Resources to
Make Your
Ministry More
Effective

Cold Churches

"High Touch" Ministry

Seeds for Growth is a free service.

Link to this site

Periodic get-togethers with only new members and elders present allow the elders to become better acquainted with new members. Quarterly pie suppers after worship services are good. Dinner with the elders in a home is also good. There are many ways that the entire eldership can spend time with new members. Whatever method you choose should be fairly simple so it is not a burden on anyone to host. It should be scheduled on a regular basis so that in the midst of your duties as elders, you do not one day realize it has been far too long since you met with the new members.

Pick a time when you will have approximately as many new members as elders. Monthly or quarterly is good if your congregation is growing. You should not go longer than six months between events even if only a few would be involved. After all, those who have been members for over six months are not really new members any more.

It Is Impossible to Shepherd People You Do Not Know

When you meet, the atmosphere should be informal and relaxed. Be sure elders mingle with the new members. If the whole time is spent with the elders on one side of the room and the new members on the other, the time will be counterproductive. Try to mingle so that each elder talks to each new member, even if only briefly.

At some point in the fellowship, ask everyone to sit in a circle. Have one of the elders welcome everyone on behalf of all of the elders, then go around the circle and tell a little about yourselves. All of the elders go first, then move to the new members. Tell your name, your spouse’s name, where you work or how long you have been retired, and how you came to the congregation. Then add an interesting fact that will help new members remember you. The interesting fact may be a hobby you have, volunteer work you do, or special interests you pursue. The goal is to give the new members a memory hook to associate with you.

After this get-together, be sure to send a follow-up card thanking the new members for being your guests.

<< More Info. You Can Use<<

<<Home<<

This article is from Shepherding: Ten Ways to Be a More Effective Elder