Developing a Member Assimilation Strategy at Highview Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky

Abstract

This project centers on developing a new member assimilation strategy for the Fegenbush Campus of Highview Baptist Church. Chapter 1 describes the ministry context of Highview. This description includes a history of the church and the present situation of the church. It also includes a detailed demographic analysis of Louisville, Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Chapter 2 examines the biblical and theological basis for this project. It examines in detail Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. These texts all speak to the importance of spiritual gifts and the expectation of service within the local church to do the work of ministry.

Chapter 3 interacts with the theoretical and practical issues concerning this project. This chapter demonstrates the shortcomings of different spiritual gifts testing and the gift one would discover having themselves. It also deals with the different areas of serving within Highview.

Chapter 4 outlines the methodology used during the course of the project. A detailed account of the entire process is given.

Chapter 5 evaluates the effectiveness of the project. The survey instruments used indicate whether the volunteers at Highview were able to discover their spiritual gifts and, if discovered, whether those gifts were used effectively in edifying the church. The evaluation determines whether this project will be useful for other churches and church leaders.