, but on helping people build friendships. It is only through friendships and relationships that people move from outsiders, to insiders, to fully participative members. In chapter six, the author delves deeper into the levels of inclusion pointing out that until someone is in relationship, with God, with Christ, with those they worship with, there is not a sense of belonging or accountability. Once relationships are forms, there is commitment to the shared work of the community.

To build relationships, the author has many different suggestions on ways to go about doing so. The key, is that whatever is done, must be intentional, and genuine. People can tell when something is superficial and once identified as such, it taints the rest of what is being done to such a degree, that people will begin to look for one of the back doors that exist. One suggestion, that is still very relevant in relationship building today, is small group ministries. We have some at CHS, but most are intended to accomplish a task. What the authors intend are groups that have purpose beyond just the needs of a particular ministry, but groups that develop bonds between its members and helps them discover and explore the possibilities that exist, both inside and outside the church.

This book would make a great group study as it offers thought provoking exercises at the end of each chapter intended to help the reader discern what they are doing, and what they might do, to invite, welcome, and help build the body of Christ, all the while deepening relationships between ourselves, others, and God.

Week 3 - Book 2

Church Greeters 101 by Rev. Christopher Walker

This book was a very easy read and offered practical steps to training members of a Greeter Ministry. From the beginning, the author states there is no perfect greeter program and what works in one place may not work in another, even though the two places seem very similar. I found the bottom line of his point to be that any greeter ministry is dependent upon those who participate, their personalities, and their training. While this book is about training, a critical factor in any ministry according to the author, personality and intentionality are really the essential elements required if the greeter ministry is to be successful in welcoming guests, helping them to feel comfortable, get connected, and have a reason to return when invited back.

The author points out that a successful greeter ministry only begins at the door, but is really a ministry that extends throughout all aspects of a guest's experience. Having said this, he pointed out beyond a real welcoming smile and a genuine desire to know the guest (or those they do not know), not everyone involved with greeting have the same responsibilities. Like other authors, he seems to break the ministry into three key groups, all of which are part of the other. There is the door greeter, the transition greeters, and the ushers. Each has an area of responsibility with its own personality and training needs. In the appendixes following his text, he gives a suggested break down of training needs and responsibilities. Although not all inclusive, these are offered to give a parish a starting point if they are just beginning to establish a greeter ministry.

As I mentioned, the author believes greeting goes on through everything a parish does, the term he uses is layered. The danger of course is to try and do too much greeting and either smother the guest or make them feel like they are running a gauntlet. The author says that instead of posts, watchful eyes can be just as effective. See someone you don't know, see someone looking around like they are lost, offer to help. The temptation is to ignore the guest and continue in your conversation, but the example he uses is a gentle breakaway from the ongoing discussions with friends (who will understand when they see why you need to break away) and to give attention to the guest. How one does this is critical. Begin by introducing yourself and asking how you can help (i.e. Hi, my name is Winston, how may I help you?).

This open ended question offers an opportunity for conversation. Here's the catch, if during the conversation the guest lets you know this is their first time at CHS, then offer to get them a cup of coffee and show any children to Sunday school (if there is time before the service) or offer to show them the way to the worship space. One thing a successful greeter program never does, is point the way and say go forth. He points out how workers in effective box stores seem to drop everything to show you exactly where what you are looking for is. One who points and says half way down aisle six on the left, leaves the guest wondering where aisle six is and where halfway down the aisle what they are looking for is, especially if they have never purchased it before and are unsure of the exact packaging.

One final area the author emphasizes is the good-bye. He believes this to be as important as the first hello. When a guest is allowed to exit the building without so much as an invitation to stay and have a snack or cup of coffee, let alone a good-bye and a thank-you for joining us, they leave feeling unwanted. Really want to send a message? Then the author says don't invite them to come back again. These simple phrases mean a lot to a wandering soul and may be the one thing that encourages them to give the community a second try, even if everything was not exactly what they were looking for when they walked through the door.

