- What makes you want to join the church? This question is a good ice-breaker. …
- Where are you from? People don’t arrive in your office ex nihilo. …
- How did you become a Christian? This is the most important piece of information to get in a membership interview. …
- Can you briefly explain the gospel to me?
Pastor, you may have a large crowd of attendees on Sunday morning—and still not have a congregation. The fact is that the crowd must become a church. People must be assimilated.
Assimilation is simply the task of moving people from an awareness of your church, to attendance at your church, and then to active membership in your church.
Because the incorporation of new members into your church does not happen automatically, you have to develop a system and structure to assimilate and keep the people you reach. At Saddleback, our system is composed of two parts.
Because your congregation has a unique history, culture, and growth rate, these questions are important. The answers will determine the assimilation plan that’s best for your situation.
Before people commit to joining your church, they want to know the answers to five unspoken questions:
10 Questions to Ask a Church You’re Interviewing With
Furthermore, disciple them toward meaningful friendships by asking direct personal questions, summarizing the responsibilities of new members, and asking if they agree with the statement of faith and church covenant.
Don’t be afraid to ask, “How is your personal relationship with Jesus?” But before you ask personal questions, be sure to let them know that you’re asking so that you may shepherd them well.
Topics covered in our membership interviews include (1) greeting and prayer; (2) basic contact, family, and church history information; (3) personal testimony; (4) gospel definition; (5) personal questions on the soul and commitment to our church; and (6) an overview of expectations and next steps. Let’s think about how to interview strategically by discipling and discerning.
Biblical community is intended to flourish within a structure of commitment and accountability. This membership interview should be used to solidify their connection with the church as they volunteer their basic contact information, and you volunteer different on-ramps to involvement in the church.
I’ve felt the (seeming) futility of trying to address these problems. Yet, by grace, membership in our church has slowly become meaningful, and one of the more crucial tools in this transition is interviewing those who desire to join the church.
Editor’s note: This could be used by churches as they interview prospective members before they join the church.
Do I fit here?
This is the question of acceptance. This question is best answered by establishing affinity groups within your church so that people with similar ages, interests, problems, or backgrounds can find and relate to each other. Everyone needs a niche, and small groups play a crucial role in meeting this need. You must show people that you have a place for them.
Does anyone want to know me?
This is the question of friendship. You can answer this question by creating opportunities for people to develop relationships within your congregation. There are an unlimited number of ways you can do this, but it takes planning. Remember, people are not looking for a friendly church as much as they are looking for friends. People deserve individual attention.
FAQ
How do you prepare for a church interview?
- Do your homework. If you know who you will be meeting with, see what you can learn about them beforehand. …
- Write down a few questions. …
- Review your resume and cover letter. …
- Pick out your clothes in advance. …
- Smile and make eye contact. …
- Other helpful resources.
What should I ask my church membership for?
- Is the doctrinal statement of the church clear and precise? …
- What is the main preaching philosophy of the leadership? …
- Does the church practice church discipline? …
- Is it too easy to join and too easy to leave this local church? …
- How is the music ministry of the church used?
What are the responsibilities of church membership?
What makes you a good member of the church?
