What must a congregation like St. John’s have, in order to integrate new members well?

The integration of both new and current members is essential in every congregation that desires to have members with a sense of belonging and are active in the life of the congregation. Last month I introduced the topic of integration, contrasting assimilation with the more helpful goal of “integration.”  In the first the individuality, character, and heritage of a newcomer is often disregarded. Integration, however, enables newcomers to retain their uniqueness as the congregation grows and changes over time. Now I want to discuss what is necessary to integrate the St. John’s community well.

All humans have a creational need for a sense of belonging to God and to those around them. This human need for relationships and community means that congregations should be experts at involving people and building up their relationships with one another. In order to provide a community that integrates members into the life of the church, a congregation needs to provide a place for people to grow (Acts 2:42), a place to use their gifts (1 Tim. 4:14), to belong to something bigger than themselves (Rom. 12:4–5), and to have healthy relationships (Eccles. 4:9–10).

St. John’s is blessed with a beautiful Sanctuary and plenty of space, like the chapel and school cafeteria, where church activities can take place. There also is no lack of roles in which people can use their time and talents to support the church, simply check the announcements or ask the office to see where your gifts can be used.

Romans 12:4-5 says “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” All of us are benefited by an occasional reminder that being part of the church is not a self-serving membership. Rather, it is a commitment to both be supported by the church and fellow members, and to contribute back in order to support other people and activities in the church.

The last need I listed, to have healthy relationships, takes the most intentional effort. This is true for all relationships we have – our relationship with God requires talking to Him in prayer and getting to know Him better from the Bible, relationships with family members and spouse require great communication to keep life running smoothly, and friendships require time and communication or they fizzle out. When we join for worship, it takes intentionality to move beyond recognizing others to building friendships with them. One indicator that a new visitor or member will continue to attend a church is how many friends they make in their first three months.

God designed our time in worship and community with fellow believers to support and build us up for the week ahead. It is a blessing that this time both praises and pleases God, supports others, and strengthens ourselves.

So keep inviting people to St. John’s for church or other activities – to grow the church. And keep looking for ways to get involved in a ministry or two – for the growth of your own faith and sense of community. And be intentional to get to know other current members, and new members, a little bit more each week.

Next month: Where do we see the human need for community in the Bible?