This is a very good book that helps describe how each of us can be a greeter, even if we don't stand at the front door or hand out a bulletin. One last thing, he really encourages parishes to enlist a good mix of age groups to participate in this ministry. A family that comes in with little kids and only see us gray hair people doing the work of welcoming, while they think it quaint they will wonder where the kids are; likewise, if only families welcome, then those who are single or older may wonder the same thing. How diverse is our greeter ministry? Something to think about, and maybe something we can build upon. Greeting done well is more than a smile and hello, it is an invitation into community, a welcome that goes beyond simply greeting and reveals itself more as a host.

The next two books I will be reading are:
- Welcome to our church by Annette Schroeder
- Finding them, keeping them by Gary McIntosh and Glen Martin

Week 3 - Book 1

How to WOW your church guests: 101 ways to make a meaningful first impression by Mark L. Waltz

While the book's size makes one think it is a quick read, this book had lots of ideas, 101 of them. I found about a dozen that really grabbed my attention, however they can all be summed up in one simple phrase, helping guests along their journey to relationship. Although the relationship they develop with Jesus Christ is the one most important, the author makes it clear that unless they build relationships with those inside the community, the chances of them staying long term is slim to nil.

One of the author's early recommendations deals with intentionality. There are some smaller churches that are able to make guests feel welcome without any organization, but their success comes from being intentional. In fact several of his suggestions seem to piggy back on this theme and he admits it takes practice. One example he gave was two greeters who were so deep in their conversation on a particular subject, guests walked through the door unnoticed. As they wandered into the gathering space, people looked up, saw they looked like they were lost, but returned to their own conversations. Feeling unwelcome, they turned and walked out without anyone interacting with them.

Being intentional means that when someone you don't know walks in, whether you are the person scheduled as greeter or not, stop what you are doing and ask them if you can help. Important note from the author, don't do so like a policeman guarding the gate, but do so with a sincere desire to be of service. He goes on to say, that when we are intentional about welcoming guests into our church home, our guests are our priority. Another aspect of being intentional is to have teams designated as greeters, and not just at the front door, but wherever people congregate, and that such teams need to be visible. He warns us not to overwhelm the guest (making them feel like they have to run a gauntlet to get to worship) but to be ready to assist. One church I visited had greeters all wearing the same color T-Shirt over their regular clothes.

The author says that everyone who walks through the doors for the first time have a degree of apprehension. Greeters should help to alleviate this tension, not add to it. Greeters therefore need to know the basic, not just wear the bathrooms are, or where child care is located, but the people around them. For instance, if someone walks through the door interested in a particular hobby, and the greeter is astute enough to pick up on it while visiting with them, the greeter should know who to hand them off to that has similar interests or passions. Here the author brings up another great point, when visiting with our guests, we are to talk with them, not to them. Listening is an important part of the journey and how can one show them the next step if they are not sure which direction the person is heading.

Other suggestions centered around cleanliness of the facilities. An unkept gathering space, a dirty bathroom, poor signage are all indications that a community is unaware of the needs of their guest. Here the theme of intentionality bleeds through. If something is spilled, wipe it up, if paper towel are on the floor in the bathroom, pick it up, missing a spare roll of toilet paper, find one. The church is a place that should be treated the same as the living room of your home. Taking care to ensure these and other such distractions are minimized show guests you care not only about the church itself, but those who come to it seeking relationships.

Finally, two areas he discussed that are worth highlighting are to expect new people - really; and practice smiling. If a community prepares for the guest's arrival the guest will take notice, they will feel welcome and not like intruders, and it is easier for them to make connections. A smile the author says tells the guest everything about the community. A fake smile is noticeable immediately, but one that is genuine has such an impact on a first time guest, that even if they feel uncomfortable with other aspects of the worship or building, they will be more likely to give that community a second chance to make a better impression.

