In a recent podcast episode, we interviewed, Pastor Robbey Smith, who shared a compelling story of how intentional assimilation and the use of technology, specifically Text In Church, transformed his church, Redemption Church. The impact was so profound that the church saw a staggering 300% growth, became a leader in baptisms, and emerged as one of the fastest-growing churches in their state. In this blog post, we'll break down the key strategies that contributed to this remarkable success.
The Power of Intentional Assimilation
Pastor Robbey started by highlighting the importance of intentional assimilation. Even though many churches engage in some form of outreach, simply gathering information from guests wasn't enough. Redemption Church shifted its focus from broad outreach efforts to honing in on the new individuals that God was bringing to their doorstep.
By creating a streamlined assimilation plan, they were able to efficiently connect with newcomers and seamlessly guide them through the assimilation process. The lazy river analogy was aptly used to describe the intentional funneling of guests toward a single entry point – a place called "Next Steps."
Leveraging Text In Church for Follow-Up
While the assimilation plan was crucial, the use of Text In Church played a pivotal role in the success of Redemption Church. By implementing a personalized and automated six-week follow-up template, Pastor Robbey and his team were able to stay connected with guests in a way that would have been impossible with manual efforts.
The real magic happened during this follow-up period. Through thoughtful and personalized messages, Redemption Church managed to nurture relationships, express genuine care, and keep guests engaged. The Text In Church platform allowed for efficient data collection, ensuring that no one slipped through the cracks.
A Strategic Approach to Serving
Pastor Robbey emphasized the significance of assimilating individuals into the church community. He highlighted the three-week assimilation experience at Redemption Church, where guests were gradually introduced to the gospel, community, and the church's various ministries.
What stood out was the intentional design of a tour that showcased the heart behind each ministry. It wasn't about tasks; it was about making guests feel welcome, loved, and a part of something larger than themselves. The tour concluded with a powerful invitation for guests to serve, providing them with options and a pathway to contribute.
The Impact and Continued Growth
The results of Redemption Church's intentional assimilation and use of technology were nothing short of remarkable. The church experienced exponential growth, even in the midst of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and divisive political climates.
The key takeaway from Pastor Robbey's story is the need for churches to adapt, focus on what God is doing, and leverage technology to enhance their assimilation efforts. By doing so, churches can create a welcoming and engaging environment, leading to sustained growth and a thriving community.
Redemption Church's success story serves as an inspiration for other churches to embrace intentional assimilation and leverage technology for effective communication and follow-up. By prioritizing genuine connections and providing clear pathways for involvement, churches can experience transformative growth and impact in their communities.
If you want to learn how to effectively follow-up with new guests like Robbey, attend our free online workshop, The Boomerang Framework™ now. Click here to watch.
Related Content:
The Ultimate Guest Follow-up Plan [FREE PDF Download]
Guest Follow-up: Keep New Guests Coming Back [YouTube Playlist]