Chapter 13: Conclusion- Church Membership Retention Strategies

Theme

This lecture focuses on strategies for improving church membership retention.

Key takeaways include the importance of a systematic process for member inclusion and assimilation, analyzing membership rolls versus actual attendance, and creating a welcoming church atmosphere.

The lecture emphasizes the congregation's responsibility in retention and the need for training and discipleship for new members.

It also highlights the role of love in building a faith community and suggests practical steps for engaging missing members and developing strategic plans guided by the Holy Spirit.

Takeaways

1. Difference between good intentions and true success in church membership retention

2. Importance of strategizing and implementing a systematic process for member inclusion and assimilation

3. Disparity between church roll numbers and actual attendance

4. Need for analytical review of membership rolls

5. Questions to address missing members and their engagement

6. Training and assigning responsibilities for membership management

7. Developing assimilation training and discipleship for new members

8. Creating a warm and inviting church atmosphere

9. Strategic process to move members from salvation to service

10. Responsibility of the congregation in member retention

Highlights

· "It is love that reaches people and draws them into a community of faith and relationship."-- 《Chapter 13 of Closing the Back Door》

Church Membership Retention

The process of keeping church members engaged and active within the congregation, preventing them from leaving or becoming inactive.

· Keypoints

o Strategizing and implementing a systematic process for inclusion and assimilation.

o Analyzing membership rolls and actual attendance to identify disparities.

o Training individuals to manage membership and engage with missing members.

o Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere within the church.

o Developing a strategic process to transition members from salvation to active service.

· Considerations

· Rely on God's power and seek His guidance in all plans.

· Engage the entire congregation in the responsibility of member retention.

· Develop a plan of action directed by the Holy Spirit.

· Create a dialogue and training process for church members.

· Partner with other ministries for training sessions.

Assignments & Suggestions

· Analytically review your membership roll and compare it to your actual Sunday worship attendance.

· Ask yourself questions about missing members and their engagement.

· Develop a venue for assimilation training and implement discipleship for new members.

· Order the workbook and begin the training process for church leaders.

· Form a small Bible study group centered on the principles of the book.

· Develop a plan of action directed by the Holy Spirit.

· Create a healthy dialogue about the information in the book.

· Team up with other ministries for weekly training sessions.