Idea Starter: Make Newcomers Feel Genuinely Welcome

When you contact newcomers after their first visit, ditch the “thanks for visiting” form letter for something better—possibly handwritten. Better yet, if they’ve indicated it’s OK, give them a phone call or deliver a small “thank you” gift. Ask a church member who loves to bake to head up a pie or baking ministry for that express purpose. When a newcomer attends, follow up with a fresh-baked pastry delivered to them with a smile and a no-pressure thank you for their presence.

James P. Long
James P. Longhttp://JamesPLong.com

James P. Long is the editor of Outreach magazine and is the author of a number of books, including Why Is God Silent When We Need Him the Most?

Why Hiring an Interim Pastor Might Be Good for Your Church

8 reasons why you should consider a temporary pastor to help you gain more clarity about the direction of your church.

Hearing God

But imagine this. What if you had a handwritten note sent to you from God? Would you carry it around in your pocket for a couple of weeks and open it when you got around to it?

Stephen Ko

Not only are incarnational health, worship, and living possible, they are God’s good design.