Statistics That May Surprise You!

In Robert L. Bast's book, Attracting New Members, he says, "When laypersons make 15-minute visits to the homes of first-time worship visitors within 36 hours, 85 percent of them return the following week. Make this home visit within 72 hours, and 60 percent of them return. Make it seven days later, and 15 percent return. The pastor making this call, rather than laypersons, cuts each result in half." These statistics speak loud and clear, and present an urgent challenge for immediate action!

Every member of this great church must arise and meet the challenge to graciously secure a commitment from first-time visitors to pay us a second visit! It's easy to understand the relatively poor results the pastor may have: Visitors expect as much from him. Quite naturally, they may surmise, "He only wants us back to satisfy his ego, or for the church's financial needs." But when YOU show up at his door you become an instant testimony. In effect, you're declaring that, "In place of me being used to satisfy the church's needs, the church is satisfying me and my family's personal needs!"

Notice the time constraints: Just a 15 minute visit! You may do this on your way home from work, or stop by going to the super market! Fifteen minutes is hardly time to discuss the weather, their home decor, their kids, or who won the latest game. It's just enough time for them to open the door and allow you to briefly introduce yourself, assuring them of your sincere interest in them. Rather than ask how they enjoyed the service, give them the genuine assurance that you enjoyed their visit! You may briefly and positively comment about your church. For example, "You may have noticed, one of the most enjoyable aspects of our church is the exciting involvement of our youth; they truly love singing in the choir and playing in the orchestra."

Yes, it's okay to do a little bragging in the Lord. Rather than attempting to evoke a complement about the service, you do the complementing! The very fact that you're happy speaks volumes. If your needs are being met, they may easily assume theirs will be too!

Don't overlook the need for swift action. The longer you wait to follow up a guest's visit, the less likely they will return.

Remember: A few ounces of gold is refined from literally tons of raw ore. The more "ore" we bring in for God's processing, the more "gold" He will ultimately refine. Let's go for the gold!