how do we connect people?
We have been asking ourselves as a leadership team, “how does a church connect people” Very important question. The church is about people. Not programs, not policies, not traditions, not buildings…people. So often churches miss this. Our tendancy is to think if we preach better or use the latest video the church will be fine. We miss it. We focus on the wrong things.
At New Life we have developed some defining statements to help us focus on people and not programs. These statements are simple reminders for us as a team. Language creates culture. These are statements that help keep us on our toes.
When new people walk in—everybody steps up.
This includes everybody. Whenever someone new walks in our door–everybody must step to the plate to serve. No expections.
The first step to connecting someone is remembering their name
Every week I bring a 3 x 5 card with me. I write down peoples names I meet. I pray for them during the week during my quiet times.
Read people before you direct people
So often churches try to push people into their programs…join a small group, get involved in ministry, etc. We need to learn to read people. They may of just received news from the doctor that they have cancer…and all we care about is our programs…what is wrong with us? Do we really care?
We will never be so big that we don’t love people one at a time.
The moment we are so big that I don’t have time for people…I am done.
People attend because they are invited, they stay because they are included
We are funny in the church. We actually think people attend our church because they received a cool flyer in the mail. Yes, this happens. But, lets get real. People attend because some invites them. But, here is what we have learned at New Life…they only stay if they are included. People want to belong. We have to find creative ways to include people.
We do for one what we wish we could do for all
We get what we train
This is so important. Often I get frustrated with our host teams volunteers or ushers. Sometimes they don’t seem to be serving people. Who’s fault is this? Mine! We get what we train. We ask people to be host team members and then we don’t nurture or care about them.
Think “Steps, not programs”
We need to think in terms of steps, not programs. What are the easy steps for people to connect? Are they obvious? Are they strategic?
Connecting people isn’t a department it is a discipline of the church
Connecting people is the church. It is the mission of God. You can’t hire this out. You can’t put this on someones job description and then forget it.
We do for one what we wish we could do for all
Pastors sometimes will say, “I can’t call everybody” or “I can’t personally welcome everybody”…very true. But here is my rule of thumb…I do for one what I wish I could do for all. I can’t visit everybody in the hospital..but it is good for me to get out of my office and visit someone. I can’t personally call every new person..but every once in a while I need to grab my cell phone and make that call. Not only is this good modeling for my staff and church..it is good for my soul!
