How to Follow up with New Guests During the Holiday Season 🎄 - Anna Juliao, Host Development Specialist at Connect Ministries
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The holiday season is a significant time for churches, as many people who don’t regularly attend services are more open to visiting. Whether it’s for a Christmas service, a Thanksgiving gathering, or a New Year’s celebration, individuals and families are often seeking warmth, hope, and community. However, simply attracting people to one event isn’t enough to make a lasting impact. Meaningful follow-up is essential to turn one-time visitors into engaged members who feel connected to the church community.
To make the most of this season, here are three practical steps for your church to build lasting relationships with new families and individuals, guide them in their faith journey, and integrate them into the life of your church.
1. Timely and Warm Follow-Up Communication
The holidays are the perfect time to connect in a warm, friendly way that feels natural and welcoming. Sending a personalized greeting card, a small gift, or even a quick message can help new guests feel seen and valued by your church. Personal touches like handwritten cards or emails with specific invites show families that they are remembered and welcome. Consider including an invitation to upcoming holiday services or events where they can connect with others and feel at home.
Send a Welcome Email or Card: Within 24-48 hours of their visit, send a simple, heartfelt welcome email or card. This communication should thank them for attending, express hope to see them again, and provide helpful links to church resources and upcoming events.
Provide Personal Connection Points: Include a contact name and phone number of a ministry leader or team member they can reach out to with any questions. This adds a personal touch and provides new families with a specific connection point within the church.
Follow Up Again Within a Week: Sending a follow-up email or making a phone call within a week reinforces your initial message and gives families the chance to ask questions or learn more about the church. Invite them to specific events happening in January or small group gatherings where they can meet other families and build relationships.
Takeaway Point: Personal and timely communication helps new families feel valued and opens the door for ongoing engagement.
2. Invite Families to a New Year Kickoff Event
Holiday services bring new faces, but January is the perfect time to encourage people to join regular church activities. Hosting a “New Year Kickoff” event is an effective way to welcome newcomers, introduce church ministries, and set a tone for involvement in the year ahead.
Plan an Event in January: Whether it’s a family brunch, a community breakfast, or a “Discover Our Church” session, hosting an event early in the year gives people a reason to return and explore what the church has to offer.
Showcase Ministries and Small Groups: Use the kickoff event to highlight different ministries, especially those for children, youth, and families. Have representatives from each ministry available to answer questions, hand out materials, and provide information about small groups and classes starting soon. To form lasting connections, ask individuals and families involved in your church to be present to build relationships and make newcomers feel welcome.
Share Your Church’s Vision for the Year: This is an opportunity for the church leadership to share their vision and goals for the new year, casting a vision that includes new families. When people feel like they’re part of something purposeful, they’re more likely to become invested.
Takeaway Point: A New Year event provides a welcoming space for families to explore church life and find ways to get involved, helping them feel like they belong.
3. Build a New Guest Support System
After initial follow-up, a sustained plan is essential to nurture these new relationships. A New Guest Support System connects new families and individuals with existing members, small groups, or volunteer opportunities, facilitating deeper involvement and spiritual growth.
Assign a “Welcome Team” or “Family Connect Team”: Create a small team dedicated to reaching out and supporting new families and individuals. Their role can include reaching out monthly, introducing families to other members, and inviting them to activities where they can feel comfortable and supported.
Use a Follow-Up Calendar: Plan a schedule for follow-up throughout the year. For instance, after an initial visit in December, send a follow-up invitation in January, invite them to a small group in February, and check in during special occasions like Easter and church events. Consistent touchpoints make people feel valued and seen beyond a single season.
Highlight Special Interest Ministries: Offer information on ministries they might find meaningful, such as service teams, Bible study groups, or classes on parenting or financial management.
Offer Family-Friendly Volunteer Opportunities: Involve new families and individuals by encouraging them to join volunteer groups where they can serve alongside other members. This could be anything from helping at church events to community outreach. Participating in church activities helps people build connections and feel invested in the church’s mission.
Takeaway Point: A structured, ongoing follow-up process helps new families and individuals build lasting connections, feel supported, and become actively engaged in church life.
Following up with new guests during the holiday season doesn’t end with one email or one event. It’s about building a relationship, creating touchpoints that invite them to engage, and offering a pathway for deeper involvement. By taking these intentional steps, your church can create an environment where new families and individuals feel welcomed, supported, and valued—paving the way for a season of growth and vibrant community rooted in Jesus.
Anna Juliao is the Host Development Specialist at Connect Ministries, where she has served since 2021. She is passionate about fostering life-giving relationships and deeply believes that connecting churches with new people creates opportunities for meaningful encounters with and life transformation in Jesus. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and is known for her humor, intentionality, and encouragement. Anna also leads the Hospitality Team at 5 Points Church, a local church plant in the Athens area. In her free time, Anna enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with people.