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?

Kingdom Fellowship AME Church: ‘A Heart for the People’

Kingdom Fellowship also carries on the tradition of addressing community needs. “The Black church has always seen itself as providing not just spiritual leadership, but holistic leadership,” Pastor Matthew Watley says.

God Is Doing Far More Miracles Than We Realize—Every Day in Human Hearts

We don’t lack miracles in our lives! What we lack is the vision, the eternal perspective, that allows us to see and experience and marvel at these miracles.

Ed Stetzer: Who We Are

We are called to cultivate human flourishing and societal transformation throughout the world as a testimony to the truth of the gospel.