The 4 Types of People to Check In With on a Regular Basis

In doing pastoral care work, you’re checking in with a lot of people all the time. Every one of these check-ins is an important touch point, but there are a few people who might require a bit of special consideration. While they aren’t more important than anyone else, there are four key archetypes who we think can contribute to the pastoral care mission in unique ways. Maybe you haven’t quite noticed them, but you definitely already know them – and when we tell you who they are, you’ll know exactly who we’re talking about. We’ll not only tell you who they are, but also what they need, what they have to offer and how you can best connect with each. Read on to learn about the four people we think you should keep on your radar. 

The Sage

Who they are: While not necessarily the oldest, this is your oldest member. This person has been with the church a long while and has seen its journey unfold over years – in some cases, over a whole lifetime. Their roots run deep; they are well integrated into the life of the church and deeply committed to its success. 

Why they need to hear from you: Because they are so much a part of church life, these members can occasionally be viewed as a given. It is important to let these members know they aren’t forgotten, and how much they are valued. Their commitment and contributions deserve to be directly acknowledged.

Why you need to hear from them: The oldest members have likely been through many milestones with the church family by their side, and can offer an important perspective on what was most meaningful in those seasons. Not only do they have valuable life experience, they also know the story of your congregation. They will no doubt have key insights to share that can be put to good use for the members who have come behind them.

How to connect: Arrange a visit or call to check in with them personally, but also invite them to offer guidance and perspective that can benefit the congregation as a whole. You might also consider finding ways to preserve their stories and honor their journey with the church.

The Well-Connected

Who they are: You know them – everyone knows them. These members are relationally connected, highly social, naturally gifted people people. Need we say more? We know you’ve already got a few people  in mind.

Why they need to hear from you: This member is very engaged, and they are likely looking for more ways to connect with people and stay involved. Don’t look now, but they might even be volunteering on the care team already.

Why you should touch base: This member can be a valuable resource to the care team. They may have valuable context on personal situations, know how to make new people feel included and welcomed, and they might even have an eye for spotting someone’s gifts. These skills can be harnessed by a care team to help develop the interconnectedness of a congregation.

How to connect: Just pick up the phone! They’ll be thrilled to connect with you and happy you thought of them. They’ll also appreciate going to community events with you,  helping you with a project or just sitting down for a one-on-one chat so you can pick their brain.

The Wallflower

Who they are: This is your quietest member – but don’t mistake their reservedness for a lack of engagement. These are individuals who work diligently and happily in the background. People know them, but you don't hear about or from them much, as they prefer to work quietly and without a lot of attention directed their way. 

Why they need to hear from you: Though they aren't seeking the spotlight, everyone needs recognition now and again. This person can easily go unnoticed, but they need to know their work is appreciated and that the care team is there for them, too.

Why you need to hear from them: These people are often excellent listeners, deep thinkers and keen observers. If you take the time to let them open up you will likely hear some valuable insights that you hadn't noticed or thought about. 

How to connect: A personal invitation for a quiet chat to express gratitude for their work will be appreciated; if they seem especially sensitive to attention, take the pressure off  and pull them to the side after service for a quick check-in.

The Visitor

Who they are: This is the most talked about person on our shortlist. Often referred to as a guest – this is your newest visitor to the church (though there may be a few of them). They are still trying to find their way around, learn the flow and get to know everyone. They’ve likely done some research and know a bit about your church family, so while they may not be experiencing culture shock, remember that they are still in a new environment and trying to get their bearings.

Why they need to hear from you: Being new can be overwhelming, and so a warm welcome and subsequent follow-ups are crucial. They need to know you notice and value new members, and that you are interested in and committed to their personal spiritual journey.

Why they are important: These members bring new perspectives and skills; it’s important to touch base with them and help them put their talent and experience to good use. This is an excellent way to help these members get integrated and achieve a sense of fulfillment in their spiritual life. Additionally, these new members may become champions of your church, encouraging others to join in the future.

How to connect: Make visitors feel welcome by sending cookies, delivering a card, scheduling a coffee meetup or one of these 15 Church Welcome Ideas from the Breeze Blog. As you connect with visitors, listen for their strengths and gifts and help them find their place in the church family. Craft a visitor follow-up plan that incorporates early and intentional check-ins to make sure they are finding their perfect fit.

Getting to Know Your 4 Member Types

Now that you have a sense of these archetypes, you need to identify them in your congregation. You’ve probably already got a few in mind, but you may have at least one type that fits more than one person at your church – you may have a group of elder members who have all been around since the beginning, a brand new cohort of new members, several social butterflies or many quiet observers. You may also have people who fit into more than one category; for example, your oldest member may also be your most well-connected member. To get a handle on things, you may need to come at this from a few different angles. Start with a list of the ones you know, and talk to your care team to see who sticks out for them. If you’ve got a very relationally connected member, they may be able to help you flesh out your list as well. You can also utilize an easy-to-use church management software solution like Breeze to identify, store and communicate with these key members; even better, Breeze integrates with Notebird. 

Investing time and effort into cultivating relationships with these four key people groups can enrich your pastoral care efforts and promote stronger bonds within your congregation. By recognizing the unique contributions and perspectives of each member, you can make a significant impact on the spiritual lives of your entire congregation.