Dear friends: October 7
Greetings All,
Last Sunday we welcomed the 47th new member of First Pres into membership so far this year. It is always good news when new members join the roll, but the number 47 is significant because it puts us ahead of the 2025 full-year total of 46. We are working with several more individuals and families who are strong prospects for membership and who we hope will be joining soon.
Here is a brief description of how First Pres follows up with visitors and prospects for membership. The key to this process is for visitors to sign in using the Ritual of Friendship sheets, or online equivalent, during worship. Each Monday morning, the data from the sheets is recorded in the First Pres attendance file, and profiles are created for those who are new to the church. On Monday afternoon, pastoral and program staff members have a brief meeting to discuss the prior day’s activity, and we decide who will follow up with which attendees. Those who have provided contact information receive a phone call, email, text or note shortly after they visit.
Visitors and prospective members are a continuously evolving group, who we refer to loosely as “Prospects,” with different individuals and families requiring different types of follow up timed according to their circumstances.
If you know of anyone-- Prospect or not-- who needs a call from the church, please let me or another member of staff know. In any case, I am always interested in your thoughts on how we engage as a community. I would love to hear from you.
Peace to you and yours!
Chris Bartley
Sr. Director, Engagement & Programs