Offer Multiple Connection Points

In this series, we’ve been looking at ways to help our churches grow by assimilating newcomers and new members into the life of the church. In this post we will look at the “O” in C.L.O.S.I.N.G. the Back Door. For most churches, the Sunday School classes or the small groups serve as…

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Let People Know You Care

In my last post, I pointed out that the “C” in C.L.O.S.I.N.G. the Back Door stands for Creating A Welcoming Environment. Creating a welcoming environment involves OPENING the front door of your church in order to increase the number of first-time guests. A church cannot grow without visitors. The “L” in C.L.O.S.I.N.G. the…

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Creating A Welcoming Environment

The “C” in C.L.O.S.I.N.G. the Back Door stands for Creating A Welcoming Environment. Two of the keys to church growth is getting more people to visit and then keeping them once they do. In order to keep them long-term, they must be assimilated through relationship-building and church involvement. As a pastor, take the necessary…

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C.L.O.S.I.N.G. the Back Door

Tomorrow evening, some of my buddies and I are kicking off an eight-stop assimilation tour across the state of Kentucky. The tour spreads through March – May of this year. Joining me on the tour will be Darryl Wilson from The Sunday School Revolutionary along with our Kentucky Baptist Strategists, Glen Cummins, Mike James,…

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New Believer Mentoring

Have you ever mentored a new believer? If not, plan to do so in the near future! It is one of the most exciting and inspiring assignments you will ever accept as a Christian. Here are some basic, fundamental steps a person might take during the first year as he/she mentors a…

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The Importance of a Membership Class

I cannot overemphasize the importance of starting a good membership class. A membership class can be a place where relationships are developed, doctrine is taught, vision is shared, expectations are expounded, and the Gospel is presented. A membership class can play a key role in both assimilation and discipleship. On his…

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