My first book Making the Church Work: Converting the Church for the 21st Century The revision includes new foreword and website links to each section of the book so the reader can engage with the most current research and church models. Can be ordered online www.transformingsolutions.org
Hospitality Evangelism: Sharing the Bread of Life, Produced by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 2000. Order by calling 1-888-801-4223. An excellent intensive training for raising the awareness and skill of the congregations in receiving newcomers in an effective manner.
Films/Videos
From Church Growth Inc. Suite 201, 2670 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016. Phone 1-800-423-4844.
a. "See You Sunday" - A Call for a Warmer Welcome to Newcomers.
b. "But... I'm Just a Layman" - A call to involvement in the church.
From Stephens Ministry, 8016 Dale , St. Louis, MO 63117-1449. "17 Keys to Effective Ministry to Inactive Members, Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk. Cost $49.95. www.stephensministry.org
From Baptist State Convention of NC Communication Division - Call 1-800-395-5102, Ext. 160
a. "Nurturing New Members Through the Survival Kit Family (DT86-518)
b. "Training Encouragers" (DT89-503) Outlines the role and responsibilities of an encourager, how to make an encourager visit, and explains the use of the Survival Kit.
c. "Building Discipline Into the Life of the Congregation" Interview with Dr. Findley Edge, Professor Emeritus at Southern Baptist Seminary.
d. Assimilate & Grow Video Series - by Church Growth Today, Edited by Dr. John N. Vaughan, author, consultant and graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Produced in 1995. (Please see other side of this sheet for listing of models.)
Tapes 1-4 : How to Involve Members and Visitors - A series of working models of various denominations who are effectively assimilating new members and visitors. Each tape reviews various aspects of the model church’s ministry of assimilation presented in about 10-15 minute segments.
Models and Speakers include:
Models Presented on Tape 1 include:
Walter Kallestad, Community Church of Joy, Glendale, AZ
Lee Strobel, Willowcreek Community Church, S. Barrington, Illinois
James Merritt, First Baptist Church, Snellville, GA
Frank Barker, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL
Ted Haggard, New Life Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nolan Rollins, First Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA
Dick Robinson Elmsbrook Church, Waukausha, Wisconsin
John Morgan, Sagemont Baptist Church, Houston, TX
Models Presented on Tape 2 include:
Dr. John Ed Mathison, Frazer Memorial Methodist Church, Montgomery
Dr. Jim Garlow, Metroplex Chapel, Dallas, Ft. Worth, TX
Dr. John Maxwell, Skyline Wesleyan Church, Lemon Grove, CA
Dave Stone, Southeast Christian Center, Louisville,KY
Bishop Charles Blake, W.Angeles Church of God in Christ, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Johnny Hunt, First Baptist Church, Woodstock GA
Dr. Joseph Ross, Deliverance Evangelistic Center, Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Gerald Sheveland, College Avenue Baptist Church, San Diego, CA
Dr. Daniel de Leon, Templo Calvario Assembly, Santa Ana, CA
Dr. Stephen Troxel, Wayside Chapel, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Charles Lowery, Hoffmantown Baptist Church, New Mexico
Models Presented in Tape 3 include:
Creflo Dollar, World Changers, College Park, GA
John Bisagno, First Baptist Church, Houston, TX
Roger Davis, Roswell United Methodist Church, Roswell, GA
Joe Brown, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC
Jimmy Knott, First Baptist Church, Orlando, FL
Paul Walker, Mt. Paran Church of God, Atlanta, GA
Joel Hunter, Northland Community Church, Longwood, Florida
D.L. Lowrie, First Baptist Church, Lubbock, TX
Models Presented in Tape 4 include:
Tom Eliff, First Southern Baptist Church, Del City, Oklahoma
Michael Tucker, Bethany Community, Tempe AZ
Jim DeLoach, Second Baptist Church, Houston TX
Joe Ratcliff, Brentwood Baptist Church, Houston, TX
Stan Copeland, First Methodist Church, Houston, TX
Mike MacIntosh, Horizon Fellowship, San Diego, CA
Frank Harrington, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA
Nelson Price, Roswell Street Baptist, Marietta, BA
G. Bryant Wright, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, GA
Robert Acker, Community Baptist Church, Alto Loma, CA
Books/Resources
NEW RESOURCE : New Beginnings by Paul Wilkie www.nbontheweb.com. Written for busy adults. CD Rom supported, Interactive. Lead by clergy and l laity. 3part, 3 hour course that takes adults from membership to discipleship.
