Hello BRN Family! It’s great to be with you today!
We know Easter is a prime time for people to visit churches, but the question most churches are asking is, “How can you encourage these guests to come back to church?”
Here are just a few ideas for you!
One, focus your sermons.
Consider “starting” your sermon series on Easter Sunday so that people will want to come back to hear more. Add relevant sermon “hooks,” forecasts of interesting topics your guests may want to hear more about in the rest of the series or future series.
Throughout the Easter service, consider using phrases like “When you are here, you are family.” or “When you come, you will experience….” Paint vision about what it will look like when the guest comes back.
Also, when considering your sermon, remember the guests who come Easter and Easter are probably familiar with the Easter story. How can you engage them in other parts of Scripture that speaks to their everyday life circumstances?
Two, focus on connection.
Ensure your church members and your ministry environments are welcoming. What needs to be fixed? What special gifts or information can you offer? How can your church members know how to engage guests? How can you make the interaction meaningful? Pray for God to lead every effort.
Be sure to offer a connection card to capture contact information for future connections. Invite every church member to also fill out the card so that newcomers don’t feel singled out. In the future, also use the names on the card to pray for every individual.
Three, focus on your guests’ next visit.
Certainly, you can send a “We are so glad you came!” note, email, text, or phone call to let your guests know you valued their participation. You can use that communication to remind them of future services and events they are also welcome to attend.
Maybe you could host a ministry fair, next steps luncheon, or another fun event as soon as possible to invite guests to come and explore more about your church.
Or consider hosting a community outreach event, such as an ice cream social, BBQ, or a spring community service project that they can easily step into.
On your social media channel, consider inviting guests to ask questions about your sermon or ask them for their ideas and opinions on how to serve them and their community.
These are just a few suggestions. We are grateful for the many ways you minister to your church members and your guests. Let us know how we can assist you!
Before I go! The BRN’s Advance Evangelism conference is on Monday, March 16. Pre-registration has closed, but you are welcome to sign up at the door. Please join us! Learn more at advancepasj.com.
And speaking of evangelism, the BRN has evangelism grants for cooperating churches who want to reach out to their communities this special season. Apply today at brnunited.org/grants.
Finally, may your church’s celebration of Christ’s resurrection be fulfilling and fruitful. I join you in praying for God to draw many individuals to saving faith. As always, thanks for listening in today, and may God bless you!
