Stop Losing First-Time Guests: What's Working at the Front Door Right Now

Friends, Rich here from the Unseminary Friends, Rich here from the Unseminary Podcast. Thanks so much for tuning in. Podcast. Thanks so much for tuning in. Podcast. Thanks so much for tuning in. We've got a very special compilation We've got a very special compilation We've got a very special compilation episode for you. Listen, I have heard episode for you. Listen, I have heard episode for you. Listen, I have heard echoes of similar things happening over echoes of similar things happening over echoes of similar things happening over the last year or so on the podcast. So, the last year or so on the podcast. So, the last year or so on the podcast. So, we're pulling together these episodes we're pulling together these episodes we're pulling together these episodes cuz I want to point out to you critical cuz I want to point out to you critical cuz I want to point out to you critical lessons for your church, particularly lessons for your church, particularly lessons for your church, particularly here in the summertime as you think here in the summertime as you think here in the summertime as you think about what are some things that we about what are some things that we about what are some things that we should be reloading for this fall. should be reloading for this fall. should be reloading for this fall. Listen friends, you know, and I know Listen friends, you know, and I know Listen friends, you know, and I know that you and I are a part of the local that you and I are a part of the local that you and I are a part of the local church and the local church is the only church and the local church is the only church and the local church is the only organization in the world that exists organization in the world that exists organization in the world that exists for people that are not here yet. You for people that are not here yet. You for people that are not here yet. You and I should be fanatically focused on and I should be fanatically focused on and I should be fanatically focused on the front door. We should be firsttime the front door. We should be firsttime the front door. We should be firsttime guest obsessed. And on today's episode, guest obsessed. And on today's episode, guest obsessed. And on today's episode, I want to peek in on four discussions I want to peek in on four discussions I want to peek in on four discussions that talk about changing dynamics when that talk about changing dynamics when that talk about changing dynamics when it comes to connecting with firsttime it comes to connecting with firsttime it comes to connecting with firsttime guests. And no conversation around this guests. And no conversation around this guests. And no conversation around this whole area of assimilation would be whole area of assimilation would be whole area of assimilation would be complete without talking to and complete without talking to and complete without talking to and listening to Greg Curtis. If you do not listening to Greg Curtis. If you do not listening to Greg Curtis. If you do not know Greg, where have you been? He's know Greg, where have you been? He's know Greg, where have you been? He's been at East Side Church for the last been at East Side Church for the last been at East Side Church for the last decade running their assimilation work decade running their assimilation work decade running their assimilation work and he's really seeing some interesting and he's really seeing some interesting and he's really seeing some interesting shifts in particularly young adults when shifts in particularly young adults when shifts in particularly young adults when it come that I keep seeing across the it come that I keep seeing across the it come that I keep seeing across the country. And in this clip, he's going to country. And in this clip, he's going to country. And in this clip, he's going to open up and tell you about a sh a subtle open up and tell you about a sh a subtle open up and tell you about a sh a subtle shift that he has seen and some of the shift that he has seen and some of the shift that he has seen and some of the changes they've made around assimilating changes they've made around assimilating changes they've made around assimilating people when they come in. Now, today's people when they come in. Now, today's people when they come in. Now, today's conversation we're going to really frame

conversation we're going to really frame conversation we're going to really frame around Greg's threepart model. We talk around Greg's threepart model. We talk around Greg's threepart model. We talk about the screen to the seat, the seat about the screen to the seat, the seat about the screen to the seat, the seat to the circle, and then the circle to to the circle, and then the circle to to the circle, and then the circle to the street. We want you to understand the street. We want you to understand the street. We want you to understand that how we're connecting with guests that how we're connecting with guests that how we're connecting with guests today is different than what it looked today is different than what it looked today is different than what it looked like 5 years ago. It's definitely like 5 years ago. It's definitely like 5 years ago. It's definitely different than what it looked like different than what it looked like different than what it looked like precoid. So, let's listen in first and precoid. So, let's listen in first and precoid. So, let's listen in first and see if we can catch what Greg is seeing see if we can catch what Greg is seeing see if we can catch what Greg is seeing and think about the dynamics that you're and think about the dynamics that you're and think about the dynamics that you're seeing at your church. Listen into what seeing at your church. Listen into what seeing at your church. Listen into what Greg's got to say. People get Greg's got to say. People get Greg's got to say. People get assimilated, get connected. What What assimilated, get connected. What What assimilated, get connected. What What have you noticed? maybe something that's have you noticed? maybe something that's have you noticed? maybe something that's that that's maybe different in the way that that's maybe different in the way that that's maybe different in the way people are engaging right now that's people are engaging right now that's people are engaging right now that's different than maybe even a year or two different than maybe even a year or two different than maybe even a year or two ago ago ago >> over a crescendo over the last two years >> over a crescendo over the last two years >> over a crescendo over the last two years has been remarkable in its shift towards has been remarkable in its shift towards has been remarkable in its shift towards this is going to sound crazy because this is going to sound crazy because this is going to sound crazy because we're talking to churches they're we're talking to churches they're we're talking to churches they're wanting God now wanting God now wanting God now >> and what I what I mean by that is prior >> and what I what I mean by that is prior >> and what I what I mean by that is prior we were having to sell the benefits of we were having to sell the benefits of we were having to sell the benefits of following Jesus most most most growing following Jesus most most most growing following Jesus most most most growing churches which there are. And I think it churches which there are. And I think it churches which there are. And I think it was a compelling thing to share with the was a compelling thing to share with the was a compelling thing to share with the culture. And so people were coming to culture. And so people were coming to culture. And so people were coming to church to find community, church to find community, church to find community, >> to find help with parenting, >> to find help with parenting, >> to find help with parenting, >> to find support in marriage or to, you >> to find support in marriage or to, you >> to find support in marriage or to, you know, a a variety of different things.

