New member integration is essential to new churches, but many congregations fall short of embracing a true church open door policy. Although they go out of their way to attract new members, many first-time visitors never return. In fact, statistics show that less than 15 percent of visitors come back a second time.
There are several reasons why visitors may not return, but it's possible that they didn't feel comfortable in your church. They may have been put off by existing members staying in their usual cliques and felt uncomfortable reaching out on their own. Or they may be new to the church experience and didn't feel completely integrated with what your congregation offered.
With this in mind, congregations must double their efforts to turn visitors into members. Church visitor welcome ideas and strategies ensure newcomers engage with their church and build a connection. They must express a deep sense of church hospitality to ensure new members feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Developing church newcomer strategies can be challenging, but this article offers 26 proven church hospitality ideas to make new visitors feel welcome. Read on to learn how to integrate into your approach.
1. Don’t Start from Scratch – Download Free Welcome Materials
Various materials, like connection cards, welcome packets, and printed letters, can make visitors feel more welcome in the church. Unfortunately, not all church staff and volunteers have the time or skills to create attractive materials to welcome guests. Vanco can help.
Our complete kit of templates will help you build a comprehensive welcome packet for newcomers. Download our free church welcome kit to get...
- 8 church connection card templates.
- Church verse & quote cards for your welcome packets.
- 40 amazing welcome quotes to use in your printed material.
- Free welcome message templates for visitors and new members.
2. Church Welcome Ideas: Visitor Parking Lots
Often, the first point of contact between visitors and ministry members is the church parking lot.
We've all visited businesses with designated parking spaces for special circumstances. Stores have special parking for online order pick-up. Schools have designated parking for parents picking up students.
Churches can adopt this same practice to make visitors feel welcome. Designate parking spaces based on average attendance. If you only have a few visitors each Sunday, you can post signs reserving two or three spaces near the building for visitors.
Megachurches have the luxury of designating entire parking lots for visitors.
3. Greeters
Door greeters are another arm of the hospitality ministry. They are in charge of welcoming new church members and making them feel comfortable. Church greeter tips ensure they engage with visitors in a way that make them want to return.
Greeters get stationed at different locations around the church campus. A greeter can be in the parking lot, at the front door, or assigned to various entry points.
Their purpose is to welcome new people to the church. A smile and a friendly hello can go a long way in making a person feel accepted.
Simple tasks like opening the door, pointing the visitor in the right direction, or helping someone onto a transportation cart will be a warm touch, letting the visitor know you have a compassionate church and are happy they chose to worship there.
Churches with a youth ministry also have greeters. Teen members can escort teen visitors to the youth sanctuary, making their peers feel welcome.
4. Church Welcome Videos
Looking for new and innovative ways to welcome visitors to your church? Worship service greetings don't have to be limited to addresses from the pulpit. One excellent option is to play church welcome videos before worship while members and guests gather.
These videos are colorful, upbeat and accompanied by music, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. They explain what the church offers so visitors know what to expect.
These videos create an ambiance that will help visitors feel comfortable and welcomed. They also create an inclusive environment in your church. Give them a try and see what kind of impact they can have on your congregation.
To make things even easier, Vanco has created a YouTube playlist filled with videos you can play on your projector at church.
From welcomes to countdowns, prayers, offerings, and informational guides, our team is hard at work creating resources that will help turn visitors into members. Subscribe to Vanco's YouTube channel to get access to the latest videos.
5. Welcome Center
When thinking of church welcome ideas, a church welcome center is an ideal option- and it's not difficult to develop. Simply set up a table outside the sanctuary or use an office room strategically located near the church entrance.
The welcome center could also be inside your church bookstore.
The purpose of the welcome center is to make great church first impressions and answer visitors' questions, such as, "Where is the ladies' room?" or "Do you have a nursery?"
Volunteers can also use communication devices to connect with other volunteers who can answer specific questions.
Most churches only operate their welcome center during church services. Visitors can speak with the church receptionist or secretary during regular office hours.
6. Visitor Seating
You always want visitors to have a good experience. Why not give them the best seats in the house?
The visitor section should be near the church's front and close to an aisle. Seating should be designated for visitors to avoid members using the seats. If some seats remain empty after service begins, open them to existing members.
Allow your church ushers to monitor seating and ensure new visitors are aware of your visitor section. They can also enhance the new visitor experience by providing a hymnal, Bible, pen, or offering envelope.
7. Visitor Welcome
Every church service includes a segment to welcome new visitors. A designated person stands before the church and asks visitors to stand. Next, they offer scripture and thank their guests for choosing the church as their place of worship.
Smaller southern churches may allow visitors to introduce themselves and share the name of their home church. They may also add where they are from and who invited them to attend this church.
