Churches with membership classes were in the minority just ten years ago. Now, six out of ten churches have a regular new members class. Thom and Jess look at seven of the most current trends. In addition, they provide a contemporary history of new member classes in America.
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- How membership classes moved into the mainstream.
- Why membership classes were initially resisted in churches (and still are in many churches).
- Trend #1: Membership becomes meaningful and beneficial.
- Trend #2: The move from information to expectation to assimilation.
- Trend #3: The length of the class shortens and then stabilizes.
- Trend #4: Classes become a permanent feature on church calendars.
- Trend #5: In established churches, members who joined before the membership class are typically grandfathered.
- Trend #6: Many membership classes connect the new members to a group immediately.
- Trend #7: There is a growing trend for new members to become part of the welcome ministry for a season.
Resources:
- “High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
- “I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link)
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