I was reading* yesterday that when a lay person from the congregation visits the home of a first time worshipper within 36 hours of the first time they come to church then there is an 85% chance that they will return to the worship next Sunday. When the visit is delayed for 72 hours only 60% return and when delayed five to seven days only 15% return. But when the first visit is carried out by the minister then the percentages are cut in half and far fewer return!
This research was carried out by Dr E Kolb (1988) in the USA. Though the figures may be different here I suspect the result will be similar.
The reasons for this behaviour are that if a clergy person makes the visit then the new person thinks this is him or her performing their paid duty. They may also feel threatened by such a visit.
But if the visit is made by a lay person the first time visitor thinks that here is someone who believes that their church is important. They are also likely to feel that they are important and valued as a individual.
People need to feel valued and wanted, and when that concern is genuinely expressed they are likely to return.
*The book I was reading was "Everybody welcome" by Bob Jackson
Image courtesy of debspoons / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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