Some churches may even encourage members to greet visitors with a hug or handshake, or they may ask the choir to sing an uplifting up-tempo song to set the tone.
During the formal visitor welcome, the pastor can invite visiting clergy members to join them in the pulpit. Failure to do so can be misconstrued as a sign of disrespect.
8. Visitor Packet
It's customary for ushers to pass out a welcome packet to new visitors so they can gather information about the visitor and share information about the church. This is a must to add to your church welcome ideas.
Important items for the visitor packet include:
Visitor Card
This index card solicits demographic information about the visitor. Churches often entice visitors to complete these cards by telling them the contact information will be used for sending end-of-the-year contribution statements.
If your church utilizes church management software, enter information on your church visitor card into your system. In addition to aiding with contribution reporting, it allows you to stay in touch with visitors and keep them engaged with your congregation.
Tithe Envelope
Churches use tithe envelopes to collect offerings. Design the envelopes with a section for contact information. Include a space that allows the person to identify as a member or visitor, so you can market to them accordingly.
Prayer Card
People often visit churches when they're experiencing a life crisis. They only give their name and contact information to receive personal prayer or a follow-up call. A prayer card is a discreet way for the visitor to solicit prayer.
Scripture Bookmark
Include a bookmark with an encouraging scripture as a small token of appreciation. Popular scriptures include:
- 1 Peter 4:9
- Hebrews 13:2
- Leviticus 19:34
- Psalm 122:1
- Romans 15:7
The bookmark should also include the church's contact information, website, and prayer line number. A customized pen, mints or chewing gum can give the welcome packet a personalized touch.
9. Swag Bag
Is your church big on branding? Does it have a large budget for converting visitors to members? If so, you should consider providing first-time visitors with swag bags as one of your church welcome ideas. It will help grow your congregation.
Swag bags are different from visitor packets because they include branded welcome gifts, such as a small journal, a custom T-shirt or a bottle of hand sanitizer.
Other ideas include a bottle of water and a bag of chips. Or a coupon for one complimentary item from the bookstore with a maximum purchase price.
The goal of swag bags is two-fold. First, they make first-time visitors feel appreciated. Second, they help market your church.
As a bonus, you can use them to capture contact information. For example, you can ask visitors to fill out a document when they pick up their bag.
As previously noted, swag bags are highly effective for churches that have a solid grasp of their branding. If you plan to incorporate swag bags into your outreach efforts for new visitors, establish your branding first. A robust brand paired with swag can significantly enhance your impact.
Vanco has developed a branding course tailored specifically for churches to guide you on your journey. It includes a study guide with complimentary tools and resources to facilitate the process.
10. Visitor Reception
After you welcome visitors to the church, invite them to a welcome reception immediately following church service, where the pastor can greet visitors formally. This and other church reception ideas help add a personal touch to the process.
The new member ministry should also be there to share information about joining the church and attending classes. They can also answer questions about the church and various ministries and services.
The kitchen ministry can prepare light hors d'oeuvres and punch for attendees.
11. Invitation to Join
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." - Mark 8:34
Incorporate the invitation of discipleship into your church welcome ideas to futher boost visitor engagement. It's an important stage of the church experience. Every time the church doors open for a service, prayer, or ministry meeting, the invitation to join should be extended.
The invitation doesn't have to be long and drawn out. Ask those in attendance if they are saved and want to join the church. Gather their contact information and pass it on to the new member's ministry.
A more formal approach to this church open-door policy is to extend the invitation during Sunday service. People are asked to come forward. The pastor says a prayer, and they are then escorted to the new member's room to complete paperwork.
12. Email Marketing
Every time you welcome visitors to the church, you should get their contact information to ensure your teams engage follow up with communication such as email marketing.
When you ask someone for their email, provide a disclaimer ensuring the member understands that they're consenting to digital communications.
Do not bombard visitors with too many communications. Start with a simple thank you for attending the service today. Ensure the email also includes an open invitation to visit any time.
Include the church's contact information, service times, and business hours and access to your prayer line or support email, if applicable. You can also include promotions for any upcoming church events.
If you are unsure what to write, a message template can be helpful.
13. Welcome Letter
The day following the church visit, get a list of all visitors from the Sunday service. Sort the information based on first-time, repeat, and youth visitors. A church management system can make it easy to categorize visitors and ensure they receive a welcome letter appropriate for their situation, as follows.
First-Time Visitors
The welcome letter for first-time visitors thanks the recipient for choosing your church and encourages them to come again.
Remind them to review any information provided during their visit. If you gave them a coupon for a gift from the church bookstore, encourage them to use it.
Repeat Visitors
A repeat visitor letter should acknowledge the member's commitment to attending the church. Include a brief survey to ask if you can do anything to improve the church. This strategy ensures members feel heard, lets them know the church appreciates their feedback, and helps you make improvements to retain members.
