Does Your Church See Summer Transition? You're Not Alone.

 

Summer is a natural transition time for families, and that means people are moving to your area and checking out your church. It also means people may leave your church in the summer months. Over the years I’ve learned to keep a few things in mind when I see new faces arrive and familiar faces leave. 

Don’t skip steps.  

As new individuals and families arrive to see what your church is all about, always point them to your connection process. Don’t fast track people to leadership. Your growth track or assimilation process acts like a tuning fork. It helps people take steps, grow, and build relationships and protects your church from those who might have an agenda. 

Read the room.

Transitions in life are emotional. A new family is often still feeling the pain of leaving their previous church. They're lonely, they don’t know their way around your city, parents are worried about their kids making friends…everything’s new. Be emotionally aware that there’s a lot happening under the surface in people’s lives, and have grace for it. 

Leave the light on. 

It’s something I remind our team to do. When people leave, it may not be the last time you see them, so when they’re off to start a new chapter in their lives make sure they know they’ll always be welcome back. I like to say, "the back door's open and the porch light's on." And remember, you won’t always reap where you sow—but you always reap when you sow.