I just finished reading FUSION by Nelson Searcy and I must say it was a true blessing. FUSION is a book about assimilating new people into your church – with a focus on how to move first time guests into working members.
For those who do not know Searcy is a protege of Rick Warren, and many of the concepts from Purpose Driven Church are expressed here. Searcy, however, has had his own experience with church growth in New York City, and he has a plainspoken and simple way of sharing methods and ideas with others. He has a podcast and a website . He also leads a coaching network and has published several books.
This book helped me because it addresses an area of my life and ministry that is weak – organization. I can’t say that there were any surprises in this book. There were no great secrets. There were no ideas that just WOWED me. But taking common sense things that need to be done and putting the flesh and bones of organization to them was very helpful.
Although much of the emphasis is placed on what happens at the church building, there is also considerable input into outreach following the first visit and subsequent visits. Here are a few concepts that I highlighted in the book:
*The concept that our guests are God’s gift to us. How did you receive them? Did you show the Giver your appreciation? Did you treat those gifts as they deserved to be treated by having a plan in place to integrate them into the life of your church? First time guests are extraordinary gifts full of unparalleled potential.
*Assimilation is intentional hospitality. While guests are in your company, they need to feel comfortable and valued, no matter where they are in their spiritual development.
*The most powerful word for change in your church is “Because”. When they understand the why, the what becomes a non-issue.
*We have been called to plant and water so that God can grow the harvest – and not to plant and water haphazardly, but to the best of our abilities as we are laboring for His Kingdom.
*Growing churches put their energy into reaching new people that God is bringing their way, while stagnating churches focus on reclaiming people who have passed through and fallen away.
*When guests return for a second look, you’ve won 80% of the battle of gaining new regular attenders and have drastically increased the chances that they will begin a journey with Christ.
This book offers valuable organizational information that has been a blessing to me, and we are already seeing some positive results as we begin implementing some of the principles Searcy explains. I highly recommend it to church leaders. In fact, I ordered one for each of our elders.
Thanks for reading,
John Dobbs
Sounds like a great book, thanks for sharing the information.
I hope to purchase and read it soon.
Janice, I believe you’ll find it a great resource in an easily accessible book. Enjoy it! jd
Being friendly and courteous and gracious to guests is not rocket science! We had a weekend seminar years ago with some famous author of a book on welcome teams. Our youth / family minister at that time was gung-ho on this guy. So we got everything in place and our teams organized and all the logistics worked out and then met on Sunday morning to pray for the guests God would bring to us. At that time, we were having over 400 guests a year walk through the doors. Trouble is, this guy in charge of the ministry was more interested in praying and logistics than in actually meeting the guests! We seldom got out of the prayer meeting in time to actually meet the guests! Needless to say, it was not a very successful ministry and we soon abandoned it (the only way to take it out of this guy’s hands) and went back to just being friendly.
Great point Greg … we have to actually talk to people, show them love … and it doesn’t come natural to everyone. Intentional friendliness is hospitality – a godly trait. Thanks for sharing! jd
I’m gonna have to get a copy now. We’ve been talking about this greeting/integration issue in our leadership meetings for a while, and trying to get a team together.
I know it sounds fake and forced, but when individuals are “just being friendly” some visitors will slip through the cracks. Some members are so busy “just being friendly” to members, or even new members, that they don’t even notice the 1st time guests. Gotta have a plan. But where there is no plan, “just being friendly” is a terrific substitute. THANKS.
Hope you enjoy the book Peter, we have to pay attention to the people around us … not just offer a ‘howdy’. jd
Good stuff John. Sounds like this book will be a worthy addition to any church leader’s library.
Royce
Thanks Royce! I believe it would. jd
I am finding the book fascinating.
Thanks for taking the time to read it Mike… it is fascinating! jd
Hey, thanks for this review. I have this book on my list and will read it now. We are working on doing a better job with this as well.
That’s great Matthew. Would love to know what you think about it. Of course you read 5 books to my 1. lol I always enjoy your reviews. jd
Thanks John – I’m honored that you would review my book. Thanks for your honesty and insights. Blessings!
Nelson
http://www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/blog
Thank YOU, Nelson, for helping to equip believers to do their best. jd