Guide to being a Sponsor

St. Stephanus Lutheran Church: Guide to being a Sponsor

Purpose

To embrace and guide our new members into the body of Christ at St. Stephanus. They don't know anybody in our church or anything about our church. Statistics dramatically show that if meaningful connections to the faith and life of the church are made within the first two months, they will more than likely be "inactive." You have a critically important job---if all of our new members were embraced by the church, this church would experience a revival within five years!

Job Description

Time commitment is for six months from their inclusion into membership and your assignment as sponsor. You are asked to have at least one meaningful event with them as soon as possible (go to Como Zoo with their kids, have them over for supper, treat them to a restaurant meal, go to the State Fair, do something related to their hobby, etc.) If it feels right, line up another event and solidify the friendship. Make sure that they understand that you are a "sponsor" which means that you are there to answer any questions or concerns they might have about the church (and most people don't know all the answers, so feel free to ask pastor and get back to them). Keep your eye on church events that they could be plugged into (VBS always needs helpers, the Saurkraut Supper always needs helpers, invite them to the Barbershop Quartet outing or the upcoming Sunday Celebration). Many times, our new members never get asked to come or to help because no one is conscious of them-- you are the vital link to get them linked! At the "New Member Reception," usually held in Sept-October and April-May, you will be asked to introduce them to the congregation (This is Jane Doe and she joined our church three months ago. She transferred her membership from Bethel. She has three children named Sam, Jim, Sue, ages 12, 10, and 7. As a family they like to go camping. Jane's hobbies are reading science fiction and interior decorating. They are wonderful people and I hope you make an attempt to know them.). You are under the supervision of the Board of Parish Life, but in reality most of your questions or concerns will be directed to pastor.