In many of our churches, 80% of those who join disappear within 6 months. They visited and joined our churches with eagerness and enthusiasm. Some of these came to us from other churches. Others realized their need for Jesus as Savior and Lord. But something was missing. In the absence of relationships, many new members/new Christians disconnect and drift away. What is needed? Many of them benefit from someone walking with them.
Encouragers Walking with New Christians
What might result if every new Christian had an Encourager who walked with them during those first 6 months? Do you think it would help if an Encourager encouraged and supported those who were new during these early fragile weeks? Would a new Christian benefit from an Encourager helping him/her to learn to study the Bible, pray, review salvation, understand the value of baptism, share their faith, practice tithing/stewardship, serving, relationships, and more? The answer is yes.
How often would an Encourager meet with the new Christian? The numbers of times is flexible, but here is my suggestion:
- one hour per week for the first 6 weeks
- one hour every other week for weeks 7-13
- one hour per month for months 4-6
- available as needed/requested.
Encouragers enlisted for walking with new Christian children/teens should go through the church’s background and approval processes. Establish a simple outline of what will be covered and what materials/curriculum will be used. Let me extend this caution. Relationship is probably more important than the content.
Encouragers Walking with New Members
What was said for walking with new Christians is also true for new members. In order to reduce the numbers of new members who drop out, new members benefit when Encouragers walk with them. The schedule above is still beneficial with more of a focus on relationship than content.
The content can be conversational, talking through church membership topics: reviewing salvation, baptism, expectations, tithing, the importance of Bible study groups, discipleship and serving opportunities, daily Bible study/prayer plan, etc. To keep things simple, provide a one-page sheet for each of the topics above. Share the page(s) about which you will talk that day. If the numbers of new members exceeds the number of available Encouragers, pair each Encourager with 2-3 new members (ideally geographically) and allow them to establish the best time/place to gather.
Praying for Encouragers
Pray for God to send workers (Matthew 9:38). Pray for discipling caregivers. Provide simple training and materials.
Communicate the expectation for every new Christan and new member to invest this time with an Encourager. You will find in most cases that these new members will be grateful rather than frustrated. It shows that you care and that membership matters. Make disciples. Make disciples that stay, grow, and serve!