know, a a variety of different things. know, a a variety of different things. And so um the draw and and what was And so um the draw and and what was And so um the draw and and what was causing people to engage with church was causing people to engage with church was causing people to engage with church was really what can what help in my life? really what can what help in my life? really what can what help in my life? How can increase the quality of my life? How can increase the quality of my life? How can increase the quality of my life? maybe even get some pretty uh powerful maybe even get some pretty uh powerful maybe even get some pretty uh powerful pain points addressed. This has shifted. pain points addressed. This has shifted. pain points addressed. This has shifted. I'll put it in the terms of our um our I'll put it in the terms of our um our I'll put it in the terms of our um our young adult pastor. His name is Charles. young adult pastor. His name is Charles. young adult pastor. His name is Charles. He came to me. He said, "Greg, prior to He came to me. He said, "Greg, prior to He came to me. He said, "Greg, prior to a few uh uh two, three years ago, a few uh uh two, three years ago, a few uh uh two, three years ago, >> maybe not even that long. He said young >> maybe not even that long. He said young >> maybe not even that long. He said young adults were coming 80% of them to find adults were coming 80% of them to find adults were coming 80% of them to find friends and community and about 20% to friends and community and about 20% to friends and community and about 20% to find God." find God." find God." >> He goes, "It's flipped. >> He goes, "It's flipped. >> He goes, "It's flipped. >> It's flipped. Now it's 80% God. >> It's flipped. Now it's 80% God. >> It's flipped. Now it's 80% God. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And 20% community. And that has >> And 20% community. And that has >> And 20% community. And that has expressed itself in some remarkable expressed itself in some remarkable expressed itself in some remarkable ways. I'll just throw two out. At the ways. I'll just throw two out. At the ways. I'll just throw two out. At the end of last year, I was covering end of last year, I was covering end of last year, I was covering somebody, a pastor who was going to somebody, a pastor who was going to somebody, a pastor who was going to baptize somebody after the service. He baptize somebody after the service. He baptize somebody after the service. He had to be gone. So I said, "Yeah, I'll had to be gone. So I said, "Yeah, I'll had to be gone. So I said, "Yeah, I'll cover it." So in our context, I'll meet cover it." So in our context, I'll meet cover it." So in our context, I'll meet that person ahead of time and kind of that person ahead of time and kind of that person ahead of time and kind of show them where to sit in the service, show them where to sit in the service, show them where to sit in the service, when to come out, where the baptistry when to come out, where the baptistry when to come out, where the baptistry is, etc. And I met her. She was 28 years is, etc. And I met her. She was 28 years is, etc. And I met her. She was 28 years old named Connie. And I said uh uh as old named Connie. And I said uh uh as old named Connie. And I said uh uh as we're walking to the baptistry, "So, you we're walking to the baptistry, "So, you we're walking to the baptistry, "So, you know, I asked these typical questions.

know, I asked these typical questions. know, I asked these typical questions. How how long you been coming to East How how long you been coming to East How how long you been coming to East Side, which is my church, and she says, Side, which is my church, and she says, Side, which is my church, and she says, "Oh, I've I've never been to East Side." "Oh, I've I've never been to East Side." "Oh, I've I've never been to East Side." I was like, "Oh, so you're from our I was like, "Oh, so you're from our I was like, "Oh, so you're from our online campus?" online campus?" online campus?" >> And she goes, "No, I've never really >> And she goes, "No, I've never really >> And she goes, "No, I've never really heard of East Side." And I said, "Well, heard of East Side." And I said, "Well, heard of East Side." And I said, "Well, what's led you to be baptized today?" what's led you to be baptized today?" what's led you to be baptized today?" >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> And this was her story. She goes, "I >> And this was her story. She goes, "I >> And this was her story. She goes, "I grew up in a very non-religious home and grew up in a very non-religious home and grew up in a very non-religious home and I've I've never been to church and I I've I've never been to church and I I've I've never been to church and I have um I vowed I'd never even date a have um I vowed I'd never even date a have um I vowed I'd never even date a religious person, but I had some friends religious person, but I had some friends religious person, but I had some friends three months ago that invited me to three months ago that invited me to three months ago that invited me to watch The Chosen with them. watch The Chosen with them. watch The Chosen with them. >> I didn't want to. I was mad at myself >> I didn't want to. I was mad at myself >> I didn't want to. I was mad at myself for getting engaged after the first for getting engaged after the first for getting engaged after the first episode. Kept watching. Decided to buy episode. Kept watching. Decided to buy episode. Kept watching. Decided to buy myself a Bible two months ago. I started myself a Bible two months ago. I started myself a Bible two months ago. I started reading the Old Testament and New reading the Old Testament and New reading the Old Testament and New Testament concurrently and decided, I Testament concurrently and decided, I Testament concurrently and decided, I love Jesus and I want to follow him. And love Jesus and I want to follow him. And love Jesus and I want to follow him. And I could tell what I needed to do was get I could tell what I needed to do was get I could tell what I needed to do was get baptized, but get this, I'm the game day baptized, but get this, I'm the game day baptized, but get this, I'm the game day operations coordinator for the NFL. operations coordinator for the NFL. operations coordinator for the NFL. So, I work on Sundays and I just Googled So, I work on Sundays and I just Googled So, I work on Sundays and I just Googled who would baptize me on a Saturday and who would baptize me on a Saturday and who would baptize me on a Saturday and your form came up and I filled it out.

