Plug First-Time Guests Into the Church Immediately After the Service
Experience Life Church helps first-time guests evaluate where they are on their faith journey immediately.
Retention
Idea Starter: Home-Based Small Groups Reach Out to Neighbors and Friends
How One Church Does It: EastLake Church asks group leaders to open groups to acquaintances to connect them to church.
Allow Volunteers to Shadow Mentors Before They Commit to a Ministry
Living Stones Church matches its members to service that fits their interests.
Offer Neighborhood-Based Connections
Christ’s Church of the Valley offers small groups based on geography and neighborhood.
Offer an Online Portal to Make Options for Growth Easy to Recognize
Hosanna Lutheran Church attributes GROWlink online program to the church’s retention.
Emphasize Relationship Building
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship offers “small churches” to create intimate connections within a large church.
Offer Small Groups Trimesterly, With Start and End Dates
Next Level Church offers trimesterly small groups to account for the community’s snowbird culture.
Let Newcomers Know They Can Belong Before They Believe
Flatirons Community Church appeals to its non-religious community by disarming them when they begin to explore Christ.
Match Guests With Five New Friends and a Starter Ministry Within Three Months
Substance Church uses Empowerment Track assimilation process to get new attendees involved.
Idea Starter: Make Newcomers Feel Genuinely Welcome
Try a handwritten note, a phone call or a personally delivered pie to thank them for their visit