TN134 Integrate your newcomers

First published on this website in August 2021 and last updated in August 2023

Synopsis

Many churches confess that, even if great at an initial welcome, they are pretty haphazard at the next stage on. Hence these new notes which suggest a possible process with a flexible plan so that you can cater for the needs of different people.

Three case studies illustrate the principles suggested: Alastair, Ann and family are looking for a new church, Becky is a single mum from your Toddlers Group, and Cyril is a widower in his 70s fleeing from a church where a new Minister is changing everything.

What is needed is a ‘care plan’ tailored to each person. This should take into account:

• who they are, uniquely made in God’s image;
• their starting point – where they are just now;
• where they need to get to.

You then devise a ‘route’ and determine the ‘speed’ of travel.

A number of possible stages in the process are listed. These are followed by ten principles to follow such as:

• Adjust your follow-up route to fit the person.
• Run newcomer events or groups.
• Have the process well organised but people-centred.
• It’s more important they join the Church rather than your church.

These notes were updated in August 2023 with some amendments to the layout.