your form came up and I filled it out. your form came up and I filled it out. So, here I am. So, here I am. So, here I am. >> Wow, that's amazing. >> Wow, that's amazing. >> Wow, that's amazing. >> Um, yeah. And and I'll tell you what, >> Um, yeah. And and I'll tell you what, >> Um, yeah. And and I'll tell you what, she didn't know, Rich, that this baptism she didn't know, Rich, that this baptism she didn't know, Rich, that this baptism was going to be in front of other people was going to be in front of other people was going to be in front of other people until we were in the water and the whole until we were in the water and the whole until we were in the water and the whole church was looking at her. church was looking at her. church was looking at her. >> Wow. That's incredible. >> Wow. That's incredible. >> Wow. That's incredible. >> Okay. The the the questions she had, we >> Okay. The the the questions she had, we >> Okay. The the the questions she had, we we've remained in touch. The questions we've remained in touch. The questions we've remained in touch. The questions she she asks are so precious. I mean, she she asks are so precious. I mean, she she asks are so precious. I mean, but I'm telling you, I met with somebody but I'm telling you, I met with somebody but I'm telling you, I met with somebody I I've had a few of those that are I I've had a few of those that are I I've had a few of those that are similar. That one's pretty dramatic, but similar. That one's pretty dramatic, but similar. That one's pretty dramatic, but are very similar. No background at all. are very similar. No background at all. are very similar. No background at all. They're coming because they're having a They're coming because they're having a They're coming because they're having a God moment before they get to us. God moment before they get to us. God moment before they get to us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that's a big shift because God is >> And that's a big shift because God is >> And that's a big shift because God is doing something literally worldwide and doing something literally worldwide and doing something literally worldwide and in our culture right now that they're in our culture right now that they're in our culture right now that they're coming to us to find God and they're coming to us to find God and they're coming to us to find God and they're already they're already encountering him already they're already encountering him already they're already encountering him in some way and they need help with that in some way and they need help with that in some way and they need help with that and want it. And that's a huge shift. and want it. And that's a huge shift. and want it. And that's a huge shift. >> Fantastic. Listen, if 80% of the guests >> Fantastic. Listen, if 80% of the guests >> Fantastic. Listen, if 80% of the guests are arriving at your church with a God are arriving at your church with a God are arriving at your church with a God question burning in their heart, the question burning in their heart, the question burning in their heart, the first 60 minutes, what we do every first 60 minutes, what we do every first 60 minutes, what we do every single weekend is critically important.

single weekend is critically important. single weekend is critically important. I have seen this over my career. Listen, I have seen this over my career. Listen, I have seen this over my career. Listen, I had recently one of those birthdays I had recently one of those birthdays I had recently one of those birthdays with a zero on the end, and I can tell with a zero on the end, and I can tell with a zero on the end, and I can tell you as someone who's been three day you as someone who's been three day you as someone who's been three day three decades into ministry experience, three decades into ministry experience, three decades into ministry experience, uh there was a time where people uh there was a time where people uh there was a time where people stumbled into our churches. And that's stumbled into our churches. And that's stumbled into our churches. And that's just frankly not happening anymore. just frankly not happening anymore. just frankly not happening anymore. People are arriving with real questions. People are arriving with real questions. People are arriving with real questions. And you know, we might have been able to And you know, we might have been able to And you know, we might have been able to in a previous generation entertain them in a previous generation entertain them in a previous generation entertain them or try to diffuse this idea that like we or try to diffuse this idea that like we or try to diffuse this idea that like we ain't your mama's church. But that isn't ain't your mama's church. But that isn't ain't your mama's church. But that isn't where people are at anymore. They're where people are at anymore. They're where people are at anymore. They're coming with real life questions in their coming with real life questions in their coming with real life questions in their heart. They're not stumbling into your heart. They're not stumbling into your heart. They're not stumbling into your church on Sunday morning because they church on Sunday morning because they church on Sunday morning because they don't know what's going on there. don't know what's going on there. don't know what's going on there. They're coming looking for real They're coming looking for real They're coming looking for real questions. And you and I, our processes, questions. And you and I, our processes, questions. And you and I, our processes, what we do on Sunday morning has got to what we do on Sunday morning has got to what we do on Sunday morning has got to meet that intensity. We can't just hand meet that intensity. We can't just hand meet that intensity. We can't just hand them a coffee mug and say, "We'll see them a coffee mug and say, "We'll see them a coffee mug and say, "We'll see you next week." We've got to follow them you next week." We've got to follow them you next week." We've got to follow them up with some fervor and excitement and up with some fervor and excitement and up with some fervor and excitement and frankly a bit more intensity than what frankly a bit more intensity than what frankly a bit more intensity than what most churches are doing. I love this most churches are doing. I love this most churches are doing. I love this conversation that's coming up with John conversation that's coming up with John conversation that's coming up with John Sers. He's executive pastor of locations Sers. He's executive pastor of locations Sers. He's executive pastor of locations at Journey Church in Central Florida.

