The DNA Update for United Methodists for August 2015 with DNA Coaching - Dr. Don Nations
The DNA Update for United Methodists, August 2015
The DNA Update for United Methodists
Dr. Don Nations, August 2015
In This Issue:
Many churches engage in some sort of “back to school” effort, often providing backpacks and school supplies to children who might otherwise not have these things. Helping families in need and embracing the children of the community are good things for a church to do. In and of themselves, however, these efforts are not likely to lead to involving these children and their families in the life of the church. Allow me to describe an approach taken by some churches which might increase these odds.
I volunteered with a church two weeks ago as part of its Day of Hope. They had identified children from lower income families in the public school system and sent them an invitation to participate in this event (with a reminder call a day or two before). Families were greeted by smiling faces, ushered into a nice space with refreshments available and met by an “ambassador” (one or two people) who stayed with the family throughout their experience. Each family received backpacks, school supplies and food. They were also offered free medical checks, dental checks, haircuts, individual and family photos and a meal. Nail painting, temporary tattoos and balloon animals and creations were available for the children. A prayer room was also available to those families who wanted someone to pray with them.
Two key parts of this experience were the ambassadors and the length of time the families were present. Most families took 1-2 hours to go through all of the stations and eat a meal. This provided time for the ambassador to build a connection with the family. Instead of the guests moving through the experience in anonymity they had the benefit of someone to guide their experience. The extended time allowed the ambassador to get to know the family and learn their names. It also assured the family that if they came to church they would at least know one or two people.
There is little which guarantees that someone who attends a church-sponsored event will return to participate in a worship service. The odds can be improved, however, with intentional planning which increases the time during which people are exposed to the church and which allows relationships between nice church people and guests to be fostered.
Connecting with New People
This is a key task churches must do if they want to grow and have a long-term future. Most churches receive few local first-time guests, most church attendees do not invite unchurched people to their church and most activities of the church are designed for and attended by people who already go to the church. Old things need to be done in new ways and or new things need to be added if we are going to break out of this cycle.
Here are some things to consider:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DNACoaching
Twitter - @DNACoaching
Linkedin – Don Nations
DNA Coaching: http://www.dnacoaching.com
Email Don: mailto:don@dnacoaching.com
Our mailing address is:
DNA Coaching
6339 Sturbridge Court
The DNA Update for United Methodists
Dr. Don Nations, August 2015
In This Issue:
- Connection is the Key
- Connecting with New People
Many churches engage in some sort of “back to school” effort, often providing backpacks and school supplies to children who might otherwise not have these things. Helping families in need and embracing the children of the community are good things for a church to do. In and of themselves, however, these efforts are not likely to lead to involving these children and their families in the life of the church. Allow me to describe an approach taken by some churches which might increase these odds.
I volunteered with a church two weeks ago as part of its Day of Hope. They had identified children from lower income families in the public school system and sent them an invitation to participate in this event (with a reminder call a day or two before). Families were greeted by smiling faces, ushered into a nice space with refreshments available and met by an “ambassador” (one or two people) who stayed with the family throughout their experience. Each family received backpacks, school supplies and food. They were also offered free medical checks, dental checks, haircuts, individual and family photos and a meal. Nail painting, temporary tattoos and balloon animals and creations were available for the children. A prayer room was also available to those families who wanted someone to pray with them.
Two key parts of this experience were the ambassadors and the length of time the families were present. Most families took 1-2 hours to go through all of the stations and eat a meal. This provided time for the ambassador to build a connection with the family. Instead of the guests moving through the experience in anonymity they had the benefit of someone to guide their experience. The extended time allowed the ambassador to get to know the family and learn their names. It also assured the family that if they came to church they would at least know one or two people.
There is little which guarantees that someone who attends a church-sponsored event will return to participate in a worship service. The odds can be improved, however, with intentional planning which increases the time during which people are exposed to the church and which allows relationships between nice church people and guests to be fostered.
Connecting with New People
This is a key task churches must do if they want to grow and have a long-term future. Most churches receive few local first-time guests, most church attendees do not invite unchurched people to their church and most activities of the church are designed for and attended by people who already go to the church. Old things need to be done in new ways and or new things need to be added if we are going to break out of this cycle.
Here are some things to consider:
- Set specific goals for Vacation Bible School related to the number of unchurched participants and the number of these families active in the church six months later
- Engage in Servant Evangelism projects for a sustained period of time
- Gather a team to get involved in a local school over an entire school year – help in classrooms, cheer at athletic events, pray for faculty and staff, etc.
- Have people from your church get involved in the various outside groups which the church allows to use its building
- Hold Christmas Eve service in a public space instead of the church (the location depends on the weather in your area and the options available)
- Visit every business within X miles of the church, leaving some food items and a nice note with the church contact information on it
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DNACoaching
Twitter - @DNACoaching
Linkedin – Don Nations
DNA Coaching: http://www.dnacoaching.com
Email Don: mailto:don@dnacoaching.com
Our mailing address is:
DNA Coaching
6339 Sturbridge Court
Sarasota, Florida 34238 United States
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