How Friendly Do You Think DAC Is?
One of the great strengths of Dapto Anglican Church is our friendliness. In a church survey done by you last year, the number #1 strength of the church was our ‘fellowship/friendliness/community’. Over 140 of you made that response. It makes it so much easier to get out the door and go to church on a Sunday when you know you will enjoy the company of good friends!
But is that the experience of newcomers to our services?
That is a crucial question to ask as we seek to be effective in reaching out to others in our community. One recent newcomer reported coming to church as quite a hard experience. Only one family spoke to her. She was left alone for most of the time.
We can always improve in this area. Here are some tips:
Come to church with an attitude of wanting to serve not just be served. Pray about how God might use you today.
Think carefully about where you sit. Why not sit near someone you don’t know? Make it a priority to introduce yourself to them and see if they are open for a chat.
The first 90 seconds after church finishes are crucial. If no one has spoken to a new person in the first 90 seconds then they will probably just head on out doors and leave. Use this time to look around and see who is by themselves - then go and say hello. Your friends will understand, you can chat to them anytime later.
Be an introducer. If you do meet a new (or fairly new) person introduce them to some others. Growing the network of people they know will help them have the courage to come back again. You could even ask if they have met a Minister yet and introduce them to one of the team.
Be an inviter. Could you invite this person to a group you attend during the week e.g. Youth or Creative Connections
Let’s make DAC an even friendlier place and see how the Lord uses us to bless more and more people!
By Rev. Mark Boyley (Senior Minister)