Connection Points

A person who wholly follows the Lord is one who believes that the promises of God are trustworthy, that He is with His people, and that they are well able to overcome.

-Watchman Nee

We connect in church many different ways and at many different points. The unbeliever connects with the entire, universal body of Christ upon accepting Christ as Savior and Lord. Once a believer, that same person has an opportunity to connect with his or her local church as an active and professing member. As I said, there are numerous ways people connect to the church. however, we must also understand that we, as the church, must offer new and numerous points where people can get connected to the church.

We need to offer connection points, places where people can connect with Christ, connect with other saints and connect with what the church or its affiliates and partners have to offer. Here is a short list of connection points to consider. You may want to talk to your small group or Sunday school class to explore more specific connection points that exist for you and your ministry.

• Entrances: Think about first impressions. You can look at them as "touch points" or whatever, but you need your best greeters and brightest smiles working the door. Certainly, you should have "people people" working the door and meeting the visitors and guests, even returning people, into your church. Make sure that your people offer those who come in an opportunity to sign up for the church newsletter (handing them a copy) and be sure to provide them with any essential church literature, i.e. first-time visitors FAQ sheet and an outline of the order of worship. [Sometimes we invite people to church without helping them to know what to expect.]
• Sanctuary: Most churches have some period during their worship service where they welcome or recognize visitors and guests. Be sure that people act genuine without a whole lot of "coaching" from the pulpit. People like other people to be friendly in a natural sense, not out of a sense of duty or obligation like "because the pastor said to do it." Let it be part of the natural organic chemistry of who you are.
• Exits: Don't let someone leave without thanking them for joining you in worship. Invite guests and visitors to a special area to receive "gifts" like a free CD or DVD of a past sermon by the senior pastor, calendars or other items with the church logo and contact information or something as simple as a tract and a coupon for redemption at your bookstore or gift shop.

Be sure that you allow people to connect at least at each one of these points, offering them prayer, an invitation to salvation or joining the church, or even a special time for visitors and guest with the pastor and his special greeters. If available, assist people to fill out contact information and include business cards for staff persons who will contact the person as a follow up to their visit.