Newcomers & Evangelism Listening Session Minutes

Strategic Planning Committee

Saint Michael and All Angels

Tuesday, May 24, 2005 ~ 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Attendees:

John Bartling                       Jeni Gallup                           Ann Mills

Elizabeth Gorman                Mike Blachley                      Kristin Barthalow

Courtney Love                      Charlie Smith                      Mary Graves

Bill Buchanan

Overview:

The meeting took place in the Parlor of SMAA. The group determined that getting people to SMAA and keeping them here are inseparable when addressing newcomers and evangelism. Demographics and the challenge of reaching out to a wide variety of people were also discussed. A recurring theme from the evening was a need for improved communication, especially the website. A need for programming for singles and young married couples who do not have children was reiterated several times.

Why do newcomers return to Saint Michael?

·     They connect to the community.

o  They are touched by another person.

o  They get the sense that they can belong here.

o  They are intellectually stimulated.

·     Demographic/Affluence

o  1. Social reasons

o  2. Business connections

o  3. Activities and worship

·     Love is preached from the pulpit. The sense of the possibility of belonging is communicated through more listening, patience, and waiting than pushing once a newcomer is welcomed. There is no “cult” mentality.

·     Those who are proactive about finding ways to participate and become involved keep coming. The variety and awareness of program options is, thus, important.

·     Someone has reached out to the newcomer by befriending that person and being a mentor to that person.

·     Excellent child development program.

What are Touchpoints for new members? How do people find out about SMAA?

·     New to the area (college, moved) and invited.

·     Print/media

·     Referrals

·     Signs

·     Word of mouth

·     Weddings/funerals

·     Music

·     Website

·     SMAA Women’s Exchange

·     Yellow pages

·     General outreach

How do we reach the unchurched?

·     Hospitals

·     Direct mail

·     Advertising (radio)

·     Door to door

·     Universities

·     Weddings/Funerals

·     Providing space for philanthropic organizations

·     Baptisms and kids being ready to go to Sunday School

·     Newly single

*Whenever a life change occurs, then there is an opportunity to touch.

The group discussed targeting specific groups for coffees/focus groups/individual interviews with a goal of finding out how to connect with people who are not attending SMAA. The top three groups to target are people who have left the church, the unchurched and 18-35 year olds, and seniors.

Chip commented that the Pew research study indicated that when people seek out the church it is because they need help with their marriage, their kids, or their finances. He also noted that the best way to get new members is to get current members to invite others.