Plugged?

We have this Guest Assimilation thing going... man, it feels like it is the RIGHT THING to be doing. I pray that ALL OF US WOULD LET A REVELATION for meeting the needs of and connecting with the unchurched slap us upside the head.

We get so content in our familiar setting each week - and are so focused on US and taking care of "maintaining" (not growing) our relationship with an ever loving never changing Christ and we forget about others.

Here is how we want to make a difference:
We are working every Sunday morning to ensure our first and second time guests are welcomed and, equally as important, reached out to via email within 36 hours of their visit to our church and via handwritten note within 96 hours of their visit.

What can we say? We love Nelson Searcy and his book FUSION.

It has empowered us.

We are still missing a few things... How are we plugging these guests in to our church? We are working on a process - we'll post on this later - we definitely have a plan!

We recently stumbled upon a hole in our process, however.

What about those who are not really first or second time guests - we all have them, I'm talking about those who transfer from one church to another (we are transfers too!, so I am NOT CUTTING ANYONE HERE!) - they are churched, but still need a place to connect with others to strengthen their walk with Christ and to hang out with those who are likeminded - to build lasting relationships that will count in the light of eternity.

"Connections with the Body of Christ are the most effective adhesive for keeping your guests and your church bound together." Fusion "Research has shown that new people must make friends within four to six months, or they will not stick." Fusion

I submit a few cases for our future discussion:

A stay at home mom who is longing for adult social interaction. She MUST HAVE a place to get plugged in.

A dad who works 8 - 5 during the week, busting his butt day in and day out, who needs a liesure getaway once in a while, from all the stress he endures every day. He MUST HAVE a place to get plugged in.

A teenager who hates summer because they are stuck at home on Myspace all day - or watching hours and hours of the latest MTV reality show - come-on even THAT gets boring to most students after a while! They MUST HAVE a place to get plugged in.

I write this to give you the option of brainstorming with me on how this process might work...

I will share with you in time to come the testaments that will be birthed because of our efforts to PLUG people IN - somewhere, somehow...

Are you PLUGGED?

Fusion: Integrating Newcomers Into The Life Of Your Church Discover a step-by-step, biblically grounded, proven plan for establishing relationships with newcomers---and ultimately prompt them to become vital members of your congregation! Learn why the first seven minutes after a visitor's arrival are so critical; benefit from practical "how to" tips; read testimonials from the "recently assimilated"; and more.