at Journey Church in Central Florida. at Journey Church in Central Florida. three campuses with a fourth on the way three campuses with a fourth on the way three campuses with a fourth on the way and is one of the most consistently and is one of the most consistently and is one of the most consistently fastest growing churches in the c fastest growing churches in the c fastest growing churches in the c country. Now listen to what John talks country. Now listen to what John talks country. Now listen to what John talks about when he talks about the followup about when he talks about the followup about when he talks about the followup process that they aren't just leaving it process that they aren't just leaving it process that they aren't just leaving it to chance. They are working with to chance. They are working with to chance. They are working with intention to move these firsttime guests intention to move these firsttime guests intention to move these firsttime guests and get them plugged in. The question I and get them plugged in. The question I and get them plugged in. The question I have for you is, is this the kind of have for you is, is this the kind of have for you is, is this the kind of intensity that you're following up your intensity that you're following up your intensity that you're following up your first time guests with? Let's listen in. first time guests with? Let's listen in. first time guests with? Let's listen in. So, at our church, every location has um So, at our church, every location has um So, at our church, every location has um a tent. It's a new here tent. And so, a tent. It's a new here tent. And so, a tent. It's a new here tent. And so, the first step that we're communicating, the first step that we're communicating, the first step that we're communicating, the the clear step on that first or the the clear step on that first or the the clear step on that first or second week is, man, stop by the tent. second week is, man, stop by the tent. second week is, man, stop by the tent. Like, I know that's a big step. And we Like, I know that's a big step. And we Like, I know that's a big step. And we have to remind our serve team and behind have to remind our serve team and behind have to remind our serve team and behind the curtain that seems simple to us, but the curtain that seems simple to us, but the curtain that seems simple to us, but like to a new person at a church, even like to a new person at a church, even like to a new person at a church, even going to a tent or making themselves going to a tent or making themselves going to a tent or making themselves known by filling out a connect card, known by filling out a connect card, known by filling out a connect card, even if it's digital, like that's a big even if it's digital, like that's a big even if it's digital, like that's a big step for somebody. And so, a lot of our step for somebody. And so, a lot of our step for somebody. And so, a lot of our communication is go to the tent. we'd communication is go to the tent. we'd communication is go to the tent. we'd love to meet you. We've got a gift card love to meet you. We've got a gift card love to meet you. We've got a gift card for you just to celebrate the step of for you just to celebrate the step of for you just to celebrate the step of faith you took to be here today. And so faith you took to be here today. And so faith you took to be here today. And so once they take that step, it starts us once they take that step, it starts us once they take that step, it starts us being able to follow up, you know, being able to follow up, you know, being able to follow up, you know, through text messages, emails, phone through text messages, emails, phone through text messages, emails, phone calls, calls, calls, >> and really encouraging them to step into >> and really encouraging them to step into >> and really encouraging them to step into our next steps class. And so when they our next steps class. And so when they our next steps class. And so when they step into our next steps class, um, one step into our next steps class, um, one step into our next steps class, um, one of the things we're even constantly of the things we're even constantly of the things we're even constantly trying to think through what we call it trying to think through what we call it trying to think through what we call it because class probably isn't the best because class probably isn't the best because class probably isn't the best way to describe it. And we're actually way to describe it. And we're actually way to describe it. And we're actually revamping it right now. But for us, even revamping it right now. But for us, even revamping it right now. But for us, even that Next Steps class is a roundt. It's that Next Steps class is a roundt. It's that Next Steps class is a roundt. It's relational. It's getting them around our

relational. It's getting them around our relational. It's getting them around our Next Steps team that wants to hear their Next Steps team that wants to hear their Next Steps team that wants to hear their story. You know, what brought you story. You know, what brought you story. You know, what brought you through the doors. Uh wants to begin to through the doors. Uh wants to begin to through the doors. Uh wants to begin to hear, you know, about maybe what's on hear, you know, about maybe what's on hear, you know, about maybe what's on their heart, where are they at, what's their heart, where are they at, what's their heart, where are they at, what's their next faith step. And so those are their next faith step. And so those are their next faith step. And so those are are the first couple of weeks. If if we are the first couple of weeks. If if we are the first couple of weeks. If if we can um encourage them to stop by the can um encourage them to stop by the can um encourage them to stop by the tent, that allows us to stay in contact tent, that allows us to stay in contact tent, that allows us to stay in contact with them relationally. And then the with them relationally. And then the with them relationally. And then the next step would be, man, go to one of next step would be, man, go to one of next step would be, man, go to one of our next steps classes after a service. our next steps classes after a service. our next steps classes after a service. >> Yeah, that's good. Can we pull apart a >> Yeah, that's good. Can we pull apart a >> Yeah, that's good. Can we pull apart a bit of the detail there just cuz I know bit of the detail there just cuz I know bit of the detail there just cuz I know people are ask are wondering this people are ask are wondering this people are ask are wondering this because I get these questions. So it because I get these questions. So it because I get these questions. So it sounds like when you arrive at the new sounds like when you arrive at the new sounds like when you arrive at the new year tent there's a gift card there. year tent there's a gift card there. year tent there's a gift card there. Where is that gift card for? What is Where is that gift card for? What is Where is that gift card for? What is that and what is the value of that? What that and what is the value of that? What that and what is the value of that? What what do you and why a gift card? Talk to what do you and why a gift card? Talk to what do you and why a gift card? Talk to us about that. us about that. us about that. >> Yes. So for now we've and we've >> Yes. So for now we've and we've >> Yes. So for now we've and we've experimented. We'll change we'll change experimented. We'll change we'll change experimented. We'll change we'll change this up like constantly. But right now this up like constantly. But right now this up like constantly. But right now it's for a local coffee shop and it's it's for a local coffee shop and it's it's for a local coffee shop and it's it's literally a $5 gift card. It's just it's literally a $5 gift card. It's just it's literally a $5 gift card. It's just a thank you to say thank you for coming. a thank you to say thank you for coming. a thank you to say thank you for coming. It's it's a little gift bag. It's got It's it's a little gift bag. It's got It's it's a little gift bag. It's got information about our church obviously information about our church obviously information about our church obviously and it's just a step to the way we and it's just a step to the way we and it's just a step to the way we phrase it is we know it's a big step of phrase it is we know it's a big step of phrase it is we know it's a big step of faith you took to be here today and so faith you took to be here today and so faith you took to be here today and so we just want to celebrate we just want to celebrate we just want to celebrate >> the fact that you made it in the room >> the fact that you made it in the room >> the fact that you made it in the room and so that that's what it is. $5 on big and so that that's what it is. $5 on big and so that that's what it is. $5 on big events we'll do, you know, Journey events we'll do, you know, Journey events we'll do, you know, Journey Church cup and make it a little more, Church cup and make it a little more, Church cup and make it a little more, you know, more substantial, but it's you know, more substantial, but it's you know, more substantial, but it's just a $5 gift card to a local coffee just a $5 gift card to a local coffee just a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop.

