In today's Message About Purpose and Strategy, I will say a thing or three about the ministry of assimilation. As Velcro helps things to stick and stay, hospitality is the starting place in helping people get connected here at Dayspring. We picture a process that progresses for people from the time they walk onto the property until the time they are involved in a group and serving in a ministry. This movement must be managed carefully to ensure that no one falls between the cracks. The various milestones of involvement must be seamless, so that there are no gaps. All facets must function harmoniously and it must culminate in deploying people into ministries that fit their gifts.

I believe that to draw someone into greater involvement at Dayspring is to draw them into a deeper relationship with the Lord. At least, this is our aim. This assumption will only remain accurate if we vigilantly protect the purity of our philosophy of ministry and strategize toward this end.

The ministry of assimilation can only help people feel at home at Dayspring who want to affiliate with this fellowship. Even the best assimilation program can't make our church just right for everyone. For one reason or another, some will decide that we are not for them. That's okay. Some of these reasons are legitimate. And God's kingdom is bigger than Dayspring. We are not in competition with other churches. We are in partnership together for God's sake. There are many needy and disconnected people floating around our region; plenty to go around. We want to reach and connect with as many as possible so we can help people grow in their relationship with God.