Step 3: Engage Newcomers--the speedbump stage

I personally call this the speedbump stage because I find a lot of newcomers get stuck here. They know they are interested in the congregation but aren't quite a part of it yet. They are looking to build relationships and find a place. This is hard to do in seven minutes during coffee time in a room full of people. A small group setting of like minded people is needed.

From Other Canadian Congregations

In Saskatoon, we ask people to identify as "exploring friends". This kind of friendship expires in six months if not renewed or turned to membership. This is nice because it allows your greeters to encourage people to become exploring friends without either them or the congregation worrying about the commitment. I aim to invite people to exploring friendship around their third visit. I look over my list of exploring friends each week and spend a few minutes inviting people to various things (social events, volunteer opportunities, etc). I make a goal of inviting exploring friends to a smaller group event (I'm a big fan of dinners at my house because my husband loves to cook--but there are lots of other ways to do this) within two months of their change in designation.

http://canadian-unitarian-council.pbwiki.com/f/ucs%20exploring%20friend%20brochure.doc

New! A powerpoint presentation of Unitarian and Universalist history slides for your NewU course

First Steps: The Shortcut Version Involve new people in greeting. Once someone has started coming regularly, they are ready to be introduced to others in the congregation. When you invite a new person to greet, you give them the opportunity to become a part of the congregation. They can meet people. You get a chance to chat with them and learn a bit more about them while you’re setting up and taking down. And it adds no extra work, if you recruit greeters anyways. One warning: make sure that the person they’re working with is sociable and will make them feel comfortable.

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Stage 4: Retain Members