Had some great info on how to treat first time guests and not scare them off. Practical information, and easy to do. ( )

There is some practical advice here about moving people from visitor to participant and full member. But this is one of those highly programmatic techniques for church growth. I don't need a silver bullet for ministry, not that there is anything wrong with that. ( )

The author's tested system to assimilate people into a congregation, beginning with the first visit through becoming a member.

Guidance is provided on how to create a welcoming atmosphere, how to treat first-time and second-time guests, the type of follow-up that should be done with first-time and second-time guests, how to involve and incorporate guests who have assembled more than twice into the life and work of the congregation, and then how to make members of those guests.

The system has great potential and value. The idea of the free gift for the first-time guest (that also happens to talk more about the Gospel) is great, along with the common sense way of working with guests. I'm not sold on the need for food, and am not sure that belonging before believing will work for everyone (but it is the way some will become believers).

Nevertheless, an essential resource for consideration for those who seek to strengthen God's Kingdom. ( )

Some great tips on thinking systematically about assimilation. ( )