16 Things to Consider When Creating a New Members Class
Creating a new members class or program is essential for helping newcomers feel welcome, understand the church's mission and values, and become active participants in the community. Here are key considerations based on insights from the provided resources:
Define Your Purpose
Clarifying the goals of your membership class is crucial. This involves helping new members feel welcome, fostering church growth, promoting unity, and encouraging new members to get involved in serving. By clearly defining your purpose, you ensure that every aspect of the class aligns with these goals. For example, if the goal is to foster church growth, the class might emphasize outreach and evangelism opportunities.
Choose Relevant Content
Developing a curriculum that reflects your church’s story, beliefs, and future direction helps new members understand what the church stands for and where it’s headed. This could include the church's history, mission, vision, and expectations. Providing this content helps new members align themselves with the church’s goals and values.
Organize Introduction and Icebreakers
Starting with an introduction and icebreaker exercises helps participants feel comfortable and begin connecting with one another. This is crucial for building a sense of community from the very beginning.
Example: "Tell us about yourself, how long you've been attending our church, and one reason you chose to join.
Who’s Who in the Church
Introducing key church leaders, including ministers, staff, and key volunteers, helps new members become familiar with those leading the church. This familiarity increases comfort levels and fosters connections. Sharing photos and brief bios or event video introductions of church leaders can be very helpful here.
Church History and Milestones
Sharing the history of your church, including significant milestones and achievements, helps new members understand the church’s journey and mission. Visual aids like photos or timelines can make this more engaging. Giving historical context can help new members feel part of a larger story.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Clearly stating the church’s mission, vision, and values helps new members understand the purpose and goals of the church community. Show how these elements guide the church’s activities and decision-making processes.
Statement of Faith
Providing a detailed statement of faith that outlines the core beliefs of your church, along with scriptural references, ensures that new members understand the theological foundation of the church. This transparency helps in building trust and ensuring doctrinal alignment.
Expectations from Members
Clearly communicating what the church expects from its members in terms of spiritual growth, participation, and giving is crucial for setting the right expectations. This might also mean dispelling myths regarding expectations.
Support and Resources for Members
Explaining how the church supports its members through various programs and services, such as counseling, small groups, and ministry opportunities, helps new members feel cared for and valued. Providing a list of available support services and how to access them can be very helpful.
Strategic Objectives and Goals
Sharing the church’s strategic objectives and goals helps new members understand the practical steps the church is taking to achieve its mission. Discussing ongoing projects and how new members can contribute provides a sense of direction and purpose.
Volunteer Opportunities
Highlighting various volunteer roles and opportunities within the church encourages new members to get involved in serving the church community. Don’t forget to provide information on how to sign up for these different volunteer roles - make it easy for them to take a next step!
FAQs and Practical Information
Preparing a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section that covers common queries about church activities, leadership, and services helps new members find answers easily. Including information on service times, child care, and contact details for key personnel can be very practical. P.s. after creating this list consider posting it on your website too!
Schedule and Format
Offer classes before or after church services, or split the class into multiple sessions over a few days, depending on what works best for your church community.
Use of Multimedia and Handouts
Multimedia resources like videos, slides, and handouts makes the class more engaging and informative. Provide handouts new members can use as reference materials after the class (ex. key leaders and volunteer photos and names, a list of ministries, FAQs etc.)
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Collecting feedback from participants to continuously improve the membership class ensures that the program remains effective and relevant. Adjust the curriculum and format based on the feedback.
Follow-Up with Participants
Follow up with participants after the class to address any questions and help them integrate into the church community - don’t assume that one or two classes will help fully integrate new members into the wide church. Send a welcome email, invite them to small groups, and provide additional resources over the following months to ensure regular connections and support.