Table of Contents

Introduction to the Revised and Expanded Edition 7

Foreword Steve Stroope 11

Preface 15

Acknowledgments 17

Introduction 19

1 The Power of Assimilation 25

2 Biblical Hospitality 39

3 Seven Minutes and Counting 49

4 Making Contact 69

5 Creating Fans through Follow-Up 87

6 They're Back! 109

7 Sticky Situations 125

8 Taking Ownership 139

9 Full Circle 155

Conclusion 163

Postscript 173

Appendix A The Fusion Assimilation

System 175

Assimilation System Outline

The Assimilation Process

Appendix B Assimilation Tools 179

Connection Card

First-Time Guest 36-Hour Email Response

First-Time and Second-Time Guest Online Survey

First-Time Guest 96-Hour Snail-Mail Response

One-Month Follow-Up Letter

36-Hour Second-Time Email Response

96-Hour Second-Time Snail-Mail Response

First Response Team Follow-Up Checklist

Appendix C Membership Tools 189

Teaching the Necessity of a Spiritual Family

Service Opportunity Job Descriptions

Membership Class Follow-Up Email

The Journey Membership Class Schedule

The Journey Membership Requirements

The Journey Membership Covenant

Baptism Follow-Up Email

Appendix D Resources 197

Recommended Books and Resources Nelson Searcy

Notes 201