Welcoming church visitors is an essential aspect of creating a positive and inclusive experience for newcomers. A warm and genuine welcome can make a significant difference in helping visitors feel at ease and encouraging them to return. In this article, we will explore five ways to welcome church visitors and provide free templates to help you implement these strategies.
As a church, it's essential to recognize the importance of creating a welcoming environment for visitors. According to a study by Thom Rainer, 82% of unchurched people are at least somewhat likely to attend church if they are invited. Moreover, a welcoming atmosphere can help visitors feel more comfortable and increase the chances of them returning.
The Importance of Welcoming Church Visitors
Welcoming church visitors is crucial for several reasons:
- It shows that you care about them and value their presence.
- It helps to create a positive first impression, which can set the tone for their entire experience.
- It provides an opportunity to build relationships and establish a sense of community.
- It can help to increase the chances of visitors returning and becoming regular attendees.
5 Ways to Welcome Church Visitors
- Personalized Welcome Packets
Create a personalized welcome packet that includes essential information about your church, such as its mission, values, and services. You can also include a map of the church, a schedule of upcoming events, and contact information for the church staff.
[Embed Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/12-welcome-packet-template.png onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/12-welcome-packet-template.jpg'" alt="Welcome Packet Template" onclick="openModal(this)"]
Use the following template to create your welcome packet:
- [Church Logo]
- Welcome to [Church Name]
- Our Mission: [Insert mission statement]
- Our Values: [Insert values statement]
- Services: [Insert service schedule]
- Map of the Church: [Insert map]
- Upcoming Events: [Insert upcoming events]
- Contact Information: [Insert contact information]
- Friendly Greeters
Train friendly greeters to welcome visitors at the door and provide them with a warm and genuine welcome. Make sure your greeters are approachable, smile, and make eye contact.
[Embed Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/34-friendly-greeters-template.png onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/34-friendly-greeters-template.jpg'" alt="Friendly Greeters Template" onclick="openModal(this)"]
Use the following template to train your greeters:
- Welcome to [Church Name]! We're so glad you're here.
- My name is [Name], and I'll be your greeter today.
- Can I help you find a seat or answer any questions you may have?
- We have a variety of services and programs available. Let me show you our schedule.
- Newcomer's Class
Offer a newcomer's class or orientation session to help visitors get acquainted with your church. This can be a great way to provide more in-depth information about your church and answer any questions they may have.
[Embed Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/56-newcomers-class-template.png onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/56-newcomers-class-template.jpg'" alt="Newcomer's Class Template" onclick="openModal(this)"]
Use the following template to create your newcomer's class:
- Welcome to [Church Name]! We're excited to have you join us.
- Our church is committed to [Insert mission statement].
- We offer a variety of services and programs, including [Insert services and programs].
- We believe in [Insert core beliefs].
- Follow-up Contact
Follow up with visitors after their initial visit to thank them for coming and to answer any questions they may have. This can be done through a phone call, email, or text message.
[Embed Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/78-follow-up-contact-template.png onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/78-follow-up-contact-template.jpg'" alt="Follow-up Contact Template" onclick="openModal(this)"]
Use the following template to follow up with visitors:
- Hi [Name], I wanted to thank you for visiting [Church Name] last weekend.
- We hope you enjoyed your experience and felt welcome.
- If you have any questions or would like more information about our church, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Gifts for Visitors
Consider giving gifts to visitors as a token of appreciation for their presence. This can be a book, a CD, or even a gift card to a local coffee shop.
[Embed Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/90-gifts-for-visitors-template.png onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/90-gifts-for-visitors-template.jpg'" alt="Gifts for Visitors Template" onclick="openModal(this)"]
Use the following template to give gifts to visitors:
- Thank you for visiting [Church Name]! We're so glad you're here.
- As a token of our appreciation, we'd like to give you a gift.
- Please enjoy [Insert gift] and know that you're welcome to come back anytime.
Gallery of Church Welcome Ideas
FAQs
Why is it important to welcome church visitors?
+Welcoming church visitors is essential to creating a positive and inclusive experience for newcomers. A warm and genuine welcome can make a significant difference in helping visitors feel at ease and encouraging them to return.
What are some ways to welcome church visitors?
+Some ways to welcome church visitors include creating personalized welcome packets, training friendly greeters, offering a newcomer's class, following up with visitors after their initial visit, and giving gifts to visitors.
How can I follow up with church visitors?
+You can follow up with church visitors through a phone call, email, or text message. Be sure to thank them for visiting and answer any questions they may have.
In conclusion, welcoming church visitors is a crucial aspect of creating a positive and inclusive experience for newcomers. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that encourages visitors to return. Remember to personalize your welcome, train friendly greeters, offer a newcomer's class, follow up with visitors, and give gifts to visitors. With these strategies, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that will make a lasting impression on your visitors.