Twelve Prospect Discovery Ideas

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Have you ever lost something important? Few of us would choose to not spend time searching for a lost item of great value.  But too often we fail to seek and find lost people. Finding lost adults is not really very difficult. Here are 12 prospect discovery actions you can take to find, reach, and involve lost adults in your area.

You can find additional ideas for seeking and reaching lost and unchurched adults in Finding Them, Keeping Them.

A Dozen Prospect Discovery Actions

1. Conduct an inside-church census to find people who occasionally attend church but are not members.

2. Ask members to complete an "I Have a Friend" referral card.

3. Ask your pastor for the names of all newcomers who have visited your worship services.

4. Search the newspaper for the names of people who recently have been married or are announcing their engagements.

5. Conduct a telephone survey of your area or a portion of your community.

6. Survey residents in apartment or condominium developments to inform them of your Sunday School ministry.

7. Plan a fellowship activity for a specific group, such as single parents or adults without spouses.

8. Plan and conduct special short-term studies on specific subjects, such as grief or divorce recovery.

9. Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers from public sources to find unchurched people.

10. Identify realtors, builders, and others who may be connected with the housing industry.

11. Conduct door-to-door surveys in portions of your church ministry area.

12. Contact community organizations for information about international culture groups that could be involved in your church or Sunday School classes.

The rush of personal and family activities can interfere with keeping on other-centered focus in our class ministries as well as personal lives. Despite the pain and torment of the cross, Jesus maintained a focus on others. His crucifixion alone was an example of constant concern for others. Should we do any less?

For more help for discovering, reaching, and assimilating people into your church and Christian growth opportunities, get help from Finding Them, Keeping Them.

An expanded version of this article can be downloaded for free by clicking on the title here: Finding People Who Need Jesus.

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