Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Churches love getting visitors because they know that visitors are potential members. However, visitors need help taking that step toward membership. This is when a church membership class can help!
And while not all churches have official membership, those that do experience increased engagement with members.
This member engagement is because when congregants attend a new membership class, they better understand the church’s history, why it exists, and what it hopes to achieve.
Churches that take the time to develop a new member’s class benefit from interacting with new members and helping them ease into the church community.
Putting together a membership class doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be thought through and organized for delivery to new members.
10 Points to Include in a Church Membership Class
1. Introduction
A new member class is often made up of a small group of people, and connection is another important outcome of membership classes.
Take the time to help people feel comfortable and start with an introduction and an icebreaker exercise.
This interactive activity will increase the participants’ comfort level, help them to participate, and get to know each other.
For instance, ask members to introduce themselves, how long they have been attending the church, and why they chose your church to join. You may learn why they left a prior church.
Let this introduction jump-start natural conversations that will help members bond with each other.
2. Who’s Who
When someone is new to a church, they don’t know who anyone is and are interested in figuring out who’s who.
They want to know who the pastor is, who any associate pastors are, and who the high-level leaders and/or decision-makers are.
For example, new members should know who the church employees are and who the volunteer leaders are, i.e., volunteer coordinators.
This helps new members associate with church leadership and increases their familiarity and comfort levels – which ultimately helps them to connect.
3. Church History
A church’s history is often a fascinating story to tell.
Whether it is a denominational heritage that has been continued or an independent beginning, people who are new to the church are interested in learning its history.
Share pictures of the early days and help the new members understand the challenges and triumphs along the way.
This will help them feel engaged by having a deeper understanding of the missional journey.
4. Mission, Vision, and Values
A membership class is a good time to restate the mission, vision, and values.
Help members understand why the church exists (mission), what it is trying to accomplish (vision), and the values or principles that guide its behaviors and decision-making process.
This reiteration allows class participants to understand what the church is trying to achieve and further understand church priorities.
5. Statement of Faith
Most people are interested in what a church believes because churches have a wide variety of beliefs that dictate their doctrine.
Every church should have a statement of faith or belief statement.
This written statement is where a church communicates its core beliefs and corresponding scripture that supports its faith.
6. Strategic Objectives
Churches should invest the time and resources to develop a strategy and strategic plan for achieving their mission.
These strategic goals should be shared with members so they can embrace, financially support, and provide the labor to help pull it off.
This also helps new members understand the mission in practical steps.
7. What the Church Expects From Members
This point should be communicated tactfully and is intended to help new members understand the concepts of spiritual development, giving, serving, and participation in church events and programs.
For example, if you have a church member business directory, you might want to explain the expectations for keeping information up to date and adhering to confidentiality practices regarding member contact information.
This type of communication is important because this might be a new cultural experience for someone coming from a church that does not do this.
8. What Members Can Expect From The Church
Take some time to explain how the church can support members and how to access that support.
For example, if the church offers counseling services, explain what services are available and the intention and limitations of those services.
This will help to manage the expectations when a member calls for help.
Also, explain what, when, and how the church shares information with its members. Help them understand the church communication process so they can watch for when information is shared.
For example, the church might want to inform members of the annual church budget.
This could mean explaining how to notify members of a church business meeting and what communication tools (email, text, church app, website, mail) are used to spread the word.
9. FAQ
Spend some time putting together a frequently asked questions page for members. Share things like:
- Who to call for {blank}.
- What do I do if {blank}?
- How do I find out about {blank}?
- Who is in charge of {blank}?
- What {blank} are offered.
Put this information together as a handout, review the highlights, and let them take this home to reference later.
10. Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the labor engine of the church, and without them, most churches would not be able to pull off their weekend services.
Take time to explain the different volunteer roles and make the case for involvement.
Do a mini-session on the importance of serving and explain the process of becoming a volunteer. Have volunteer packets available to make it easy to take the first step!
Getting People Involved Can Be A Challenge
Getting people involved in the local church can be a challenge.
However, ministries that understand the importance of connecting with members have successfully gained this involvement.
They have also learned to create a membership process to get commitment and support from people who have decided to make the church their home.
If you are an SCM member, you can login here to access an editable sample of a new member meeting agenda.
If you are not a member but would like to access an editable copy of a new membership meeting agenda you can learn more here.