shop. shop. >> Yeah, that's great. And I love the, you >> Yeah, that's great. And I love the, you >> Yeah, that's great. And I love the, you know, the the thinking behind that, know, the the thinking behind that, know, the the thinking behind that, friends that are listening in is friends that are listening in is friends that are listening in is sometimes what I see churches do, they sometimes what I see churches do, they sometimes what I see churches do, they be like, "Hey, if you want to get be like, "Hey, if you want to get be like, "Hey, if you want to get connected or if you if you've got connected or if you if you've got connected or if you if you've got interested about your next steps or if interested about your next steps or if interested about your next steps or if you're wondering where to go, drop by you're wondering where to go, drop by you're wondering where to go, drop by the the tent in the, you know, out the the tent in the, you know, out the the tent in the, you know, out outside." People are not asking that outside." People are not asking that outside." People are not asking that question when they first come. We we've question when they first come. We we've question when they first come. We we've got to take a celebratory step. And I got to take a celebratory step. And I got to take a celebratory step. And I like what you're saying. I love that like what you're saying. I love that like what you're saying. I love that language of like we want to celebrate language of like we want to celebrate language of like we want to celebrate the faith step you by being here today the faith step you by being here today the faith step you by being here today and we want to give you a gift in and we want to give you a gift in and we want to give you a gift in exchange for that. People will do that exchange for that. People will do that exchange for that. People will do that for a $5 gift card. for a $5 gift card. for a $5 gift card. or you know or you know coffee mug or or you know or you know coffee mug or or you know or you know coffee mug or whatever you know that's good and then whatever you know that's good and then whatever you know that's good and then the other thing that caught my attention the other thing that caught my attention the other thing that caught my attention you said was you said and we follow up you said was you said and we follow up you said was you said and we follow up with texts and emails talk about how you with texts and emails talk about how you with texts and emails talk about how you know how many of that what's that know how many of that what's that know how many of that what's that communication process look like this communication process look like this communication process look like this another area where I see churches drop another area where I see churches drop another area where I see churches drop the ball all the time the ball all the time the ball all the time >> sure it's a variety there's a workflow >> sure it's a variety there's a workflow >> sure it's a variety there's a workflow that we use through our database system that we use through our database system that we use through our database system planning center um that is owned by our planning center um that is owned by our planning center um that is owned by our weekend experience weekend experience weekend experience >> team members but basically it starts >> team members but basically it starts >> team members but basically it starts with an email from our lead pas pastor with an email from our lead pas pastor with an email from our lead pas pastor with a short video for them to watch a with a short video for them to watch a with a short video for them to watch a message directly from him.

message directly from him. message directly from him. >> It includes a text message or phone call >> It includes a text message or phone call >> It includes a text message or phone call from the location pastors um within two from the location pastors um within two from the location pastors um within two weeks. weeks. weeks. >> It includes other text messages and >> It includes other text messages and >> It includes other text messages and emails. So it lasts about six weeks and emails. So it lasts about six weeks and emails. So it lasts about six weeks and it's more information about how to take it's more information about how to take it's more information about how to take steps at our church. And so some of it's steps at our church. And so some of it's steps at our church. And so some of it's vision, a lot of it is is geared towards vision, a lot of it is is geared towards vision, a lot of it is is geared towards stepping into the next steps class. Uh stepping into the next steps class. Uh stepping into the next steps class. Uh but yes, it's multiple and it's a but yes, it's multiple and it's a but yes, it's multiple and it's a variety and it's over the span of six variety and it's over the span of six variety and it's over the span of six weeks. And then we even have, you know, weeks. And then we even have, you know, weeks. And then we even have, you know, workflows built out that, you know, if workflows built out that, you know, if workflows built out that, you know, if somebody goes through that six week somebody goes through that six week somebody goes through that six week process without taking a next step, that process without taking a next step, that process without taking a next step, that periodically will check back in with periodically will check back in with periodically will check back in with them. them. them. >> Boring stuff grows churches. I've said >> Boring stuff grows churches. I've said >> Boring stuff grows churches. I've said it before, I'm going to keep saying it. it before, I'm going to keep saying it. it before, I'm going to keep saying it. A monthly next steps cadence or new year A monthly next steps cadence or new year A monthly next steps cadence or new year cadence, whatever you call it at your cadence, whatever you call it at your cadence, whatever you call it at your church, a $5 gift card may not be church, a $5 gift card may not be church, a $5 gift card may not be exciting, but it's the kind of thing exciting, but it's the kind of thing exciting, but it's the kind of thing that we see time and time again at fast that we see time and time again at fast that we see time and time again at fast growing churches. But the question is growing churches. But the question is growing churches. But the question is what happens after week six? Where do we what happens after week six? Where do we what happens after week six? Where do we take people beyond this initial take people beyond this initial take people beyond this initial connection? In fact, I've seen in some connection? In fact, I've seen in some connection? In fact, I've seen in some churches uh that have done extensive churches uh that have done extensive churches uh that have done extensive studies on this, if people do not get studies on this, if people do not get studies on this, if people do not get plugged in in the first 100 days, they plugged in in the first 100 days, they plugged in in the first 100 days, they might come, they might even come back, might come, they might even come back, might come, they might even come back, but if they don't take a significant but if they don't take a significant but if they don't take a significant step, that is get on a team or in a step, that is get on a team or in a step, that is get on a team or in a group in those first 100 days, they will group in those first 100 days, they will group in those first 100 days, they will just not connect to your church. So, I just not connect to your church. So, I just not connect to your church. So, I want to peek in on a conversation we had want to peek in on a conversation we had want to peek in on a conversation we had with Ashley Lent. She's the connections with Ashley Lent. She's the connections with Ashley Lent. She's the connections pastor at a fantastic church, Lutheran pastor at a fantastic church, Lutheran pastor at a fantastic church, Lutheran Church of Hope, a multi-sight church Church of Hope, a multi-sight church Church of Hope, a multi-sight church with seven campuses in central Iowa.

