Welcoming Our Guests

Most growing churches keep only 21% of their first-time worship guests, the rest retain 9%. Usually what happens in the 10 minutes following the worship service determines whether or not a guest returns.¹ How is your church doing?

1. How are you initially welcoming guests?
   • ___ Hosts (parking lots, entryways, pews, coffee fellowship)
   • ___ Welcome during service
   • ___ Coffee fellowship time
   • ___ Provide information about the church at an information center
   • ___ Interior and exterior signs
2. How are you identifying guests?
   • ___ Guest book at entrance
   • ___ Pew pads / bulletin registration blanks
   • ___ Spotters
3. How are you following up after a guest’s initial visit?
   • ___ Letter of welcome from pastor
   • ___ Verbal contact within 36 hours of visit
   • ___ A gift delivered to their door (cookies, plants, pies, coffee mugs, etc.)
   • ___ Those interested are mailed church’s newletter
   • ___ Phone calls are made to those who don’t return after 2-3 weeks
4. How are you assimilating active guests?
   • ___ Invite them to attend a newcomer’s breakfast
   • ___ Invite them attend a Sunday school classes
   • ___ Help them get involved in a ministry
   • ___ Invite them to a new-member class
   • ___ A member (or active family) is assigned as a fellowship friend

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¹ Charles Arn, "How to Increase Your Visitor Retention Rate" from Ministry Advantage Nov/Dec 1996.