WELCOMING:

1. WELCOMING: CHURCH AS HOME ASSIMILATION

2. Why do we need to welcome them? Key principles Assimilation . . . • 1. begins with a passion for the lost

3. Module One Why do we need to welcome them?

4. . . . passion for the lost Luke 19:1-10 What is Jesus’ passion?

5. Luke 19:7 What was the response of the “religious people” to Jesus acting out His passion? Luke 19:7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "

6. How does the Holy Spirit help a congregation to grow in this area?

7. Holy Spirit causes spiritual growth / sanctification of a believer.

8. Assimilation is the “fruit” or “result” of spiritual growth / sanctification.

9. Passion Ratingfor the Lost How would you rate your congregation in relationship to Jesus’ passion? 1_______3________5_______7_______10 MINIMAL VERY

10. New members It is only as we get to know them that we will be able to support them as they make their new church a spiritual home.

11. Assimilated member characteristics: 1. Connected to the spiritual life of the congregation. They are involved in the congregation’s ministry of Word and Sacrament. They identify with the congregation’s purpose and values.

12. Assimilated member characteristics: 2. Serving in a meaningful way They have found a role or task that fits their gifts, interests and abilities. They are being recognized, affirmed and trained in that role or task.

13. Assimilated member characteristics: 3. Developing friendships They seem to be meeting and able to walk up and talk to people. They may belong to a small group for fellowship, study, or service.

14. Action steps: Develop a list of all new members in the last couple of years. Which of the above 3 characteristics of an assimilated member apply to each member? What have you learned about your assimilation process by doing this exercise?

15. Working definition: The process by which a congregation • welcomes • receives • incorporates visitors and members into its community of believers.

16. Assimilation describes how visitors and members • begin and continue to fit into • worship • nurture • witness, service and fellowship.

17. You are the expert in your ministry • Assimilation is not the sole responsibility of the visitor / new member • Assimilation is also a responsibility of the congregation

18. You are the expert in your ministry • This course describes what has to be done. • You will decide how best to accomplish assimilation in your setting.

19. Module Two How does a church become a spiritual home?

20. Session One Review: What are the key differences between “just joining a church” and someone “finding a spiritual home?”

21. Why do we need to welcome them? Key principles Assimilation . . . • 1. begins with a passion for the lost • 2. is an intentional process that spans an indefinite period of time

22. Phases of an Assimilation Process Prospect (after first impression – before decision to join) • Joining (while in membership process) • New Member (first 4 to 6 months of membership) • Ongoing (indefinite period involving member-care process)

23. Searching the scriptures Read Acts 2:42-47 What does the key verb in vs. 42 say to us about assimilation?

24. Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

25. Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

26. 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 9-10 • What key words show that the readers were growing? • Is the process of assimilation in your congregation intentional that shows you are growing more and more?

27. 2 Timothy 2:2 • What is the intentional process mentioned here?

28. Module Three Whose Home Is It?

29. Why do we need to welcome them? Key principles Assimilation . . . • 1. begins with a passion for the lost • 2. is an intentional process that spans an indefinite period of time • 3. needs congregation-wide support and involvement

30. Three attitudes need to be challenged 1. “this is the pastor’s job” 2. “this is the job of the assimilation committee” 3. “somebody is going to do it, so I don’t have to!”

31. Searching the scriptures • Acts 6 1-7 • What happened when the apostles were expected to “do all the ministry”? • What was to be the focus of the apostles? • How is this parallel to involving more and more members in assimilation ministry today?

32. Acts 6 3b • What did the apostles do to with some of the duties?

33. 1 Peter 2 4-10 • What are the goals of the Christian life set forth in verses 4-5? • What are the identities given us in verses 9-10? • How should the above affect our approach to assimilation in our congregation building on those God-given, scriptural identities?

34. Ephesians 4 11-16 • According to verse 12 what is the work of the saints? • According to verses 13 to 15 how long should this be our concern? • Using the imagery of the body in verse 16 who should be involved?

35. Acts 6: 7 • What was the result of more involvement in ministry? • The word of God spread.

36. Ultimately, assimilation is about… Helping people in their relationship with their Lord.

37. Through Word and Sacrament ministry, the Holy Spirit Grows us closer to Christ Grows us up in our service in the Body of Christ.

38. Action Steps Discuss how new members will be incorporated into the work force for this ministry. Who will submit a series of articles for the bulletin/newsletter on specific strategies, timeliness and people involved? Seek more and more involvement.

39. Module Four Home is where the heart is.

40. Why do we need to welcome them? Key principles Assimilation . . . • 1. begins with a passion for the lost • 2. is an intentional process that spans an indefinite period of time • 3. needs congregation-wide support and involvement • 4. demonstrates Christ’s love through building personal relationships

41. Search the Scripture • John 13: 12-17, 34-35 • Romans 12;4-5 • 1 Corinthians 12: 12-13 • Ephesians 2: 17-22

42. Phases of an Assimilation Process Prospect (after first impression – before decision to join) • Joining (while in membership process) • New Member (first 4 to 6 months of membership) • Ongoing (indefinite period involving member-care process)

43. Two important thoughts 1. The process is different for everyone • 2. Giving support to new members is different from giving them information.

44. Three attitudes need to be challenged 1. “this is the pastor’s job” 2. “this is the job of the assimilation committee” 3. “somebody is going to do it, so I don’t have to!”

45. Module Five Homeward bound

46. Why do we need to welcome them? Key principles Assimilation . . . • 1. begins with a passion for the lost • 2. is an intentional process that spans an indefinite period of time • 3. needs congregation-wide support and involvement • 4. demonstrates Christ’s love through building personal relationships • 5. . . . follow-up and follow-through are vital

47. Search the Scripture How does this help you intentionalize your ongoing assimilation process into Christ-centered member care? Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

48. Search the Scripture How does this help you intentionalize your ongoing assimilation process into Christ-centered member care? Philip. 1:4-6 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

49. Search the Scriptures • 2 Timothy 2: 1-7 • Especially v: 3

50. Assimilation and the ongoing member care of the congregation Assimilation will reflect your congregation’s care for all members. Your new members should be interviewed around the first year anniversary of becoming a member. There is no substitute to listening to your people.