Have you ever considered the journey of a new member in a church? How do they go from being unfamiliar with the community to being fully involved and growing in their faith? In the latest episode of the Hey Church podcast, Preston dives into this intricate process, exploring a unique way to understand and enhance church community integration. Here's what he has to say:

Sales Funnel in Church World

Preston takes inspiration from the concepts of sales and marketing funnels, likening them to the process of involving new members in a church community. Although the church isn't about selling a product, the funnel method can be applied to nurture people's spiritual growth.

Top of the Funnel: Brand Recognition

The initial stage represents newcomers or people unfamiliar with the church.

Middle of the Funnel: Education

Here, individuals begin to learn more about the church, what it stands for, and what it offers.

Bottom of the Funnel: Involvement

The final stage represents full involvement in the church community, from serving on Sundays to becoming part of small groups and leadership courses.

The Journey from Zero to 100

The process of going from nothing to full involvement is vital in fulfilling the church's mission to make disciples and spread the gospel. Here are some of the stages Preston highlights:

1. Greeting and Welcoming: People love to feel welcomed. Whether through a welcoming team or QR codes with information about the church, a warm reception is essential.

2. Small Groups and Community: Getting newcomers into small groups fosters community and connection, making them feel part of something bigger.

3. Courses and Education: Churches should provide educational courses to nurture spiritual growth and strengthen personal relationships with faith.

4. Volunteering and Leadership: This step allows members to take on responsibility within the church, contributing to different aspects of church life, such as worship or hospitality teams.

The Balance Between Digital and Human Connection

Preston notes that while some churches utilize technology to ease the process of integration, others rely solely on personal connections. The key is finding a balance where the digital platform supports the human connection, ensuring newcomers not only feel welcomed but also easily find ways to get involved.

Practical Tips

- Visitor Follow-Up: Create clear pathways for growth, ensuring follow-up with newcomers, whether through text, email, or personal connection.

- Small Group Involvement: Encourage newcomers to join small groups to foster community connection.

- Leadership Courses: Offer various courses to aid in personal growth and development within the church.

- Cultivate a Culture of Connection: Train church teams to reach out, engage, and mentor newcomers, ensuring a strong human element throughout the process.

In the quest to find a new church community, Preston's exploration of the church connection process using a sales funnel analogy brings a fresh perspective. The combination of digital means with human connection, thoughtful planning, and emphasis on continuous growth fosters a church environment where everyone can thrive.

As homework, Preston urges church leaders to write down the exact steps they want someone to take when they enter their church, both for those who are Christians and those new to the gospel. Reflecting on these steps will ensure a clearer pathway for spiritual growth.

The process of connecting people to a church community is intricate and requires a blend of strategies. By embracing these principles, churches can ensure that new members are not only welcomed but also engaged and nurtured, resulting in a thriving and growing community.