by John Gross
Even in this era of social media connections, the most effective method for establishing new contacts is by the old standard — word of mouth and personal relationships. While social media (six percent), Internet communication (four percent), mailers (three percent), billboards and road signs (three percent), newspapers (one percent), door hangers and flyers (one percent), are all used today, 77 percent say word of mouth and personal relationships are still the most effective way to make new contacts according to LifeWay Research.
Developing and following a relationship-building schedule on a daily basis is absolutely critical for the church planter. His goal should be to produce relationships with 10 to 15 family heads every 30 days. With this schedule, he could possibly see 150 or more in attendance at the end of 24 months. At which point he can begin training others for greater involvement in ministry.
His first goal will be to acquire 200 prospecting family heads with 50 promising heads of family who he expects to be in the service on Sunday. This will take time, but remember, it is all about relationships, relationships, relationships. The motto of many planters is, “Never eat alone.” Visit coffee shops early in the morning. It may be difficult on the diet, but you can meet prospects at the local McDonald’s or Whataburger. Have your favorite handout card available everywhere you go. Every person you talk to receives an invitation and a card. There are no exceptions, whether it is a neighbor, the clerk at the store or the post office, parents or staff at your children’s school, a waitress in the restaurant, or someone at the ballpark. It doesn’t matter, everybody is a prospect.
Training his core group to do the same thing will multiply the possibilities for growth.