with seven campuses in central Iowa. with seven campuses in central Iowa. There's 7,000 people at their one There's 7,000 people at their one There's 7,000 people at their one location every single weekend. And she location every single weekend. And she location every single weekend. And she really takes the longer arc view. Where really takes the longer arc view. Where really takes the longer arc view. Where do we go? It's really you going back to do we go? It's really you going back to do we go? It's really you going back to what Greg talked about. There's this what Greg talked about. There's this what Greg talked about. There's this there's this kind of seat to circle and there's this kind of seat to circle and there's this kind of seat to circle and then there's the circle to street. then there's the circle to street. then there's the circle to street. That's what this conversation is all That's what this conversation is all That's what this conversation is all about. How do we get these people who about. How do we get these people who about. How do we get these people who have taken these first few steps? What have taken these first few steps? What have taken these first few steps? What are we doing to get them actually are we doing to get them actually are we doing to get them actually plugged in? Let's listen in to what plugged in? Let's listen in to what plugged in? Let's listen in to what Ashley has to say. There's so much we Ashley has to say. There's so much we Ashley has to say. There's so much we can learn here. And again, I want you to can learn here. And again, I want you to can learn here. And again, I want you to be thinking about when you think about be thinking about when you think about be thinking about when you think about this fall at your church, is there a way this fall at your church, is there a way this fall at your church, is there a way are there some things you should be are there some things you should be are there some things you should be adjusting as we go into the fall? adjusting as we go into the fall? adjusting as we go into the fall? >> One of the tools that we use and it is >> One of the tools that we use and it is >> One of the tools that we use and it is very much an internal tool is what I very much an internal tool is what I very much an internal tool is what I would call it. We call it the hope would call it. We call it the hope would call it. We call it the hope circle. And it is what I would call a circle. And it is what I would call a circle. And it is what I would call a disciplehip tool or a disciplehip disciplehip tool or a disciplehip disciplehip tool or a disciplehip pathway. And if I were to say that to pathway. And if I were to say that to pathway. And if I were to say that to our congregation members, they would our congregation members, they would our congregation members, they would really have no idea what I'm talking really have no idea what I'm talking really have no idea what I'm talking about. It is very internal. But it's about. It is very internal. But it's about. It is very internal. But it's helpful to identify where people are on helpful to identify where people are on helpful to identify where people are on this hope circle. And so the circle this hope circle. And so the circle this hope circle. And so the circle starts with being a seeker. At a church starts with being a seeker. At a church starts with being a seeker. At a church our size, we have people every weekend our size, we have people every weekend our size, we have people every weekend who have zero idea what the church thing who have zero idea what the church thing who have zero idea what the church thing is about. They've maybe never been is about. They've maybe never been is about. They've maybe never been introduced to Jesus. Someone just introduced to Jesus. Someone just introduced to Jesus. Someone just invited them to church.

invited them to church. invited them to church. >> They maybe knew they needed church and >> They maybe knew they needed church and >> They maybe knew they needed church and walked in the door, but have no idea walked in the door, but have no idea walked in the door, but have no idea what to expect. And so they are seeking what to expect. And so they are seeking what to expect. And so they are seeking something uh that has been missing in something uh that has been missing in something uh that has been missing in their life. And so helping people their life. And so helping people their life. And so helping people identify if that's where you are. Here identify if that's where you are. Here identify if that's where you are. Here are kind of the very preliminary places are kind of the very preliminary places are kind of the very preliminary places that would be helpful for you to start that would be helpful for you to start that would be helpful for you to start plugging in. As we move around that plugging in. As we move around that plugging in. As we move around that circle, we get to believers, people who circle, we get to believers, people who circle, we get to believers, people who are like, "Okay, I'm bought into the are like, "Okay, I'm bought into the are like, "Okay, I'm bought into the Jesus thing. I've heard the message. I Jesus thing. I've heard the message. I Jesus thing. I've heard the message. I believe now what? Like I I want to believe now what? Like I I want to believe now what? Like I I want to understand this better. Like I believe understand this better. Like I believe understand this better. Like I believe in Jesus. I believe in God. Like I'm in Jesus. I believe in God. Like I'm in Jesus. I believe in God. Like I'm here for it, but I don't really know the here for it, but I don't really know the here for it, but I don't really know the things." things." things." >> So >> So >> So >> where where do we go from there? And how >> where where do we go from there? And how >> where where do we go from there? And how do we help them then move into like do we help them then move into like do we help them then move into like being super excited about Jesus? Like I being super excited about Jesus? Like I being super excited about Jesus? Like I don't just believe like I'm on fire for don't just believe like I'm on fire for don't just believe like I'm on fire for Jesus. I'm a follower, right? Like I am Jesus. I'm a follower, right? Like I am Jesus. I'm a follower, right? Like I am I am allin. My life looks different. I am allin. My life looks different. I am allin. My life looks different. I've been transformed. How do I follow I've been transformed. How do I follow I've been transformed. How do I follow him? And then how do you serve people in him? And then how do you serve people in him? And then how do you serve people in that arena too? Because that's going to that arena too? Because that's going to that arena too? Because that's going to look different than somebody who's come look different than somebody who's come look different than somebody who's come in as a seeker looking for Jesus and in as a seeker looking for Jesus and in as a seeker looking for Jesus and somebody who's on fire for Jesus. So how somebody who's on fire for Jesus. So how somebody who's on fire for Jesus. So how do we move them around the circle? So do we move them around the circle? So do we move them around the circle? So it's seeker, believer, follower, and it's seeker, believer, follower, and it's seeker, believer, follower, and then kind of the last part of our circle then kind of the last part of our circle then kind of the last part of our circle is servant, leader. How do we move them is servant, leader. How do we move them is servant, leader. How do we move them then into serving and letting the then into serving and letting the then into serving and letting the transformed nature of the gospel pour transformed nature of the gospel pour transformed nature of the gospel pour out of them into the world around us?

