One bullet point in our previous post on assimilation was: The process of bonding must be ever-present. I’m not referring to touchy-feely fall back into each other’s arms exercises. Your church should include practices as; interfacing, connecting, acceptance, belonging, ownership, and continuity. In this post let’s explore each of those six practices.

• Interfacing – People need person to person interaction. Fruitful churches provide opportunities for members/employees to interact – face to face with one another, not only in casual, superficial ways, but in authentic, genuine personal growth opportunities. In the church this can be planning and preparing for events, serving together in community projects, going on mission together. Over the years I have witnessed persons serving in VBS, serving kool-aid, as their very first service within a church that became the catalyst for them in becoming an engaged member of God’s Kingdom.
• Connecting – certainly one factor in the VBS scenario is connecting with other peers through serving together. One of the greatest connecting points of an evangelistic church is through an ongoing Bible study small group. Not only meeting once a week, but intentionally fostering relationships with one another, living life with each member.
• Acceptance and Belonging – Everyone enters your facilities with a desire to be accepted. Most churches are good at courting newcomers, yet when they become “regular” attenders or members, we drop them as if once they accept membership they now know everyone and everything and nothing else is needed from us. People – including you, desire and need to feel accepted and that they belong.
• Ownership – Members of a club or organization pay the minimum dues to enjoy the benefits of the club. The owners of a club or organization on the other hand strive to make it the best, taking pride in the organization being its absolute best.
• Continuity – Scripture says, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” That is continuity. For people to be committed and assimilated into your church, they must realize that the principles being lived out through the organization are not wishy-washy (as my Dad used to say) but steadfast, biblically based with stability.

To achieve committed, fully assimilated constituents of your church and God’s Kingdom, think on these things. For they are all just, pure, lovely, of good report, great virtue and worthy of praise to our God. Think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.