It's Working

"It's working!"

This was the exclamation that I made to Jessica Harp yesterday when I talked to her on the phone. She is in charge of our follow-up at SRC. Jess sorts through all the information that we collect on the Connection Cards, and reports to different leaders based on the information gathered. For instance, contact information is archived, prayer needs are passed on to Christine Duerling our Prayer Group Manager, volunteers are passed on to Rob Noeth our FaithWorks Manager, and information requests are given to me. She does a great job.

Follow-up is a major "behind-the-scenes" kind of work. I was thinking of that the other day, because recently our system has really started working well, and I'm really excited about it. We haven't cornered the market yet, but it's getting better. I thought I'd take a moment to fill you in on what happens to follow-up the typical, local guests that you bring...

1. Connection Card: This piece is crucial. This is the trigger. If we can't get this information, we can't do any follow-up. I mention that because when you bring a guest it's especially important that you fill out your card and ask them to fill their's out too.

2. Information is sorted as mentioned above.

3. First Time Guests:

• Receive a handwritten letter from me on Severn River Church stationary. It is simple and plain, but I think that handwritten words between people are a lost art. I think it's a special touch that causes people to pause and enjoy it.
  
• Included in the handwritten note is a $5 Exxon/Mobil gas card. We thank them for making the trip to us and offer a trip on us.
  
• In addition to the letter they receive and E-mail welcoming them and offering them a 30-second online survey about their experience at SRC to help us serve guests better.

4. Second Time Guests:

• Receive an e-mail thanking them for a second look. They are then directed to some information about our groups.

5. Third Time Guests:

• Receive a Cookie Drop. (Jessica does a fantastic job with these.) I drop off the cookies. We used to do the Cookie Drop first, but we think it is probably better placed here after a relationship has started.

So far that is our plan. It is starting to work. We've seen a couple new families connected over the last couple months with this plan. I'll keep you informed. For more information on any of these steps please shoot me an e-mail at ben(at)severnriverchurch.com

--Ben