out of them into the world around us? out of them into the world around us? And I would say our secret sauce here at And I would say our secret sauce here at And I would say our secret sauce here at Hope is we love volunteers. Like as we Hope is we love volunteers. Like as we Hope is we love volunteers. Like as we move people around the hope circle, move people around the hope circle, move people around the hope circle, >> I and my colleagues, we want to equip >> I and my colleagues, we want to equip >> I and my colleagues, we want to equip people to lead. So being a servant people to lead. So being a servant people to lead. So being a servant leader inside these walls, but also leader inside these walls, but also leader inside these walls, but also outside these walls is really like outside these walls is really like outside these walls is really like that's what what's attractional to that's what what's attractional to that's what what's attractional to people is is letting them know like people is is letting them know like people is is letting them know like you're on fire for Jesus. Go tell you're on fire for Jesus. Go tell you're on fire for Jesus. Go tell everyone about it and serve in the arena everyone about it and serve in the arena everyone about it and serve in the arena you find yourself in, whether in the you find yourself in, whether in the you find yourself in, whether in the church or outside the church. church or outside the church. church or outside the church. >> A pathway you can't measure is a pathway >> A pathway you can't measure is a pathway >> A pathway you can't measure is a pathway you cannot improve. Friends, you've got you cannot improve. Friends, you've got you cannot improve. Friends, you've got a brain problem. over 200 people, you a brain problem. over 200 people, you a brain problem. over 200 people, you simply cannot track where people are at simply cannot track where people are at simply cannot track where people are at in the process. As we have talked about in the process. As we have talked about in the process. As we have talked about before, your mind literally cannot hold before, your mind literally cannot hold before, your mind literally cannot hold in place where all of these people are in place where all of these people are in place where all of these people are at in their process. And so underneath at in their process. And so underneath at in their process. And so underneath everything we've talked about today, you everything we've talked about today, you everything we've talked about today, you need a robust approach to data. Listen, need a robust approach to data. Listen, need a robust approach to data. Listen, your church database is a care your church database is a care your church database is a care mechanism. It's just a way we make sure mechanism. It's just a way we make sure mechanism. It's just a way we make sure people do not fall through the cracks.

people do not fall through the cracks. people do not fall through the cracks. And so everything that we've talked And so everything that we've talked And so everything that we've talked about in today's episode needs a robust about in today's episode needs a robust about in today's episode needs a robust approach to data and the way you handle approach to data and the way you handle approach to data and the way you handle data to move people just from a broad data to move people just from a broad data to move people just from a broad kind of like they're attending all the kind of like they're attending all the kind of like they're attending all the way through to caring ensuring that they way through to caring ensuring that they way through to caring ensuring that they are plugged in. So I want to peek into are plugged in. So I want to peek into are plugged in. So I want to peek into one final conversation. Ronnie Dong, one final conversation. Ronnie Dong, one final conversation. Ronnie Dong, she's the executive director of partner she's the executive director of partner she's the executive director of partner church success at touchpoint. Uh and but church success at touchpoint. Uh and but church success at touchpoint. Uh and but outside of that, she's formerly on staff outside of that, she's formerly on staff outside of that, she's formerly on staff at a large multi-sight church in in at a large multi-sight church in in at a large multi-sight church in in Columbus, Ohio. And touchpoint sits Columbus, Ohio. And touchpoint sits Columbus, Ohio. And touchpoint sits across hundreds of churches and Ronnie across hundreds of churches and Ronnie across hundreds of churches and Ronnie sees the patterns. Listen, what I want sees the patterns. Listen, what I want sees the patterns. Listen, what I want you to listen to carefully here is these you to listen to carefully here is these you to listen to carefully here is these four C's that she talks about four C's that she talks about four C's that she talks about conviction, collection, clarity, care, conviction, collection, clarity, care, conviction, collection, clarity, care, and ask your question. Are you doing and ask your question. Are you doing and ask your question. Are you doing this with your data? Do you does your this with your data? Do you does your this with your data? Do you does your data structure actually allow you to data structure actually allow you to data structure actually allow you to move people along in a way that ensures move people along in a way that ensures move people along in a way that ensures that we're actually getting them plugged that we're actually getting them plugged that we're actually getting them plugged in? friends. I don't want you to miss in? friends. I don't want you to miss in? friends. I don't want you to miss the opportunity that God's bringing your the opportunity that God's bringing your the opportunity that God's bringing your way and this conversation could help you way and this conversation could help you way and this conversation could help you think differently about that think differently about that think differently about that particularly in the next couple months.

