Shift From Lone Ranger To Assimilation Army This Easter

Ditch the Lone Ranger Approach

If you’re the only one who can do it right, you’re doing it wrong.

Every week, our churches see new attenders.  Some have been checking us out for a few months or weeks. Others are attending for the very first time. At the time of publication, Easter Sunday is just under two weeks away.  Many churches will see more guests and occasional attenders on Easter Sunday than any other day of the year.

The opportunity is great, but the window is small.  Church leader, as you approach Easter, remind yourself of this truth: nobody can do it all, but it all has to get done.  You need a devoted core of trained volunteers who can help you create a culture of hospitality and connection.

You need an assimilation army.

Ditch the Lone Ranger Approach

1. It’s not biblical.  Paul reminds pastors and church leaders of their primary task in Ephesians 4:12: “ equip the saints for the work of the ministry.” God calls pastors to train their members to carry out his mission. What better way to start than by creating an army of connectors?

2. It’s not moral. When we try to do it all, it’s because - on some level - we actually think we can. In some places, we even opt for a lesser outcome. However, that idea requires us to believe more of ourselves than is true, while at the same time, believing less of others than is true. If you’re the only one who can do it right, you’re doing it wrong. Sinful pride can deceive us into rejecting the grace provided by God in the form of a body of gifted believers; don’t take the bait! Invite others in with you.

3. It’s not wise. When we fail to think strategically about reaching our guests, we allow for the potential that they will slip through the cracks. Just consider the practicality of the one-man assimilation approach.  Even the most gifted pastors cannot be in two places at once. We are limited, finite beings. So, what happens when two guests arrive at the same time? When two families have questions that demand your full attention? In the one-man approach, one of those families loses every time.

Consistency Matters

If we say it from the pulpit, we have to say it with our actions.  If we say, “we’re glad you’re here,” we have to intentionally demonstrate that we are glad our guests are with us. Sometimes, however, our actions communicate that we did not prioritize or prepare for our guests. When we fail to train our volunteers in assimilation, it creates the perception that we haven’t thought deeply enough about the guest’s arrival to anticipate and meet their needs. It’s a totally different message from the one we’re trying to send.

This Easter, make it a point to create a consistent guest experience. Anticipate them. Train for them. Pray for them. Resist the urge to do it all. Instead, reach and retain your guests by inviting your volunteers into the mission with you.

Next time, I’ll share three ideas to help you turn your guest services volunteers into an assimilation army this Easter.

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