Resource + Idea Archive

THE BIG 4

By Thom Rainer

Researcher and ministry expert Thom Rainer identifies the four keys to improving their visitor and member retention.

VISITOR ASSIMILATION (IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE)

by Charles Arn

What are the keys to attracting visitors and keeping them coming back? Veteran church growth expert identifies important factors to consider when evaluating your church’s success or failure in visitor retention.

MAKING THE VISITOR CONNECTION

by Mark Littleton and Lindy Warren

What factors are common to churches that are really good at facilitating relationships? Hear from several churches and see what’s working for them.

TAGGING VISITORS

By Alex Field

Through its extensive nametag system and church-planting focus, community is building at Life Church

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

by Heather Johnson

Assimilation. Guest Connection. Closing the Back Door. Church leaders may not agree on what it’s called, but everyone agrees that connecting new people to their church is both a critical priority and a source of frustration. Hear leading pastors discuss their thoughts on the keys to successfully engaging visitors and providing a meaningful connection both to your church and, ultimately, to the Lord.

5 TIPS FOR GREETING IN CHRIST

Submitted by: Christ Lutheran Church, Eagan, Minn.

Is your greeting time during the worship service a 10-second formality or a time to express true concern and warmth? For Christ Lutheran Church in Eagan, Minn, greeting time is a priority, says Pastor Donald Schmiege. “A time of greeting reminds the congregation that they are the body of Christ gathered in this place and that each and every person in that worship service is also a member of it—even the guests,” he says. The church’s greeting time has even been the catalyst for guests’ return visits.