Meeting the Three Biggest Needs in Your Community

Did you know God has hardwired each of us with a basic need to feel safe, valued, and heard? We are all created to thrive in a safe environment where our voice matters and where we know others see value in us. As a leader, tapping into and meeting those needs is a key to growing your community. Here are three ways you can speak to the fundamental needs of each person walking in your door:

 

Create Felt Safety

Many people looking to join your community may be harboring past hurts, preconceived ideas, or unspoken fears. We don’t always know how much courage it took for someone just to show up. Do your environment, tone, and intake system help alleviate fears, or aggravate them?

Here are some suggestions of how you can help people feel safe:

1.     Create a community of acceptance. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we are commanded to love everyone. If the guy with full tattoos and the guy in a full suit don’t get the same welcome, it’s time to reevaluate if your community is safe for all.

2.     Have fun! One of the most surprising community builders I’ve discovered is playing games. It shifts the tone of meetings and creates opportunities for people to immediately jump in and get to know each other. It also helps out the introverts who have something more purposeful to do than small talk. When we can take God seriously, but not to take ourselves too seriously, good things happen.

3.     Stop the gossip. Nothing kills community faster than gossip. As the leader, create an environment that does not tolerate gossip. A good rule of thumb: if you are talking to someone who isn’t a part of the problem or a part of solving the problem, you may be gossiping.

 

 

Instill Value

People want to know that their presence matters to your church. Try to find a serving opportunity where every person can put his or her unique skills and interests to use. Sometimes his or her serving sweet spot may not be apparent right away – it’s okay to let people “test drive” different opportunities to see what fits with their passions.

When people step up to serve, make sure that service is appreciated. Time is one of the most valuable commodities we can give, so be sure to recognize and honor people for their time. There are so many simple yet powerful ways to make people feel valued:

1.     Thank you cards. Don’t forget the power of a handwritten note! In today’s world of a billion emails, there’s something special about the novelty of a card in the mail.

2.     Phone calls. Again, in the world of technology, don’t underestimate the power of going old school and picking up the phone.

3.     Food. There’s something special about sharing a meal that helps facilitate relationship.

4.     Foster leadership. If someone is consistent and reliable in serving, have an eye out for how you can empower them with greater responsibility. Helping members lead helps your ministry grow! When you give things away God blesses them.

 

Listen in Relationship

We all want to be known, so take the time to get to know people. Listen to their story. Celebrate their birthdays and major life events. Ask how you can be praying for them specifically.

It’s all about relationship. People may come to your ministry or church because of a circumstance, but most people stick around because of relationship. Open your eyes to how you can foster conversations where people feel heard and understood. Check in with volunteers before jumping into the work that needs to get done. One of the best compliments someone can give is, “I just feel so loved here.”

In the end, it’s about people more than programs. If you begin to develop eyes to see the needs of the people you serve and help them feel safe, valued and heard, your community will thrive in new ways.