If you've ever ordered a cable package, phone service, or a new credit card, you know that all the perks are given to people who sign up for a service. From a certain percentage off the monthly fee, maybe an upgrade to a new data plan, or a free sweatshirt with the team logo of your choice, all the best things go to the new customers. If you've been a customer for numerous years what do you get? You already know the answer to that: nothing. You're considered to be entrenched as a customer and most likely you're never going to leave. It's better for the company to offer its services in a way to attract new customers.
Have you ever noticed that many churches do the same thing? They spend an enormous amount of time making people new to their community feel at home; from the welcome, to the music, even the message itself is geared towards making new visitors comfortable. New visitor luncheons, tours of the facility, even orientations so the visitors can get a good lay of the land. The desire to have the visitors return (and become regular attendees) is so high that in some cases it can seem as if we worship what is new and forget about those who attend to the community faithfully each and every Sunday.
I've read enough church growth manuals/books/essays to know that it is important to make sure you get some new faces into the church on a regular basis. But I've observed that the bulk of the work each Sunday gets done by those who now call the community 'home'. They volunteer to serve, give of their money, and do what is necessary when many others will not. They have committed to joining hands with others to do what God has asked of them. They've bought into the mission of your church and now need to be given the resources, time, and support that they deserve.
While I'm no expert, it certainly seems that for long term health of the church there needs to be a 30/70 split in the time you give to the new visitors and those who are now regular attendees. Those who attend regularly need more time (70%) and attention than new visitors (30%). If you find that 70% of your programs and resources are going to initiatives created solely for new visitors then you can bet there is an issue with the health of your community.
So what are some things we can do as a church to make sure the community of faithful attendees stays strong:
1. If you're a church leader say 'thank-you' in person to those who are serving on Sunday mornings. They usually work harder than anyone knows and rarely get the credit. Don't take them for granted!
2. Make sure that new visitors know (those who've attended 1-4 times) that while you appreciate them and are glad they are attending, that your church gives time and attention to those who are showing faithfulness on a weekly basis. Think of it this way: Do you give more time and attention to your own children or the children of your neighbor? You may care for all of them but you'll always give your time/energy/support to your own kids first. Why not have a fellowship dinner with the volunteers just to show your appreciation?
3. Publicly highlight some of the work of your consistent volunteers. I realize that not everyone likes public recognition, but it is good for the family of God to witness the faithfulness of others in the serving of the church. Hearts are moved and zeal re-kindled when we see how our brothers and sisters are used by God.
4. Create a process to move visitors from merely attending to getting involved in serving on Sundays. When a person puts some skin in the game and 'buys in' to what is happening at the church then they will start to become faithful in attending on Sunday and pursuing God in other aspects of their lives.
Faithfulness is to be revered far more than newness. May your week be filled with opportunities to honor those who are faithful to your community.