You should also insert a list of ministries the church offers. If they are interested in your ministries, they may return to your church and become a long-time member.
Youth Visitors
Your church's visitor cards for youth should include contact information for the parents. Consider using a sign-in app to capture the parents' information.
Direct all correspondence to the parent or the person with legal guardianship of the youth visitor.
In the letter, share the wonderful programs your church offers for youth. Thank them for allowing the youth to visit. If you have an upcoming event like Vacation Bible School, include a promotional piece.
Provide the contact information for the youth pastor and their team. Close the letter by encouraging the entire family to come out for Sunday service.
14. Acknowledgement of Offering
Another church welcome idea is to send a letter to visitors acknowledging their donation during the church offering. Let them know how their donation helps the church do wonderful things in the community.
There is often a misconception that the church is misusing funds. This opinion comes from a lack of transparency. A letter that lists recent projects made possible due to their member contributions will foster trust within the community.
If you have any upcoming community outreach projects like food giveaways, COVID testing, or a Habitat for Humanity house build, invite them to join you.
15. Nursery
People are often reluctant to come to church if they have an infant. They don't want to distract or inconvenience others if the baby starts to cry.
Church nurseries are an ideal solution. People with small children can worship without the stress of trying to quiet their baby or toddler. They also provide an opportunity for childcare workers and people who love babies to get involved in ministry.
An alert system can make parents feel even more comfortable bringing small children to church. These apps notify the parent if they need to check on the baby.
They prevent the embarrassment of a message going across the church monitors or an usher beckoning the parent. The system also makes parents feel assured that they will be updated on new developments while they are away from their baby.
16. Children's Ministry
Ensure your church welcome ideas cater to families by including children's ministries in your congregation. They instill the importance of a strong spiritual foundation.
The youth are the future church, so it's important to connect with them at an early age. With the right approach, the entire family will become new members.
Proverbs 22:6 speaks about bringing up children in a Christian environment. Recognize their importance in your church by ensuring there are plenty of activities kids can enjoy.
17. ChMS Software
In business, companies use customer relationship management software to keep track of customers and their preferences. They track sales, manage leads, provide customer support and automate some marketing tasks.
Church management systems (ChMS) have similar functions. They maintain member records, track outreach, and record preferences to ensure you deliver the best experiences. These systems keep visitors and members engaged, ensuring long-term relationships.
18. Touch Team Ministry
The concept behind touch team ministry is to create regular interactions with new and existing members. It ensures churches connect with members at least once a month. Churches can also contact members who haven't attended the church for some time.
The ministry can connect with members at any stage of the funnel. It can be used for people who have visited once and never returned, long-time members whose attendance has somehow dropped off, or existing members who are active with the church.
19. Call From the Pastor
Have you ever had a visitor make an emotional plea during their church visit? Go beyond providing immediate advice. Follow up to see how they are doing with a pastor call.
You can further establish a connection by having members of the ministry follow up and check in on the person regularly. The display of empathy for their situation can lead the person to become a member. It also deepens connections among existing members.
20. Church Banners
Church banners are an inexpensive investment that welcomes visitors to the church. They help visitors navigate the campus so feel confident getting familiar with the facility. They are also useful in promoting upcoming ministry series and events.
These church welcome ideas are limitless. For example:
- You can place feather banners outside your church, inviting people to attend a service.
- Banners can be placed throughout your church to direct people around, allowing them to easily become familiar with your facility.
- Utilize banners to remind people about events and activities coming up in your church.
In today's digital age, many churches use digitized signage. However, banners are more affordable and effective than digital displays because they are bright, colorful, and feature eye-catching designs using large fonts.
21. Prayer Ministry
Prayer ministries have a lot to offer new church members. We already shared various ways to incorporate the prayer ministry in church welcome ideas. The mission doesn't stop when people become new church members.
Prayer meetings are open to the public, so they are ideal for attracting new visitors and maintaining existing members. They are especially effective during the holiday season, a popular time for prayer.
For example, increased numbers of visitors usher in the New Year with a renewed mind. Many are focused on the church. Churches should host prayer events during this time of year to attract new members, keep them engaged, and inspire loyalty.
The ministry can also learn people's prayer needs and offer to pray for them throughout the year. They can stay in contact to find out how prayers are working, maintaining a stable connection.
22. Photo with the Pastor
If a visitor asks to take a picture with the pastor, the church should oblige. It may sound vain, but pastors are held in high regard. Some pastors are even treated like celebrities in their churches, communities, and the country.
Churches may even encourage picture taking by having a designated area where the pastor can take photos after greeting congregants and visitors following the service. You may also want to create a backdrop for church marketing purposes.
People who take their picture with the pastor will feel a sense of loyalty. If they capture the branded backdrop and post it on social media, it will help get the word out about your congregation.
