We pastors think our guests want anonymity. And at first, they do. But in the long term, it's a retention killer. Everyone craves personal connection; everyone craves meaning and purpose. To retain people, to connect them to our vision, we have to create occasional, systematic opportunities for them to go to the next level. We need a ski-lift. system. Every once in a while - but consistently - a new opportunity has to come along.
At RCC, we only had two announcements on Sunday mornings. The same two announcements every week. They were like ski-lift chairs. And they were intended to help newcomers get involved:
- You're invited to a monthly newcomer's lunch on ________.
- You're invited to a quarterly small group starting ________.
this is a good word, ben. hope you are well. let's catch up soon!
Posted by: Jason Hayes | September 08, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Man - great words! I'm so connecting with this, ever since moving here. There's part of me that wants to remain anonymous, but the part that craves relationship always wins out.
Posted by: Chris Ediger | September 08, 2008 at 09:04 PM