Areas to be aware of during this stage begin with the worship service and religious education programming. Once people begin to feel at home with the worship service and the religious education program, they look around to see how to get to know people better. Often Unitarian Universalist congregations push people into membership at this stage. In most cases, this may be too early for people to make a serious commitment. During this stage, newcomers should be encouraged to begin participating in the congregation activities that are most appealing to them.
People are much more likely to join a congregation if they already feel a part of it.
They will make better members if they understand the congregation's principles and see them in action. When people have friends and ties to a congregation, it becomes theirs and they want to participate and contribute. In other words, they are ready to be members. Making the Commitment Often the best way to help prospective members make a commitment is to develop a new members class. Joining a Unitarian Universalist congregation is a very important moment in the lives of new members.