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May, 2004
When the UCC Still Speaking Initiative begins its TV advertising campaign during Advent, will our local churches be ready to "really welcome" new seekers?
| What are the barriers? Those who viewed the UCC ad being broadcast in the Western area or on the Web at ucc.org, saw bouncers, along with rope barricades, stopping people from entering an attractive church. In real life cultural barriers are actually very strong in keeping people from attending church, says Paul Nickerson. He often uses Church for the Unchurched, by George G. Hunter III, an Abingdon Press book which takes a close look at contemporary society and what barriers people notice that turn them off to church. "Traditional evangelical churches and traditional liberal churches both erect and maintain their own versions of this barrier, however unwittingly, and thereby block people, including many serious seekers, from faith," writes Hunter. These include a large amount of 19th century music, words which people may not know like "narthex," and worship with "massive dead spots when nothing was happening except for organ interludes." Examine your church style in light of what can put people off, and be eliminated (as opposed to elements that are important to the congregation to keep.) Other suggested resources Welcome by Andrew Weeks (Alban Institute). Weeks attempted to return to church after many years of absence only to be amazed at how unfriendly many churches are. This book is full of practical suggestions of how to improve your welcoming ministry. The Inviting Church by Roy Oswald (Alban). This is a step-by-step guide to inviting, welcoming and incorporating new members into a congregation. Radical Outreach, also from George Hunter. A wonderful book that helps congregations regain their evangelism ministry. |
Paul Nickerson would like to help congregations say "Yes!" As Acting Associate Conference Minister for Evangelism, Mission and Justice Ministries, he helps local church leaders become intentional about welcoming.
Nickerson presented a welcoming workshop in the Western Area in anticipation of the test market ads, which ran March 1 through Easter in Springfield and Holyoke. Over 100 people came to the workshop, held in Ludlow on March 6. Workshops are being planning in the other Conference areas in the fall.
"The gift of the ad is a great tool to recognize the `brand name' United Church of Christ," said Nickerson. "When people see an ad, they may not be ready to purchase the product _ or attend the church _ but it will stick with them when they are ready."
The ads will help provide name recognition, he said, but church members need to invite people personally and have in place an inviting church atmosphere.
People often come to church during transitions, such as after moving, after divorce, or when they have children, Nickerson commented. If they have the "brand name" identity of the United Church of Christ in mind, they are more apt to seek out the church.
What is the best way to attract people to our church?
Invite them. There is nothing like a church member inviting someone personally and sharing their faith with excitement, he said.
Once people come through the door what do they see, hear and sense? People decide in the first four to eight minutes if the church is a safe, welcoming environment! After that initial contact, Nickerson said, they notice if the theology of the church is comfortable to them.
"We are working on ways to get people to come back for a second visit by making everything smooth, from their drive to the church, through the service and through coffee hour," said Nickerson. He suggests that churches use the Guest's Checklist for Hospitality. "Unchurched" people are invited to attend without notice and comment on the checklist to evaluate everything from parking and being greeted to worship and after-service fellowship. Then the pastor and lay leaders review the findings to see what can be improved.
The larger the congregation, the more intentional you have to be to welcome new people, Nickerson said. If you have 20 at worship, you'll know who is new. But if you have 150, you'll need to have methods in place to be sure all are welcomed.
Friendly churches have found it beneficial to have both greeters and welcomers. Greeters' function is to shake hands with everyone and stay at their "post." Welcomers, who are mobile, show visitors around the church, find out their interests, and introduce them to others, especially during fellowship hour after the service.
Effective follow-up
How can our church follow up effectively after someone attends for the first time?
More: The Official United Church of Christ Welcoming IQ QuizHumor and insight from Western
area minister Peter Wells. |
Nickerson shares these findings: If a lay person makes face-to-face contact with newcomers and brings them a loaf of friendship bread within the first 36 hours after they attend, 85% of the visitors will return. The percentages go down to 60% in 72 hours, and 15% by the end of the week. If clergy make the visit, the figures are cut in half. People respond to "someone like them" making the effort more than to clergy, who are supposed to be interested in recruiting members.
If the person isn't home, slip the bread between the inner and outer door with a note of appreciation for their attendance. Follow up with a phone call.
Build relationships
Then in the next four to six weeks, build relationships with the person or family. Always keep in mind you are asking them, What do you need for your spiritual growth? What do you need to make your life work? You are not filling slots in the church or asking people to serve on committees, Nickerson said. Those with a need to serve will find ways to use their gifts as they become comfortable in the church setting.
For creative ways to have new members "do what they love," and for vibrant worship ideas that draw people in, see the next issue of the Massachusetts Conference Section.
More @
Contact Marlene Bryant, administrative
assistant, bryantm@macucc.org
for upcoming
hospitality/evangelism events.