I asked this question over at the Lifeway discussion board, and got a resounding thud, meaning one stab at a reply in four or so days.
Here's the question:
The one response was probably correct that we're not sure how to measure true assimilation. Yet, if you are involved and engaged in your own church's culture (regardless of denominational expression, or lack thereof), you better be mindful of it.
So, just like I did at the bulletin board, I'll reply to the nonresponse with a repeated challenge to answer the question!
So please, in the comments, give your two cents...how do know when a fresh face in your congregation is connecting with the church family and the church mission? If our "emerging leaders" cannot identify the markers, maybe they'll be well served to hear the answer from the pews. Maybe your answer can share how you knew when you yourself were connected.
Please, share!
December 6, 2004 11:29 PMUsually by their level of involvement in the church, and my own interaction with them.
It's hard to do, though -- we had a new member when I was south of Atlanta who everyone thought was wonderful, and we had him working with the senior high youth group. He wasn't on board with the program our senior pastor wanted to put in place, and ended up sabotaging things. Found out later on that he was FAR from on board doctrinally, but he was the only one willing to work with the youth at the time, so he got the job. MAJOR mistake on our part, and it has made me a bit skeptical of new members who want to hurry up and get involved (which is a bad thing on my part).
You have to get to know them. I think that a 'new members' class is a big help -- especially if it can be taught by the pastor or an associate pastor.
Posted by: Warren at December 8, 2004 3:18 PM