I’ve been reading a book entitled “Beyond the First Visit.” It deals with connecting guests to our church. I thought this was an interesting and eye-opening quote:
“Just a little more than fifty years ago, approximately 90 percent of a church’s guests came from the same denominational background. This meant that they already understood the church’s theology, order of worship, music, values, and culture. Such inherent knowledge allowed them to feel comfortable and at ease in the church…most newcomers knew how to fit in the church.
In today’s world only 30 percent of our guests will come from a sister church or one of a similar background. That means that 70 percent come with little or no understanding of our church. When nearly three-fourths of our guests arrive either with no church background or from a church that is quite different, there is a corresponding lack of knowledge about our church. Most guests will not be familiar without worship format. They will not know when to stand, sit or kneel. Others will not know our songs, language, and religious jargon. They will not know how to fit in or get involved in ministry. Therefore, we must be intentional in developing effective ways to move guests beyond the first visit…” (McIntosh, Gary L. Beyond the First Visit – The Complete Guide to Connecting Guests to Your Church. Baker Books: Grand Rapids, MI; 2006, pg 21).
Any ruminations, thoughts or ideas?
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