How to Meet New People as a Church Leader This Holiday Season🎄 - Gabe Norris, Vice President of Connect Ministries
Let’s face it - Church attendance is on the decline, you see and feel this reality in your community. But instead of focusing on what's slipping away, let’s set our eyes towards the opportunities the holiday season provides to meet new people and assimilate them into the life of our churches. By having a winning game plan, you can connect with many who are searching for hope, life, and belonging. Here are five highly practical ways your church can be a great steward of this holiday season:
1. Show up where people already gather.
Nearly 88% of Americans participate in community events during the holidays (National Retail Federation, 2022). From parades to tree lightings to neighborhood home gatherings, these events are jackpots for meeting people outside your church walls. Instead of simply attending, participate actively. Wear your church logo, equip your team to start genuine conversations, and find ways to add value. Take genuine interest in people by focusing on trust-building conversations: ask about favorite traditions or holiday plans, and leave a positive impression that says, “We sincerely care about this community.” Showing up where people already gather demonstrates that your church truly values people, and not just what’s on the church’s calendar.
2. Host family-friendly holiday experiences.
Families are actively seeking valuable holiday activities, and 70% of parents say family-focused events make them feel welcomed by a church (Barna Group, 2023). Create events that are remarkable and memorable. Engage all five senses - sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch - to leave a lasting impression. Create an irresistible atmosphere, with team members ready to connect without overwhelming new people. When families associate your church with value-add, joy and generosity, they’ll also think of you when life gets tough. Let your church be known as the place that truly loves families.
3. Prioritize face to face invitations.
Personal invitations are likely the most effective way to bring new people to church, with 71% of unchurched individuals saying they would attend if invited by someone they know (Lifeway Research, 2022). Equip your congregation to extend these invitations confidently. Provide simple tools that make it even easier for your people to make an invite. Inspire them with stories of real-life invitations that led to life change. Teach them that Christmas services are easy on-ramps for first-time guests. When your members feel empowered and excited to invite their friends, your church’s reach will multiply exponentially.
4. Leverage website and social media strategically.
What’s the first thing you do when researching a new brand or looking up a new organization? Most likely, your first inclination is to look the business up on Google or Social Media. The same thing is true about your church! First time guests are visiting you digitally before they are stepping through the front doors of your church. Did you know that 17 million people who do not regularly attend church visit church websites each year? (Grey Matter Research) This further emphasizes the fact that your digital presence needs to be in place ready to receive first time visitors just like your Sunday new guest plan. It is a best practice to strategically build your website and social media plans with the first time guest in mind. If someone new were to land on your website or social media, would they find the info they are looking for? Would they be able to sign up to visit your church in person and have a personal greeter upon arrival? Connecting your digital communications presence to your in person church services is one of the best strategies to meet new people this holiday season.
5. Execute a very clear first-time guest plan.
Research shows that 80% of first-time visitors decide within 10 minutes whether they’ll return (Thom Rainer, 2019). From the parking lot to the pew, execute a first-time guest plan that’s seamless and intentional. Train greeters to be friendly and provide 5 star hospitality. Provide clear signage, a small welcome gift, anything that would make a first-time guest feel less like an outsider. Be mindful of any “insider” language you might unintentionally be using from the stage. After the service, follow up with a handwritten note or digital connection. A remarkable first impression can turn a casual visitor into a bought-in church member.
Discussion Questions
What local holiday events or spaces can we attend to meet people in our community, and how can we add value to those gatherings?
Are our church’s holiday events designed to create lasting and meaningful memories for families? How can we make them more remarkable?
How can we better equip and inspire our members to invite people to church this holiday season?
Is our social media strategy effective? What adjustments could we make to better engage our digital audience during the holidays?
What steps can we take to improve the first-time guest experience and ensure new people find our church’s culture to be life-giving?