particularly in the next couple months. particularly in the next couple months. >> Let's uh alliterate some more. Like I >> Let's uh alliterate some more. Like I >> Let's uh alliterate some more. Like I said, I was on church for a long time. said, I was on church for a long time. said, I was on church for a long time. >> Yes, exactly. >> Yes, exactly. >> Yes, exactly. >> Memorable, right? So, this is a really >> Memorable, right? So, this is a really >> Memorable, right? So, this is a really simple framework that really is more simple framework that really is more simple framework that really is more stages. It's a progression. But even stages. It's a progression. But even stages. It's a progression. But even though it's simple, whether they know it though it's simple, whether they know it though it's simple, whether they know it or not, every church is in one of these or not, every church is in one of these or not, every church is in one of these stages when it comes to data driven stages when it comes to data driven stages when it comes to data driven disciplehip. And so the four kind of uh disciplehip. And so the four kind of uh disciplehip. And so the four kind of uh C's of this or stages are conviction, C's of this or stages are conviction, C's of this or stages are conviction, >> collection, clarity, and care. And I >> collection, clarity, and care. And I >> collection, clarity, and care. And I I'll just give a brief description of I'll just give a brief description of I'll just give a brief description of each of those and then we can go uh dive each of those and then we can go uh dive each of those and then we can go uh dive in a little bit deeper. in a little bit deeper. in a little bit deeper. conviction. Really, the question that conviction. Really, the question that conviction. Really, the question that we're answering here is, do you truly we're answering here is, do you truly we're answering here is, do you truly believe this matters even when it's not believe this matters even when it's not believe this matters even when it's not easy? easy? easy? >> So leaders believe that shephering is >> So leaders believe that shephering is >> So leaders believe that shephering is important, but do we want to move into important, but do we want to move into important, but do we want to move into doing it proactively? And are we doing it proactively? And are we doing it proactively? And are we comfortable using data as a tool to do comfortable using data as a tool to do comfortable using data as a tool to do that well? So that's kind of the that well? So that's kind of the that well? So that's kind of the conviction piece. Do you really believe conviction piece. Do you really believe conviction piece. Do you really believe that this matters collection? Then are that this matters collection? Then are that this matters collection? Then are you committed to consistently gathering you committed to consistently gathering you committed to consistently gathering the data that's needed, not just once, the data that's needed, not just once, the data that's needed, not just once, but as a rhythm? It's hard work, but it but as a rhythm? It's hard work, but it but as a rhythm? It's hard work, but it is a worthy cause, a valiant effort.

is a worthy cause, a valiant effort. is a worthy cause, a valiant effort. Let's move to clarity real quick. Again, Let's move to clarity real quick. Again, Let's move to clarity real quick. Again, the question we're answering is now that the question we're answering is now that the question we're answering is now that you have the data, do you have the you have the data, do you have the you have the data, do you have the insight? Do you really see what it's insight? Do you really see what it's insight? Do you really see what it's telling you? And what are we doing with telling you? And what are we doing with telling you? And what are we doing with it? And then the last one here, of it? And then the last one here, of it? And then the last one here, of course, is where we're acting on the course, is where we're acting on the course, is where we're acting on the insights to connect with our people. insights to connect with our people. insights to connect with our people. Will you actually act on the insights Will you actually act on the insights Will you actually act on the insights and shepherd people or will it stay and shepherd people or will it stay and shepherd people or will it stay theoretical? That's that's kind of where theoretical? That's that's kind of where theoretical? That's that's kind of where we're headed with this. We started this we're headed with this. We started this we're headed with this. We started this off today talking about how we see this off today talking about how we see this off today talking about how we see this pattern happening across the church and pattern happening across the church and pattern happening across the church and I think these four episodes really hang I think these four episodes really hang I think these four episodes really hang incredibly together. Greg Curtis, he incredibly together. Greg Curtis, he incredibly together. Greg Curtis, he really named the moment that we're in. I really named the moment that we're in. I really named the moment that we're in. I really do think that we're seeing really do think that we're seeing really do think that we're seeing something that is generationally something that is generationally something that is generationally important and I do not want your church important and I do not want your church important and I do not want your church to miss it. John Sers, I thought gave a to miss it. John Sers, I thought gave a to miss it. John Sers, I thought gave a really clear discussion around how we really clear discussion around how we really clear discussion around how we move these people that are arriving. How move these people that are arriving. How move these people that are arriving. How do we get them to take those first steps do we get them to take those first steps do we get them to take those first steps and get plugged in? than Ashley Lent. and get plugged in? than Ashley Lent. and get plugged in? than Ashley Lent. She unpacked what it looked like to go She unpacked what it looked like to go She unpacked what it looked like to go from the seat to the circle to the from the seat to the circle to the from the seat to the circle to the circle to the street pathway. What are circle to the street pathway. What are circle to the street pathway. What are we doing to actually get people to plug we doing to actually get people to plug we doing to actually get people to plug in deep in our community? And then in deep in our community? And then in deep in our community? And then finally, Ronnie brought it home, giving finally, Ronnie brought it home, giving finally, Ronnie brought it home, giving us a measurement layer to really bring us a measurement layer to really bring us a measurement layer to really bring the whole thing together in with some the whole thing together in with some the whole thing together in with some honesty and truth. Listen, this is the honesty and truth. Listen, this is the honesty and truth. Listen, this is the question. If I was sitting across from question. If I was sitting across from question. If I was sitting across from you and your staff this week, if if I you and your staff this week, if if I you and your staff this week, if if I was in your staff meeting, the question was in your staff meeting, the question was in your staff meeting, the question I would simply ask is this. Which of I would simply ask is this. Which of I would simply ask is this. Which of these four pieces is the weakest in our these four pieces is the weakest in our these four pieces is the weakest in our church as we approach this fall? And church as we approach this fall? And church as we approach this fall? And what's the smallest move we could make what's the smallest move we could make what's the smallest move we could make in the next 30 days to improve where in the next 30 days to improve where in the next 30 days to improve where this where we need to in these areas?

this where we need to in these areas? this where we need to in these areas? We've got links to all of these show We've got links to all of these show We've got links to all of these show notes before. Please stay tuned. We've notes before. Please stay tuned. We've notes before. Please stay tuned. We've got incredible episodes coming in up uh got incredible episodes coming in up uh got incredible episodes coming in up uh coming up all summer long and all fall coming up all summer long and all fall coming up all summer long and all fall long here at Unseminary. We're on a long here at Unseminary. We're on a long here at Unseminary. We're on a mission to help a 100 churches like mission to help a 100 churches like mission to help a 100 churches like yours grow by a thousand people by yours grow by a thousand people by yours grow by a thousand people by talking about stuff they don't talk talking about stuff they don't talk talking about stuff they don't talk about in seminary. Thanks so much for about in seminary. Thanks so much for about in seminary. Thanks so much for being here, friends. We'll see you next being here, friends. We'll see you next being here, friends. We'll see you next week. Take care.