It seems like this is the time of year for you to share what you’ve been learning and putting into practice with me and the Church Leader Insights team.

Here’s a note I recently received from Pastor Kevin Yandell, of New Community Christian Church in Morris, Illinois about some of the changes he’s made to his church’s Assimilation System:

Hey Nelson,

We have made several changes that I know are going to bring tons of great results.

We changed our Connection Card and that change has increased the number of people completing the card.  I have received many positive comments from regular attenders about the Next Steps on the back of the card.

I also wrote out my Welcome and Closing scripts.  The first few weeks, the devil was laughing, because we had no 1st time guests.  But this past Sunday we had 7 1st time guests.

I email those who give me email addresses and thank them for coming and invite them to write back their thoughts about their time here.  I have received a couple of very helpful responses.

I also started writing notes to 1st and 2nd time guests and including a gift card with each.   We are giving 1st time guests “How Good is Good Enough”, along with a mug and other stuff in a gift bag.

I am excited about these changes and I know that God is going to use these changes to allow us to reach many more people.

Thanks for all you are doing.

Pastor Kevin Yandell
New Community Christian Church

Good work Kevin – and thanks for the update!

As you’re wrapping up 2009 and moving into 2010, I encourage you to take a realistic inventory of your church’s systems and make plans to upgrade.  One thing is for sure, if you keep doing what you’re doing you will keep getting the results you’re getting!

P.S. To upgrade your church’s Assimilation System, check out The Assimilation Seminar.