Discipleship
5 Questions Every Prospective Member Wants Answered
It’s important to encourage attenders to join your church — because they’ll never grow spiritually without a commitment to live out what the Bible teaches while in a relationship with others.
As you encourage church membership, it’s important to keep in mind these five unspoken needs prospective members are looking for your church to meet.
- Will I be accepted at this church? – You meet this need best by establishing affinity groups within your church so that people with similar ages, interests, problems, or backgrounds can find and relate to each other. Everyone needs a niche, and small groups play a crucial role in meeting this need. You must show people that you have a place for them.
- Will I find friends at this church? – People are looking for opportunities to develop relationships within your congregation. People aren’t looking for a friendly church as much as they’re looking for friends.
- How will I make a difference at this church? – People want to make contribution with their lives. They want their lives to count. They want to feel that they matter. When you can show people that they can make a difference with their gifts and talents by joining your church, they will want to be involved. Position your church as a creative place that needs the expression of all sorts of talents and abilities — not just singers, ushers and small group leaders.
- How will I benefit from joining this church? – You must be able to clearly and concisely explain the reasons and benefits of membership. Explain the biblical, practical, and personal reasons for membership.
- What will be expected of me at this church? You must be able to explain the responsibilities of membership as clearly as you state the benefits of it. People have a right to know what is expected of them before they join.
