Every church shares a common foundation: it starts with individuals who were once first-time guests. Even in the case of a church plant with a dedicated core team, they were once newcomers to that very plant.
Retaining first-time guests is vital for any church’s growth trajectory. According to Tony Morgan from the Unstuck Group, a church needs to average at least one first-time guest card per Sunday’s average attendance to overcome attrition. While this ratio makes growth possible, aiming for higher guest card numbers gives the church an even better shot at thriving. So, it’s not just about attracting first-time guests; it’s about keeping them. Building a solid retention strategy should come before actively chasing more newcomers.
8 Strategies for Pastors Wanting to Turn First-Time Guests Into Regulars
Here are eight strategies to keep more first-time guests.
1. Establish a First Impressions Team
To reach more first-time guests effectively, it’s essential to have a dedicated First Impressions Team. This team should be the face of the church’s hospitality, encompassing a welcoming parking team with branded wands, hosts both outside and inside, and greeters and ushers who are clearly identified and dressed in branded shirts. One innovative idea is to have a parking attendant wearing oversized “Mickey Mouse” hands to add fun to the welcome.
2. Create a Host Tent for First-Time Guests
A visible and accessible “New Here? First Time Guest Welcome Center” pop-up tent is an excellent way to greet newcomers. Courteous host team members wearing uniformed, branded shirts or lanyards can provide a warm welcome, offer a brief tour of the church facilities, assist with children’s check-in, and ensure the guests know where and when to turn in their connection cards.
3. Organize an Informal After Party
Post-service, an ‘after-party’ offers a casual setting for first-time guests to meet and interact with the pastor and church staff. Here, guests can submit their connection cards, receive a welcome gift, and have any questions answered. This additional touchpoint reinforces the connection initiated by the host team at the service’s start.
4. Prioritize the Connection Card
The connection card is pivotal; without it, there’s no straightforward way to follow up with guests. Tracking these cards helps the church understand new visitor numbers and how they discovered the church. Follow-up actions should include a personal handwritten note from the pastor, an email, an invite to a monthly new guest gathering, and possibly even a personalized video message from the pastor.
5. Address Guests During the Giving Message
During the weekly giving message, it’s crucial to acknowledge first-time guests, reassuring them that the church values their presence over monetary contributions. They should be reminded of the gift awaiting them at the after-party. You could also cater an entire Sunday sermon for first-time guests. Some churches send a special message at the same time every year to bring in new guests. Using SermonSearch, you can find numerous sermon ideas centered around guests.
Find inspiration from your fellow pastors and their sermons on evangelism, fellowship, guests, and hospitality.
6. Host a Welcoming Monthly Gathering
A monthly gathering for new guests is essential in fostering community and connection. The agenda should include sharing the church’s vision and values, answering frequently asked questions, providing networking opportunities, and offering newcomers a chance to engage in church activities or sign up for volunteer opportunities.
7. Provide Simple Ways to Connect
Straightforward on-ramps for guest involvement are vital. Lengthy membership classes or extensive growth tracks can be daunting for guests, especially those with busy schedules. Simplify these processes to facilitate better engagement and connection within the church community.
8. Emphasize Simplicity and Effectiveness in Connection Strategies
In conclusion, first-time guests are a significant aspect of a church’s sustained growth and impact within the community. Through simple yet powerful on-ramp strategies and an authentic, welcoming environment, churches can cherish and nurture these valuable new connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions pastors might ask:
1. How can we effectively train our First Impressions/Hospitality Team to engage with newcomers?
Training should focus on developing interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and knowledge about the church’s services and programs. Regular workshops and role-playing scenarios can prepare team members to handle various situations, ensuring they provide a warm and informative welcome to all guests.
2. How can we utilize technology to enhance the experience of first-time guests?
Implementing user-friendly digital tools like mobile apps or online portals can streamline event registration, information access, and communication processes. These platforms can offer virtual tours, introduce staff members, and provide details about upcoming events, making it easier for newcomers to integrate into the church community.
3. What role does follow-up communication play in guest retention, and how should it be conducted?
Timely and personalized follow-up communication, such as handwritten notes, emails, or phone calls, demonstrates the church’s appreciation for the guest’s visit. This outreach should express gratitude, provide additional information about the church, and invite further engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging return visits.
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