When a guest visits your church and decides to share their information, they are opening the door for connection. If you believe every guest matters, then you need to put in the work to catch them at the door and let them know they’re welcome back. The plans you put in place now will directly impact who returns after significant events like Christmas and Easter. Take every opportunity to welcome newcomers and maximize the chance for everyone who walks through your doors to hear your message–again and again. 

Every interaction you have with visitors before, during, and after their visit will impact the fragile beginning of your relationship with them. Here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Make guests Feel Welcome from the Moment They Walk In

The first step to getting visitors to come back is noticing that they attended in the first place. This means more than just greeting them at the door; it’s about creating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. It’s about knowing your congregation well enough that you’d always notice a new face. Consider these tips:

• Train Your Welcome Team: Greeters, ushers and parking are some of the first faces visitors see. Coach them to be approachable and well-prepared to answer questions. Make sure they understand the importance of their role in creating a warm and inviting environment. Set the precedent that you don’t just greet visitors, you get to know them.
• Create Spaces to Connect: Look for ways to connect with every visitor. Invite them to a coffee station, introduce them to key members, or simply ask purposeful questions about their lives. Small gestures like these can make visitors feel noticed and valued.
• Create a Welcoming Environment: Evaluate your space from a visitor's perspective. Consider if your property and building are easy to navigate. Are there clear signs directing them to important areas? Are there people available to help? Allow them to get lost in the maze, and visitors will remember how out of the loop or tense they felt during their visit. The more comfortable visitors feel walking in, the more eager they are to return. 

The goal is for no visitor to walk in and walk out without having a conversation. By creating a culture of engagement within your church, most guests will have met several leaders, volunteers, and members all within their first visit.

Step 2: Help Visitors Initiate Follow-up

To follow up with visitors, you need their information. However, it’s not just about gathering data; it’s about making visitors feel comfortable and willing to share.

• Provide Multiple Ways to Share Information: Whether it's a connection card where worship takes place, a QR code that links to an online form, or a digital kiosk, ensure that there are several ways for visitors to provide their information. Make it easy and convenient for a visitor to make the choice to connect.
• Explain Why You Want Their Information: Visitors may hesitate to share their contact details if they don’t know why you’re asking. Be clear about the purpose – to welcome them, answer their questions, and help them feel at home. It’s up to the leaders on platform to communicate that this is much more than an automated system.
• Offer a Small Gift: A small gesture like a gift bag, Bibles for those without, t-shirts, or a $5 gift card can encourage visitors to fill out a connection card. Providing a gift also creates opportunities for you to interact with your guests.

Step 3: Follow Up with Visitors in a Genuine and Personal Way

Once you have a visitor’s information, it’s time to follow up. As with anything you do, you’ll want to infuse your mission into how you contact visitors. Here’s how:

• Reach Out Promptly: Don’t let too much time pass before contacting visitors each week. A quick email or text message within 24-48 hours shows that you care and that their visit matters to you.
• Be Personal and Sincere: Avoid generic templates. Instead, personalize each message. Mention specific things from their visit when you can, or invite them to an upcoming event. Let them know that you see them as individuals, not numbers.
• Offer Opportunities to Connect: Provide ways for them to get involved, whether that’s a newcomer’s lunch, a small group invitation, or a list of events. Give them a reason and a date to come back, and make sure they know they are welcome.

When a visitor shares their information with you, they expect a follow-up. You will not offend or bombard them by reaching out. It’s not just a nice gesture; it’s an essential step in building relationships. Without a system in place for these follow-ups, you may be missing a valuable opportunity to welcome visitors back and make them feel like a part of your church family.

It’s easy to get caught up in the many ministries and programs within a church, but never forget the ministry of pursuing every guest who walks through your doors. Building meaningful relationships with visitors is one of the most direct ways you can impact your community and grow your church family. Start now by creating a culture that welcomes visitors, stewards their information, and follows up in a way that makes them feel truly valued. Your efforts today will help ensure that your guests feel welcomed and are excited to return, not just for holidays but for weekly fellowship.