Dear Pacific Union Member:

My note to you this month is about a matter where everybody’s business has become nobody’s business. And the results are devastating!

A Time of Rejoicing

God has entrusted to this church—you and me—His last message to the people living in our neighborhoods. We spend considerable time and energy seeking to get their attention. We send them Signs of the Times, Message and El Centinela magazines, hand out WebShare cards, and invite them to various evangelistic meetings. We study with them so they understand God’s thinking. Then they say “yes,” and are baptized. And we go on our way, rejoicing!

A Time of Sorrow

Then what? Statistics seem to show that half, perhaps more, don't stick around. That causes some of us to say, “Evangelism doesn’t work. People are baptized and go right out the back door.” We blame it on inadequate instruction, lack of commitment or pastoral follow-up.

But wait! When was the last time you accepted the personal blame for not guarding the exit door of the church? “Me?” you say, “It’s not my fault!”

The Real Reason

The primary reason new members leave the church is because they can't break info a friendship circle. As new members, they have changed lifestyles, including their day of worship. They have left their old church friends (even family members). They are surrounded by strangers and have no guide for breaking into the new group. It can be a pretty lonely experience, even if they believe this is following the will of God.

Now, you and I enter the picture. Did I speak to them and spend a few minutes getting to know them? Invite them home to lunch? Notice when they were missing? If I am not doing it, who is?

Join the Team

It’s time all of us became responsible for new members. How?

☺ New members need a diet of special instruction and discussion. They should continue to attend the pastor’s class for the first year. This should be a class that continually reviews our basic beliefs. Repetition at this stage is crucial. Further, the mix of new members with seekers is healthy. Hold this class even if in multi-church districts where the pastor is not there for Sabbath school.

☺ Churches need to have a section of their website devoted to new members. Include a picture and several paragraphs of personal information on the new member. Include their address, phone number and birthday. Leave it there for a year. Print a bulletin insert with the same information.

☺ Members, you and me, should call them and let them know how happy we are they have become a part of our church. Imagine hearing from 40, 50, or more church members, or, write them a welcome note, or both.

☺ Make it a point to spot them at church and let them know you called so they can connect face and name. Find out how things are going. Encourage them. Sit with them.

☺ Invite them to lunch next week. This is absolutely the best way to really get to know someone. It doesn’t have to be a banquet. Just have a regular meal. But, whatever you do, don’t lecture them on vegetarianism! They have enough adjusting to do right now.

☺ Call them at least six times in that first year. Make sure your friends are doing the same.

☺ Include them in your special activities.

☺ Send them a birthday card.

If each of us takes personal responsibility for that new member, the back door will be closed. Most people leave our church because they lack friends. Were you one of the friends they never had? Won’t you determine to change in the future?

Sincerely your friend,

Tom Mostert, President

Pacific Union Conference

P.O. Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA

Mostert@puconline.org