why they returned and stayed
recently Thom S. Rainer, dean of the Billy Graham School of missions, wrote this..
Rainer reveals six key issues for retaining members and for increasing return visits among guests. the formerly unchurched told them that if a church gives attention to all six factors, retention will increase.
ISSUES #1: DOCTRINE CLARIFIED
Doctorine was the major factor in attraction and retention.
ISSUES #2: HIGH EXPECTATIONS
People have no desire to be a part of something that makes no difference, that expects little.
ISSUES #3: AN "ENTRY POINT" CLASS
Communicate high expectations prior to a rerson joining the church.
ISSUES #4: SMALL GROUPS AND SUNDAY SCHOOL
The formerly unchurched have an enthusiastic view of small groups, especially sunday school.
ISSUES #5: CLARITY OF PURPOSE.
They want to know where the church stands.
ISSUES #6: MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT.
62% said it is the glue
................................................
MYTHS SHATTERED
- 81% OF FORMERLY UNCHURCHED SAID THAT THE NAME OF THE CHURCH HAD NO INFLUENCE
- NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF THE FORMERLY UNCHURCHED SAID THAT DENOMINATIONAL NAMES HAD A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON THEIR DECISION TO ATTEND.
- 91% SAID THAT TEACHING BIBLICAL DOCTORINE WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO THEM
this comes from the Kurt Miller's newsletter GBNAM, vol. 3,issues 2 may 2002
Rainer reveals six key issues for retaining members and for increasing return visits among guests. the formerly unchurched told them that if a church gives attention to all six factors, retention will increase.
ISSUES #1: DOCTRINE CLARIFIED
Doctorine was the major factor in attraction and retention.
ISSUES #2: HIGH EXPECTATIONS
People have no desire to be a part of something that makes no difference, that expects little.
ISSUES #3: AN "ENTRY POINT" CLASS
Communicate high expectations prior to a rerson joining the church.
ISSUES #4: SMALL GROUPS AND SUNDAY SCHOOL
The formerly unchurched have an enthusiastic view of small groups, especially sunday school.
ISSUES #5: CLARITY OF PURPOSE.
They want to know where the church stands.
ISSUES #6: MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT.
62% said it is the glue
................................................
MYTHS SHATTERED
- 81% OF FORMERLY UNCHURCHED SAID THAT THE NAME OF THE CHURCH HAD NO INFLUENCE
- NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF THE FORMERLY UNCHURCHED SAID THAT DENOMINATIONAL NAMES HAD A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON THEIR DECISION TO ATTEND.
- 91% SAID THAT TEACHING BIBLICAL DOCTORINE WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO THEM
this comes from the Kurt Miller's newsletter GBNAM, vol. 3,issues 2 may 2002