Leapfrog

I promised last week to tell how Peachtree Presbyterian at least used to leapfrog the get-a-person-to-keep-coming-and-feel-a-part process.  Before doing so, however, note that the point isn't just to get members.  Because you can have an uninvested member.  Would you rather have an invested person who isn't technically a member?  Too often we get hyped up about categories and nomenclature and overlook the organic reality.  I'd rather have someone who actually belongs rather than only technically belongs.

Peachtree, the largest PCUSA congregation, is quick draw McGraw.  They would invite everyone new at that service to meet immediately following the service.  They would there have coffee and treats and welcome from significant members of the staff and congregation.  There would be a moment of "here's our heartbeat" communication and then there would be one on one or one on couple visits.

Let's say I am the Peachtree person visitng with you the visitor.  I have a form.  I find out your address, email, and people you know at the church.  I'd then tell you a little bit about our Sunday School classes (like the 20's & 30's class) and our hands-on ministries (like the every Saturday morning Habitat crew).  With a menu of options I would then ask, "If you were to try one of these, which would you maybe give a shot?"  With that answer I would hope that you actually would give that one a shot.  Why not?  Just take a peak?  See if it works for you?  The visit wraps up.

The visitor gets the standard welcome letter.  Some places will deploy emissaries with fresh baked bread put into a bag that has the church's name on it.  The bag has handles so that if the person is not home you can leave the bag on the door knob.  In it is a note saying, "We loved having you at our church today.  Please come back."

But key beyond the above is that I would contact the teacher for the 20's & 30's class and the leader of the Saturday morning Habitat crew, if that is what the visitor had said they might be interested in, and I would tell them that visitor Joe Smith had indicated he might be interested.  Those leaders would get Joe's info and personally invite them.  "Hi, Joe.  I'm head of the 20's & 30's class.  I understand you might be interested and I would very much like you to come.  I'd love to meet you.  This is where we are in the building."

If the person registered in the sanctuary or a Sunday School class as a first time visitor but did not come to the after church time where "the visits" transpire, that person would be specifically called and invited to the time the following week.  This time was set up before the main worship service.  They would get the interview if they came and the process would be set in motion.

One more thing ... all who came to the coffee and refreshment and meet the pastor and the interview time before the worship servie would be asked if they would like to join the church.  Like right now.  We can do this now.  Why not?  There's a 30-day shipping free refund type of thing added.  Then they would swear them in and introduce them at the beginning of that next service!

Some will say that that is setting the bar very low for membership, that it should require some orientation.  Their point, and not a bad one, is that once we have their name and info and initial commitment, we have been given a pathway for orienting them.  We can legitimately send them membership materials.  We can legitimately send them a pledge card.  We can legitimately call on them to help with this event.  And all of that will be on the job training!  Why wait around and hope a visitor come around enough to eventually sign up for an orientation?

Is there attrition this way?  Yes.  But no more attrition than a more passive way.  Is there "membership gain"?  Yes, a lot more than the passive way.