Sarasota, Florida, United States "The DNA Update for United Methodists" for May 2015
In This Issue:
But Will They Come Back?
How May We Help?
But Will They Come Back?
What makes a first-time guest come back for another visit? Given all of the time and energy it often takes to get first-time guests, it is important to think about what motivates them to return. The answer will be different for each guest but the following things can increase the likelihood that you will see them again.
Someone connecting with them and remembering their name. This is more than shaking hands at the front door. This is likely to be the result of a 1-3 minute conversation in which names are exchanged and the conversation is about more than the weather. This may take place at an information station, over refreshments, when dropping off or picking up a child or with someone in their row. They should not be pressured to reveal information but, instead, have a pleasant conversation.
The service content connecting with them in a personal way. This might happen during the sharing of a testimony, a report from a mission team, a Skype session in worship with a missionary supported by the church, a story in the sermon, etc. It is about more than “just attending church”. It is the experience of feeling like the service was designed for you and there is a tangible feeling or fact you take home from it.
Their child begging to return. This might be due to great cookies, fun games, realizing a friend attends, a cool movie or because their child (of whatever age) felt like someone connected with them and or the content was important to them. No one wants to fight with their child, tween or teenager to get them to go to church.
They sensed they were in the presence of something holy. They experienced something “special” in the service. They felt “touched”. They were able to let go of their burdens and feel some relief. They sensed they were connected to something greater than themselves. This might happen through architecture, corporate worship, special music, the reading of Scripture, the sermon, a prayer or something else. Those who experience it, however, feel that it is real.This is not an argument in favor of one style or flavor of ministry. Instead it is a call to intentionality – in the design of the service, in putting the proper support systems in place, in being aware of your ministry context, in being authentic and in loving the neighbor who walks through your door.
How May We Help?
Don is available to lead workshops, secret shop your worship experience and share findings, conduct consultations, coach lay and clergy leaders, work with your Board on leadership and alignment issues, speak at conferences and more. Some of this work can be done via Skype or other online platform which can result in significant savings to you.
How may we help you today? – don@dnacoaching.com
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Email Don: mailto:don@dnacoaching.com
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DNA Coaching
6339 Sturbridge Court
Sarasota, Florida 34238 United States
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