The gospel ministry is a two fold work. On one hand it’s a call to “go and tell” while on the other we want people to “come and see.” From the words of Philip to Nathanael (John 1:46), to Jesus commissioning his disciples (Matt. 28:19), good gospel work lives in tension. Sunday, however, requires a “come and see” mentality. We must prepare ourselves and our ministries to receive those who, to quote a great song — “still haven’t found what they are looking for.”
Pastor, can I share with you a few tips I’ve learned that may help your Sunday morning be a little more sticky? Like you, I want to lead a ministry that reaches and retains, for guests to visit and stay around. Here are a few ideas.
Create a “People Business” Culture
Gospel ministry runs on relationships. There’s no dodging it. Whether you’re a high strung extrovert, or a “fake-it-to-make-it” through Sunday introvert, people are the ministry. So as a leader, coach your people to love people and speak to people. Jesus was a “friend of sinners” (Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:34). He rolled up the sleeves of his life to get close to the people who needed him most. Christian, don’t be scared. If a guest has the courage to attend, meet them where they are. Walk with them, sit with them, eat with them, follow-up with them. Make a friend. You may be the only one they have. Connection is the first step in disciple-making.
Make Connecting Easy
Have a user friendly, easy on the eyes website. Clear signage and connection points are a must in the lobby. Train welcome teams to ask the right questions, and point folks in the right direction. Every Sunday is someone’s first Sunday. Diversify your ways to collect information. Use texts, QR codes, email, digital cards, and follow-up! None of which should be a hassle. Mark this: If a mom can’t complete the card (or the online form) while holding a wiggling 18 month old, it’s probably too complex. Save those for your membership process. In the end, guests can tell if they were expected.
Give a Memorable (and Usable) Gift
Have a professional logo, font and color choices, and use each intentionally and strategically. Stay on brand. Give something people would take pride in wearing, using or even giving away. So, choose wisely what you give away at the welcome table. People don’t need more junk. Parents don’t want to find your freebies under the back seat of the mini-van. And if we’re honest, most aren’t looking for another hydration apparatus. Know your context and what works well for your guests. And if you give a pen, make it a good one.
Pre-Schedule Local Sunday Lunches
I first saw this done at Grace Church Miami and I love it. They strategically plant church members in 4-6 lunch spots and push people that way. Regardless of how you do it, leverage the Sunday afternoon and evening. Get creative, host on-campus meals or a picnic in the park.
Invite guests to your home. Leverage easy Sunday rhythms already in place. The more relationships you can forge the better. Odds are, the quicker new folks connect the better chance they have of staying around.
Say “Hello” from the Front
Lastly, and perhaps most important, give a verbal welcome to guests during your public worship service. Don’t ostracize, but do take time to mention and greet guests while the congregation is assembled. If you’re a lead pastor (the preacher), make sure you take time to welcome guests on and off the pulpit platform. Be at the door, the welcome desk, the coffee pot, and the children’s check-in. Pastor, be accessible. Introduce yourself, call guest by name, and remember them next Sunday.
In over a decade of pastoral ministry, I’ve tried or seen about every tactic in the book. Yet, there are a few elements of ministry I’ve noticed that keep people coming back.
● The Sunday has to be easy. Parking, restrooms, childcare, website, check-in, giving. All of it. Don’t make it hard, unsafe, dirty or plain confusing.
● The preaching has to be good. Teach the Bible. Read, explain, apply and sit down. Teach the text, point to Christ. Base hits win ball games.
● The path has to be clear. Give next steps. Promote classes, groups, studies and events. Cater your media to guests. Condense your bulletin.
● The people have to be nice. The church is a community. May it be one that others want to join. Remember, you’re in the people business.
Pastor, the Lord is sending guests your way. From the parking lot to the children’s check-in, Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)
MDiv Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
The Preaching and Pastoral Ministry track prepares students for pastoral ministry in the local church with a special emphasis on expository preaching.
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