2. “We are family here.”
More than once, I heard this phrase spoken by staff, volunteers and patients. The words appear in the hospital’s literature and billboards around town.
After my surgery, I reflected on the value of family. My wife had taken time off work, my mom and sister had visited me after surgery. Other family members around the country had kept in regular contact. The faith, hope and love one finds in a healthy family is a particular blessing in times of need.
I thought about those patients who had no spouse to push their wheelchair, no parents or children to visit and pray for them. The City of Hope motto—“We are family here”— makes sense, especially for those who don’t have any other.
Application question: Do you intentionally nurture a sense of “family” (i.e., caring, support, love) in your congregation? Do newcomers experience it, or is it just for the old-timers?
3. Someone to hold your hand.
On the second visit, I was introduced to my “patient navigator” and given his email and direct phone number. If I had questions, he either knew the answer or would find the right person to call me back.
In addition, I received a directory of names and contact information for key people in the hospital.
Application question: Do your new members have someone to help them get involved and connected in the early stages of their relationship with your church? More members drop out in their first year than any other time.
4. A connection center.
In a 20’ x 40’ open area, plus several private conference rooms, information was available on various support groups that were sponsored by the hospital. A variety of free mini-books were provided on anything related to cancer.
I was given a flyer and explanation of when and where the next prostate cancer workshop would be held. There were free DVDs of staff physicians giving lectures on various topics. Times for the new patient/family orientation were posted. I could pick out a Christmas ornament, hat or scarf from a collection that had been handmade by volunteers for patients/families.
Here I discovered that a social worker had been assigned to me, and a volunteer walked me down the hall for a pleasant introduction.
Application question: How do you introduce your church’s ministries, groups and activities to newcomers? Do you have descriptive literature and knowledgeable volunteers to help newcomers connect to places, people and events?