23. Transportation Service
Church transportation services allow people with mobility issues to attend church events. They shouldn't be limited to church members. Extend transportation services to the public to ensure everyone can attend.
Use the church website, bulletin, and voice messages to make everyone aware that your transportation services are open to everyone.
Your transportation services ensure as many people as possible can attend your events and connect with your church. They may become permanent members.
Additionally, they may be a part of a church that doesn't offer transportation services. Knowing your church offers this service could inspire them to make the switch.
24. Church Video Countdowns
Imagine if you could effortlessly welcome church visitors and transform them into devoted members. The secret lies in church countdown videos! They count off the minutes and seconds to church services so people can prepare and get excited.
With each tick of the clock, stunning visuals appear and inspiring music plays, creating a warm, irresistible atmosphere that speaks to the hearts of visitors. Church countdown videos bridge the gap between first-time guests and committed members, making them feel like they've found their new spiritual home.
Not sure how to create church countdown videos? Vanco's got your back. Our church countdown videos and visuals are available in various lengths, ensuring you find the ideal choice for your congregation.
Stream these captivating visuals before every service and witness the mesmerizing effect on your attendees. Choose from an array of timeframes – one, two, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minutes – to perfectly suit your church's unique needs. Each video comes alive with inviting melodies and breathtaking visuals, creating an unforgettable experience.
Seeking captivating videos for church services or expert guidance on stewardship, church growth, and marketing? Look no further! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and unlock a treasure trove of invaluable content, designed to propel your church to new heights. Our dedicated team tirelessly crafts cutting-edge videos to empower your congregation's journey.
25. Holiday Gift Baskets
During the holiday season, members seek the perfect item to give to their friends and family. Holiday gift baskets are ideal. The church can make up gift baskets so people can do one-stop shopping after service.
Holiday gift baskets can feature a variety of items, such as branded mugs filled with hot chocolate packets and soothing teabags, angel figurines, lotions, food goods, and ornaments. Consider different themes to ensure there's something for everyone.
These gift baskets do more than raise money for the church. Advertise them online to get people to your church making purchases. They will learn more about your offering and may become members.
26. Host a Revival
Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Welcome new people to the church by hosting a Spring or Fall revival. They are the perfect way to welcome visitors to church, attracting more visitors than weekly church services.
Plus, revivals call existing members to be a beacon of light for those seeking salvation. They see themselves as spiritual leaders, deepening their commitment to the church. They may also solidify bonds with new members that encourage engagement.
A revival can attract visitors to the church, but it's up to the church to utilize welcome activities to convert visitors into new members. Determine the best way to establish outreach and maintain valuable connections moving forward to support church growth.
FAQs
What are the Key Elements of an Effective Church Welcome?
There are several key elements of an effective church welcome as follows:
- A Welcoming Environment: Churches must focus on creating a welcoming environment for visitors when they first visit the church. They should ensure that greeters interact with visitors. The church can also provide specialized new-guest services like visitor parking lots, pews, and after-service receptions.
- Establish a Connection: The church must ensure that visitors are provided with information about its organization, including special programs, service times, and contact information. The visitor's information should also be collected for future communication.
- Stay in Touch: The church should continue communicating with visitors through social media, emails, and other interactions to ensure the individual remains connected.
How Can We Train Our Greeters to Be More Engaging?
Greeters should receive church hospitality training to ensure the best welcome possible. They should treat visitors empathetically and warmly, ensuring they feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Churches may role-play scenarios of greeter and visitor interactions to provide the right approach.
The greeters may also be asked to support a welcoming environment when new members enter the church. For example, they may be assigned a welcome desk or visitor center to greet visitors. They may also choose music and decorations to make the church more welcoming.
What Technology Can Streamline the Visitor Check-in Process?
Several pieces of technology can streamline the visitor check-in process. First, visitors should be asked to check in digitally through QR code scanning or mobile check-in. Ideally, these check-in systems are integrated into the church management system so contact information can be collected and used later to keep in touch with the new visitor.
Conclusion
With church attendance declining, you must think of ways to make visitors feel welcome in your church and keep them coming back. Creative church welcome ideas can help. Administrators must develop church welcome events and offerings, create a welcoming environment in their church, and follow up with communication to keep visitors engaged.
Building a church can be challenging, but Vanco supports the cause with various materials that welcome church visitors. We will help your church thrive. Visit us online to learn more about what we have to offer.
Get the Materials You Need to Welcome Church Visitors
We’ve built a complete kit of templates to help you get started on building a comprehensive welcome packet for newcomers. Download our free church welcome kit to get...
- 8 church connection card templates.
- Church verse & quote cards for your welcome packets.
- 40 amazing welcome quotes to use in your printed material.
- Free welcome message templates for visitors and new members.
