Attracting and Assimilating the Unchurched in the 21st Century

The purpose of this study was identifying transferable principles drawn from several churches successful in attracting and assimilating unchurched people.  The multi-case approach selected fifteen leading churches from among the fifty largest churches in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington metropolitan area and conducted on-site interviews.  

The major findings of this study were in three areas: personal relationships, intentionality, and small groups.  Personal relationships were the most significant reason why unchurched people were attracted to and stayed in church.  These churches were intentional in reaching lost people, welcoming visitors, and providing spiritual formation.  Finally, small groups were the most effective means of helping new people form significant relationships and grow spiritually.

• Introduction/Summary (13 page overview of the research/findings)

• Helping Newcomers Connect, Grow, and Stay (an article published May 2002 in Net Results magazine)

• Assimilating New People Into the Church (25 page paper based on the review of literature, chapter 2)

• Complete Dissertation (150 page Doctoral Dissertation plus bibliography)

• Assimilation Charts (presentation slides)  Full Version (50 slides)  Short Version  (18 slides)

• Click on a specific church below for a summary report on that church:

Participating Churches in 2000:                                   Average Worship Attendance (9/31/00)

Christian Life Center (W)                                                 766

City Bible Church (NE)                                                   3000

City Harvest Church (WA)                                                450

Crossroads Church of Christ (NE)                                     675

East Hill Foursquare Church (E)                                     5500

Faith Center Church (WA)                                               500

Good Shepherd Community Church (E)                         3000+

Greater Portland Bible (SW)                                          1074

Mt. Olivet Baptist (N)                                                      1400

New Beginnings Christian Center (NE)                           3000

New Heights Church (WA)                                              3000

New Hope Community Church (SE)                                1700

Portland Christian Center (SW)                                      1790

Rolling Hills Community Church (SW)                            2875

Sunset Presbyterian Church (W)                                     2300

The 15 Participating Churches are located in seven regions of the metropolitan area:

N – 1                North Portland

WA – 3             Vancouver, WA

SW – 3             Southwest Portland

SE – 1              Southeast Portland and Oregon City

NE – 3              Northeast Portland

E – 2                Gresham and Boring

W – 2               Northwest Portland and Aloha

These 15 leading churches represent nearly 10% of the weekly worship attendance of the Portland area.  The following are the combined key statistics for the participating churches:

Weekly worship attendance                    34,436

Weekly number of visitors:                           532

Annual number of conversions:                  5381

Annual number of new members:              2477 (many don’t record membership)

Weekly Adult Education attendance:          4284

Weekly small group attendance:              11,270