PP59 : Assimilation Systems
So what do you do when a new person shows up to church?
We are going to think broadly about the idea of assimilation systems today
This episode is a heavy “What and Why” around assimilation systems. You can dive deeper into the idea of pathway thinking in episodes 57 and 58. An assimilation system is a specific pathway around bringing new folks into the life of your church.
Start with the End in Mind.
What does a disciple look like in your church and context? Your assimilation system is the first step in a larger discipleship pathway and needs to reflect those goals and outcome. Don’t skip over this step. It will inform each step you take from here on out.
2. How will you collect information?
Are you old school and pass pew pads? (It’s coming back…trust me). Or you might have a connection card or digital app. Think through the way you are going to get information and what information you are prioritizing. Also, don’t forget about creating a culture of signing in rather than singling out folks who are new.
3. What will your system be?
You need to begin thinking through your system design. It really has two parts.
What will be our steps?
Where will we keep this information?
A commitment to an assimilation system isn’t a commitment to a specific process, but a commitment to intentionality.
4. Best Practices
Let’s go into 4 best practices. Speed, Separation, Relationship, and Have a Place.
Speed is all about reaching out fast. Don’t wait until Thursday. Separation means thinking through what it means for the person to be in contact with the pastor, but not for pastoral things. Relationship is prioritizing the OTHER (instead of the church). Finally, you need to have a specific place you keep this system. I recommend Trello.