The Inviting Church: A Study of New Member Assimilation by Roy
Oswald and Speed Leas. From Alban Institute. A review of the findings of a forma study conducted by the Alban Institute on how most churches are doing in the area of assimilating new members. Several conclusions and helpful hints are shared that would be helpful for any church.
These tapes would be great discussion starters and guides for New Member committees, Deacons, SS and Church Leadership Retreats/Planning Sessions or even a Wednesday night dialogue group with the congregation.
Assimilating New Members by Lyle Schaller. Abingdon Press. Schaller again shares practical insights about the problems and the solutions for the local churches assimilation practices that can and does influence their numerical and spiritual growth.
"A Church's Responsibility to Develop Believers" by Nolan Howington. In Search, Fall 1993.
"The Role of Public Profession in Conversion, Baptism and Church Membership" by Daniel Scott. In Search, Winter, 1985.
“New Member Assimilation and Evangelism for Traditional and Program Based Churches” by William M. Easum. (Port Aranas, Texas,: 21st Century Strategies, Inc., P.O. Box 549, Port Aranas, TX 78373. Basically written for larger congregations.)
“The Missing Link: Accountability in Christian Leadership” by Lee Vukich. Church Administration, Spring, 2002.
The Leader: “Help for The Assimilation Puzzle” Edition Dec. 2001. www.lifeway.com Great edition with articles for assimilation strategies for each age group and ethnic group.
“Church Ministry and Growth Readiness Survey” Church Administration, Spring, 2002. pp. 24-25.
“Building Fully Devoted Followers of Christ” by Gerry Peak. Church Administration, Spring, 2002. pp. 34-37.
“The Dirty Feet People: Developing a Deacon Ministry that will Grow Your Sunday School, Your Church and Assimilate Those Whom You Reach” by Wayne Jones. Order From 1-800-794-8075. An assimilation plan that blends deacon ministry and SS caregiving through group leaders. www.growthpoints.com
Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by Christine Pohl. An academic resource that explores the history, tradition and practice of hospitality in the Christian tradition.
Christianity 101 : Your Guide to Eight Basic Christian Beliefs – Gil Bilezikian
www.ZondervonChurchSource.com
From Leadership Journal:
“Invite them into the Kitchen – An Interview with Andy Stanley” Winter, 2000. Pg. 22-29.
“Seven Ways to Rate Your Church: Your Congregation’s Spiritual Environment can be Tested” by Leith Anderson – Winter 1999. Pg. 37
From NetResults: www.netresults.org
“The Transformational Journey: Past & Future” by Thomas Bandy. October 1999. Pg. 16-19.
“Giving People the Five Star Treatment” by Dale Galloway. March 2000. Pg. 21-23.
“A Lesson in How to be Hospitable to Strangers” by William Easum. January 2000. Pg. 21-23.
“Does your Midsize Church Have Stretched Cells?” by Gary McIntosh. September 1999. Pg. 13-14.
Resources From Lifeway Christian Resources:
Survival Kit by Ralph Neighbor has been revised and shortened to 6 sessions. It continues to be a standard piece of literature for discipling the new convert. There are separate revised guides for Children, Youth and Adults.
I'm A Christian Now by William E. Young. is a book for younger children who are new Christians to be used at home with guidance and encouragement of a parent or other adult. Leader’s Guide by Cos Davis.
