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“The Assembly as an Evangelistic Tool”
Categories: Bulletin Articles, Clay Gentry
The Assembly as an Evangelistic Tool
Imagine this: a visitor pulls into our parking lot for the first time. It’s Sunday morning, and they’re seeking something more. Are we truly maximizing this golden opportunity to connect with seeking hearts? Let’s explore twelve intentional strategies to transform our Sunday gatherings into welcoming spaces where the message resonates deeply, authentic connections are made, and visitors encounter the life-changing power of faith and community.
1. Invite and bring people to the assembly. Personal invitations are key! While we often have visitors from the community (people with no ties to JH), the strongest connections frequently begin with a personal invitation. Studies repeatedly show most church visitors come because someone they know invited them. So, ask someone to join you for an assembly. It could be a friend, family member, neighbor, or colleague. Offer to pick them up, introduce them to others, and have them for lunch. Your invitation could be the first step in their journey of faith. \
2. Prioritize your attendance. A well-attended assembly speaks volumes and shows you value communal worship. Your consistent presence strengthens the church and creates a warmer, more inviting atmosphere for visitors. Choose to sit closer to the front and alongside others, demonstrating your commitment to our shared faith and creating a sense of belonging that draws others in.
3. Set the stage in the parking lot. Before visitors even step foot inside, the welcome begins in the parking lot. Let’s make it a positive one with friendly faces, a helping hand for those needing it, clear signage guiding the way, and convenient parking spots readily available. It’s about ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition from the outside world to the warmth and fellowship within our walls.
4. Keep the building clean. A clean, well-maintained building communicates respect for both visitors and the sacredness of the gathering. It’s a shared responsibility to maintain a welcoming environment. Simple acts like picking up trash, straightening songbooks, not leaving things in the pew, keeping bathrooms tidy, and staying on top of general maintenance can make a big difference.
5. Welcome everyone equally. Treat everyone with dignity and respect, recognizing that the visitor who appears to be looking for a handout may be just as spiritually hungry as the family with kids seeking a church home. A welcoming environment for all communicates, God’s love and acceptance, paving the way for hearts to be open to the Gospel.
6. Guide visitors with clarity. Newcomers shouldn’t feel lost or confused. Clear signage (Can they find the bathroom?) and concise explanations about the assembly’s flow (What do I do with the communion cups?) can go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere. By demystifying the experience, visitors can relax, engage, and focus on what truly matters.
7. Extend heartfelt hospitality. Don’t just offer a passing hello. Engage visitors in genuine conversation, letting them get to know you and the congregation personally. Introduce them to one or two other members. Extend warm invitations for them to sit with you and to connect further – perhaps by joining you for lunch, inviting them to an event we are having, or even offering a personal Bible study. Let our hospitality reflect Christ’s love, making visitors feel welcomed and valued while nurturing a potential relationship with God.
8. Listen to our visitors. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of welcoming visitors, but genuine connection requires us to pause and truly listen. What questions do they have about God, faith, or the church? Are they new to town? What circumstances or needs led them through our doors today? Our willingness to listen and understand can be the foundation for lasting connections and spiritual growth.
9. Participate and engage in the assembly. Your active participation speaks volumes. When visitors see you fully engaged in the assembly – joyfully singing, reading along in a Bible, jotting down notes, and responding with an enthusiastic “Amen!” – it shows them that this gathering truly matters. This collective energy is a powerful, unspoken invitation to join and experience the same connection.
10. Put something into the visitor’s hands. From a bulletin, an informative brochure about the congregation, a “Mark: 40 Days with Jesus” journaling study, or a quality Bible – all available at our Welcome Center – don’t let visitors leave empty-handed. Providing spiritual resources demonstrates that we are invested in helping them connect with God and extending the impact of their experience beyond the assembly.
11. Follow up. We offer connection cards not for record-keeping, but to build relationships. A handwritten note expressing gratitude and offering a warm invitation to future assemblies and/or events can make a lasting impact. If it’s a visitor you connected with, offer a personal invitation to talk over coffee, dinner one night, or lunch after an assembly. Every personal touch strengthens the connection and shows visitors they are valued.
12. Pray, pray, and pray some more. Recognizing the assembly is an evangelistic tool, then fervent prayer is essential. Pray for God to open doors and lead those who need His message to our assembly. Pray that the message, songs, prayers, and people will resonate deeply with each visitor, speaking to their specific needs and circumstances.
Our assembly time isn’t just a ritual; it’s an opportunity. Let’s commit to making every assembly a time where everyone participates in creating an engaging worship environment, connections are made, and visitors encounter the life-changing power of faith and community.
