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The Connected Church: How To Help Churches Move People From Attending to Belonging (w/ Dustin Dozier) – Episode 339

The Connected Church: How To Help Churches Move People From Attending to Belonging (w/ Dustin Dozier) – Episode 339

Available on YouTubePodcastPodcast – Connected ChurchPodcast – Connecting With VisitorsPodcast – ConnectionPodcast – DiscipleshipPodcast – Dustin DozierPodcast – Joseph BennettPodcast – Retaining VisitorsPodcast – Small Church MinistryPodcast – Small Church Pastors

In this episode of the 95Podcast, Dale Sellers and Joseph Bennett sit down with Dustin Dozier for a practical conversation about building a culture of belonging in the local church. They explore how churches can move beyond simply attracting attenders to helping people and first-time guests feel truly seen, known, and connected. The conversation highlights why meaningful connection starts with leaders who are personally connected to God, and why relationships, not just programs, are what ultimately keep people engaged.

Dustin also addresses common barriers like busyness, volunteer burnout, and follow-up systems that feel transactional instead of personal. Along the way, he shares practical insight on recruiting people based on strengths rather than guilt, prioritizing first-time guests in real time, and creating simple pathways that help people move from attending to belonging.

About Dustin Dozier: Dustin serves as a Teaching Pastor and Director of Next Steps at Upstate Church in South Carolina, a ten-location church reaching nearly 6,000 people each week. He coaches and consults with church leaders who want to build healthy churches that grow through meaningful relationships and deep community. Dustin is also the founder of The Connected Church Co. and the #1 Amazon bestselling author of The Connected Church, where he helps pastors and teams create cultures where people feel known, valued, and connected—not just counted. He and his wife Sloan have been married for 20 years and are raising three boys together.

 

 

Links to Resources Mentioned or Related

Key Takeaways

  • Connection starts with God first. If leaders are not connected to God, they will not lead people into meaningful connection.
  • People are greater than programs. Events can open the door, but relationships keep people in the house.
  • Busy is a barrier. Churches and individuals miss gospel opportunities because of hurry, fear, and excuses.
  • Serving helps, but it is not the only path. Serving can be community for some, but forcing it as the primary “connection tool” often backfires.
  • Recruit by strengths, not guilt. Invite people into serving that matches how God wired them.
  • Follow-up is discipleship at the front door. A thoughtful, personal 30-day follow-up communicates care and increases the chance of return.
  • Prioritize first-time guests in real-time. Leaders and members must learn to notice guests and choose them over comfort conversations.

 

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