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 was formerly the editor of Outreach magazine and the author of a number of books, including Why Is God Silent When We Need Him the Most?

When We Enter the Present Heaven, Will We Have Physical Forms as We Await Resurrection?

If we will indeed have an intermediate physical form immediately after we die, it’s critical we realize this would in no way make our eventual resurrection unnecessary or redundant.

When Bigger Isn’t Better

All kinds of churches will reach all kinds of people that your current church is not reaching. Bigger is not better. More is better.

The Next Level: A Snapshot of Church Multiplication Trends

Seventeen percent of churches say they were directly or substantially involved in a church plant that opened in the last three years.