WELCOME NEWCOMERS
Be warm. Introduce them to the group. One way to do this is an icebreaker. Make sure each person in the group is introduced to the new person and that the new person is given a chance to introduce themselves. Be natural. Be open. Be real. I usually ask the new person, “Tell the group about yourself. How many kids do you have? How long have you been at CrossWalk?”
Reach out. Send a card. Do it the same day or you’ll forget. Buy stamps and cards ahead of time. If you can’t do it, find someone else in the group willing to share responsibility. Don’t ever give someone an excuse to not come back!
Here’s an example but don't be afraid to add your own personal touch.
Dear [new person], It was so nice to meet you at our Tuesday meeting. We hope you felt welcomed and at home in our group. All of us at CrossWalk Women look forward to getting to know you better.
Blessings! - [leader]
Be inclusive. Encourage members to invite their friends . Remember people get meet Jesus in community! Co-workers and neighbors who’d never agree to come to church on Sunday are far more willing to come with you to a Bible Study in a safe, open, and welcoming environment. Pray for them, invite them, and watch God work.
Recruit for your group. You are the Welcome Team! New people are looking for Jesus. Your job is to look for them and make the most of any opportunity to introduce yourself. This should also extend to Sunday worship services. As a leader you can welcome someone into the heart of the church. Look for the woman who is sitting alone. Welcome them, sit beside them, and introduce them to your friends.
STAY CONNECTED
Email. Send a message to your group every week Touch base with your group every week. Don’t forget. Make sure they have an easy mechanism to reach out to you. It need only be a simple message like this:
Dear group, I hope everyone is enjoying Redeemed! I know I've been challenged this week as I've attempted to write my testimony! Looking forward to getting together for coffee to read yours! See you at Aromas at 10:00am Tuesday morning.
God Bless, [leader]
Visit. Reach out in person every month. We want to encourage personal contact outside the group, at least once a month. This could be a personal phone call, email, or perhaps even a personal visit. Sometimes, it is obvious if a person in our group is struggling. This is when we want to say, “I'd love to connect with you outside the group. Would you like to go to lunch?”
Build community. Do something together once a month, but remember not to schedule them at the same time as church services and events. It can be something simple like going to coffee together or seeing a movie or even having a potluck together. Be creative!!
Give Feedback. Fill in your Monthly Ministry Report. This is how we help you and hold you accountable. It also helps you keep yourself on track as you minister to the needs of the group. This should be filled out and turned in at the end of every month. It is vital you do it!
Be Teachable. Attend Heart & Soul Leadership Nights. These take place once a month on Thursday evenings at 7pm. This is a chance for Pastor Mark and the rest of the CrossWalk team to invest in you, encourage you, and fill you in on the direction and vision of the church. These meetings are not optional. If for some reason you cannot make it, please communicate with your Campus Pastor.