What Being a Sponsor Really Means

(It means being a friend.)

Objective: Once a family has visited Good Shepherd twice or has indicated an interest in joining the family of Good Shepherd, a sponsor will be assigned to them.

Persons planning to join with us in expression of our faith need to know who we are; what we believe and how we express what we believe through worship, education, organizations, and community involvement. They need to know our roots and our hopes.

Normally the pastor assumes the leadership role for the information classes, but other members of the congregation also should be involved both as leaders and participants.

Specific Sponsor Responsibilities

  1. Once you have met the person or persons you are to sponsor, make regular contact (i.e., personal, by phone, etc.) and sure they have a copy of the most recent newsletter.
  2. Make sure they are aware of the activities at Good Shepherd both in worship and social functions. Be specific about informing then about upcoming events. Explain how the church works through its committees.
  3. Try to introduce then to people who live in the same general location, have similar interests, jobs, etc.
  4. Once they join make sure they receive envelopes, introduce them to someone from the stewardship committee if you are not comfortable discussing church finances.
  5. For at least 6 months, try to keep up contact and assist them in becoming integrated into the congregation. Perhaps remembering special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries and inviting/encouraging them to participate in activities.

Further Suggestions

  1. Consider having them to diner or getting together for some entertainment activity. This need not be a church related activity.
  2. Check to see if any transportation problems exist and if so make them known to the Evangelism committee if you can not solve them yourself.
  3. Make sure they are familiar with the building and what goes on in it. (i.e., Gibiser Hall) The use by outside groups and the pre-school. If you do not know what those activities are ask pastor or the church secretary.
  4. Check for needs they might have outside the church especially if they are new to the area. For example, nursery schools, schools, local merchants, doctors, places of interest to visit, etc.
  5. Give the prospective member a copy of the newest directory and annual report.

Remember the whole congregation sponsors new members, but it is nice to have some one special looking out for you. That some one special is you, the sponsor.

Be a friend. Be a Sponsor.