Book 2 will be posted tomorrow

Week 2

"The Inviting Church" by Roy Oswald and Speed Leas

As week 2 comes to an end, I have been busy working in the den. The painting is complete, the furniture returning has been placed, now comes the task of putting back what we want to have in the den and then what to do with all the left overs. This is a much bigger project than I expected; so is reading and writing about the books I have on my reading list. Time seems to disappear rapidly.

The book I read this past week took a different approach to hospitality, welcoming, and assimilation. It began by exploring those influences effecting a church's ability to grow that are beyond its control. Interestingly, the first factor explored, which has been the a traditional linchpin for growth in most denominations is the lower birth rate. Second, was a factor the author called 'new volunteerism'. While the first factor is self explanatory, this one was explained as the shift away from self-denial and commitment to a particular church or tradition, and a gravitational pull towards self-fulfillment where personal experience and autonomy are more important than a sense of community. The third factor is the declining baby boomer population. This is the last generation to return in mass to the church (they once knew) as life events called for a response and the need to find something missing in life they once knew. The author believes this factor is now outside the control of the church because later generations lack the grounding in denominational traditions than their predecessors. Add to these three factors the fact that many neighborhoods once growing and thriving with youth, find themselves a neighborhood of those retired or nearing retirement; and that businesses once employing large numbers have downsized or gone out of business all together; and that churches once built out in the open, are now surrounded by neighborhoods and business and are no longer visible to the person passing by.

Of all the factors impacting a church's ability to attract and assimilate new members, three the author thinks are most critical are: satisfaction with worship and program, social action involvement, and congregational harmony and cooperation. The author does a very good job of unpacking what each of these three areas entails. In short, if a person does not walk away from worship feeling something positive (spiritually or emotionally), or the programs offered have no similar impact, they won't stay just because that is the tradition or church they grew up in. Likewise, a congregation lacking social engagement is not a place that post baby boomers are likely to settle in. These generations don't want to just talk about their faith, they want to live it out. They also want to be better prepared to not just fit in, but to take initiative. The last area is almost too obvious to be mentioned, but a guest can feel the unspoken or un-acted upon tension in a community. Body language, the way people gather and interact, whether or not people smile and laugh, are all indicators of a community that is not in harmony. Add to this, when calls for help are announced, when the same two or three people show, and the rest of the congregation sits on the sidelines, it is another indicator of a lack of cooperation and is another turn off to those seeking a place where they are welcome and hope to be happy.

Another interesting point the author makes is in chapter five. Here the author states that the chances of a guest returning is directly proportional to the number of new friendships they make. "If converts (guests) do not immediately develop meaningful friendships in their church, expect them to return to old friendships - and ways - outside the church". If at the end of six months they have not made at least three deep connections (relationships) they will not stay, no matter how exciting the church may have been.

Lastly, the author says that in pastoral size churches (those churches with average Sunday attendance between 100 and 150) a connection to the pastor is essential, if not critical to future commitment. The pastor does not have to be one of the three close friendships/relationships talked about in chapter five, but there must be recognition by the pastor of who they are and an awareness of at least a piece of their story. Programs facilitating this relational development differ from church to church and are not always interchangeable. However, the author believes that there must be some form of parish orientation (led by the pastor), a structured while informal opportunity for guests and senior clergy to interact, some type of inquirer's class  to allow new people to dig deeper into the faith and practices of the parish and faith tradition (again led by a member of parish clergy), some type of membership class (during which the clergy must have a participative role), some way to publically recognize their commitment to becoming a member.

While the author's use of statistics (arising out of a series of surveys conducted on church growth across differing size churches and denomination) were not always helpful, and sometimes distracting, the points raised were all important, but not widely different than other authors I have encountered in my reading. Most noteworthy to me was the authors emphasis on the development of deep and lasting friendships as the one factor most often found in churches experiencing growth. People come where they are invited and stay where they feel welcome.

What's next? Going to try and read two books this week:
- How to WOW your church guests by Mark L Waltz
- Church Greeters 101 by Rev. Christopher Walker.

Both books look to be a quick read.