When Can I? By Tommy Sanders, Lifeway, 2002. Helps adults avoid misunderstandings and create an environment that encourages the child to express his/her feelings an faith in his own words.
Your Life and Your Church by James Sullivan has become a Baptist classic. Deals with conversion, denominational and churchmanship issues.
Basics for Baptists Youth & Adult Edition by Ernest Mosely helps youth & adults understand basic Baptist beliefs and practices. Following the format of Survival Kit, the book is designed for individual or group study.(Great resource for persons from non Baptist background)
Basic Church Stuff: A Guide for Assimilating New Youth Church Members. $24.95 Excellent and Comprehensive plan.
After They Join 10 Ways to Assimilate New Members Compiled by Truman Brown and James Hightower. Convention press, 1994. You will find both the way and the how of assimilation in this book. It is practical and helps each organization in the church understand its role in assimilating new members.
Taking Next Steps - A Guide for Church Members by Ralph Hodge, 1996. Five sessions designed for individual and group use to help introduce basics of the Christian faith, conversion and church life.
Taking the Next Step - A Guide for Church Members - Leader Guide by Jerri Herring. 1996. Provides various ways of customizing this assimilation plan for churches of different sizes and circumstances.
First Steps for the New Christian by Eddie Rasnake – group or individual study
Jesus By Heart by Barry Sneed. Lifeway, 2000. Excellent resource for helping new believers and new members understand the salvation relationship and Christian journey. www.lifeway.com
Redefining Church Membership by John Powers. Lifeway Press, 2001. A long overdue book by a Baptist pastor that helps churches rethink their membership practices and policies. www.lifeway.com
The BodyLife Journey: Guiding Believers into Ministry by John Powers, Lifeway, 2001. An excellent retreat guidebook and process for orienting and activating new believers and church members in gift discovery and personal ministry. www.lifeway.com
Living the Story: Biblical Spirituality for Everyday Christians by Paul Stevens and Michael Green. Eerdmans Publisher, 2003. www.eerdmans.com
Devotions for the Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley
Finding Them, Keeping Them: Effective Strategies for Evangelism and Assimilation in the Local Church by Gary McIntosh and Glen Martin. Focuses on 10 Strategies - five to equip your church to reach new people for Christ and five to help your church assimilate new members and keep them coming back.
Resources From the North Mission Board, Atlanta, GA: Call 1-800-634-2462
Beginning Steps: A Seven-Day Growth Guide for New Believers (1993). A simple self-directed learning guide for adults and youth. Topics include: "Be Sure of Your Salvation", "Publicly Declare Your Faith", "Share Jesus with Others", "Study Your Bible", "Learn to Pray", "Be Faithful to a Church", "Allow Jesus to Control Your Life".
First Steps for a New Christian A Basic introduction to the Christian life and a guide for the encourager plan. The six sessions include: "Assurance and Baptism", "Prayer", "Bible Study", "Church", "Witnessing", and "Stewardship".
On Mission with God: Living God’s Purpose for His Glory by Avery Willis and Henry Blackaby, Lifway, 2001 Great overview of what it means to be the People of God.
Foundations of the Faith: Doctrines Baptist Believe by Roy Edgemon, Lifeway, 2001
Other Resources/Books:
The Offensive Playbook: A Strategy for Being a Christian in Today's World by Ken Smith. Published by Austin Publishers, Atlanta, GA.
Ken has written an excellent little book, designed especially with the sports fan in mind, to help the new Christian get started in his/her Christian journey.
CareRings - A Small Group ministry designed to enhance your Sunday School. by David Slamp. Sunday School Dynamics, P.O. Box 7000, Forest, VA 24551. 1995.
Reframing Spiritual Formation: Discipleship in an Unchurched Culture by Edward Hammett. Order www.amazon.com or www.helwys.com or www.transformingsolutions.org
Rechurching the Unchurched by George Barna. www.barna.org
A Search for the Spiritual by James Emery White. Baker Books, 1999
Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ by Greg Ogden. Intervarsity Press, 2000.
Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden, Intervarsity Press, 2003.
Like a Rock: Laying the Foundation for the Rest of Your Life by Andy Stanley. Nelson Press, 2001. Focus on character development
Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Direction by Keith Anderson and Randy Reese. IVP, 1999.
Beginning Well: Christian Conversion and Authentic Transformation by Gordon Smith. IVP, 2001
Exit Interviews:Revealing Stories of Why People are Leaving the Church by William Hendricks.
www.uscongregations.org - study results from Lilly Foundation
Church Growth Incorporated seminar led by Chuck Arn. How to Assimilate Newcomers Into Your Church. Included in the cassette kit is a copy of the seminar workbook. The cassettes and workbook can be duplicated. The Powerpoint slides used in the presentation of the seminar are also available for downloading (no charge) at www.ChurchGrowth.net.
First Steps for the New Christian : Starting and Finishing the Race with Style by Eddie Rasnake – Part of Following God Series Order by calling 1-800-266-4977 or www.AMGPUBLISHERS.COM
*The Unauthorized Bible by Gary Holthus, 2003 – 888-829-2947 or www.zionsheard.com
*The God Hunt by Karen Mains, IVP, 2003
Beginning Well by Gordon Smith , IVP, 2003
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard NavPress, 2002 www.navpress.com
Themed Assimilation Tools
Church of the Resurrection - Connie Wilson, Carol Cartmill, Gia Garey
Their assimilation tool is very well developed. They call it, "Hiking the Spiritual Summits".
Contact: Gia Garey, Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224
Telephone: 913-745-2216
Email: GiaG@cor.org (http://www.enn0.com/i.cfm?DID=194675&UID=45541303&MID=237681)
Interactive Tools for Ministry
Oak Hills Church of Christ - Pat Hile
This team has a very gifted technical developer. They have put together an interactive CD-Rom with voice and video streaming outlining their ministry opportunities.
Contact: Pat Hile, Oak Hills Church of Christ, 19595 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257-9508
Telephone: (210) 698-6868
www.oakhillschurchofchrist.org (http://www.enn0.com/i.cfm?DID=194676&UID=45541303&MID=237681)
Growth Timeline for Equipping Churches
Calvary Presbyterian Church - Jim Dees
Jim has developed an extremely very detailed timeline in growing an equipping church.
Contact: Jim Dees, Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore, San Francisco, CA 94115
Telephone: 415-346-3832
Email: jimdees@calpres.org (http://www.enn0.com/i.cfm?DID=194677&UID=45541303&MID=237681)
Discovery Process
First Presbyterian Church - Ginny Hall
Ginny Hall and Linda Enkema, along with their team, have developed and honed an outstanding discovery process.
Contact: Ginny Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98006
Telephone: 425-454-3082
Email: ghall@fpcbellevue.org (http://www.enn0.com/i.cfm?DID=194678&UID=45541303&MID=237681 http://www.enn0.com/i.cfm?DID=194678&UID=45541303&MID=237681)
www.buildingchurchleaders.com
*Possible curricula for new believers or seekers from unchurched world.
INFORMATION BROCHURES FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SBC:
These can be ordered by writing to Executive Committee, 901 Commerce Street, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203.
- Meet Southern Baptists
Highlights some of the basic doctrines and practices of SBC Life. A simple, brief historical and doctrinal overview for new members. (Costs $10.00 per 100) There is also a Spanish version.
- We Thought You'd Like to Know
Highlights historical events to increase awareness of Baptist and those joining our church from a different denomination. (Costs $5.00 per 50)
Prepared by Eddie Hammett, Senior Coach and Leadership Consultant with Baptist State Convention of NC; Call 1-800-578-9730 (NC, SC and TN) or 828-685-9630 or email at Ehammett@bscnc.org for additional information or conferencing models for your church or association. Visit www.discipleshipteam.org or www.transformingsolutions.org for additional information and online forums for your learning convenience.
Updated: 4/2004
