Blog | 7 ways to Follow up with First-Time Easter Visitors
7 ways to Follow up with First-Time Easter Visitors
On Easter Sunday, it’s likely you saw many new faces join you for worship. Did you know that more people in the United States conduct an online search for “church” around Easter than at any other time, even Christmas? Easter is a fantastic opportunity to connect with members of your community that aren’t yet plugged into a church home. You shouldn’t have to wait until next year to see these people again. Now that Easter is in the rearview, here are 7 ways to follow up with your first-time visitors and invite them to join your community.
Send a thank-you note.
Sending a thank-you note is an excellent way to show visitors that you appreciate their attendance and care about them. A handwritten note is always the best, but if you have a large number of visitors, a printed note will suffice. Be sure to thank them for attending and let them know that you hope to see them again soon.
Invite them back.
After thanking visitors for attending, make sure to invite them back. Let them know that your church would love to have them as a regular part of the congregation. You can also invite them to upcoming events or services to give them a taste of what your church has to offer.
Offer a free gift.
Everyone loves free gifts, and visitors are no exception. Consider offering a free gift as a token of appreciation for their attendance. This can be something as simple as a notebook or a pen with your church’s name and logo. Coffee gift cards, a custom mug, or a book related to your current sermon series are also good options. It is a small gesture, but it can make a big impact on visitors.
Provide additional resources.
Visitors may have questions about your church’s beliefs, programs, or services. Make sure to provide them with additional resources to answer these questions. This can include a brochure or pamphlet that explains your church’s mission and vision, a list of upcoming events, or a link to your church’s website.
Follow up with a phone call.
A phone call is an excellent way to connect with visitors on a more personal level. A friendly call to thank them for attending and to answer any questions they may have can go a long way in making them feel welcomed and valued. Be sure to take the time to listen to their needs and concerns, and offer to pray for them if appropriate.
Invite them to a small group or Bible study.
Small groups or Bible studies are a great way to get visitors involved in your church community. Invite them to join a group or study that fits their interests and schedule. This will give them the opportunity to connect with others in the church and grow in their faith.
Be consistent.
Consistency is key when following up with visitors. Make sure to follow up with them in a timely manner and stay in touch with them regularly. This can be through emails, phone calls, or invitations to events. Let them know that your church values them and is committed to helping them grow in their faith.
Following up with first-time visitors after Easter Sunday is essential for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your church. By taking these practical steps, you can show visitors that your church values them. Every visitor matters to Jesus and we have the opportunity to give them a safe space to grow in their faith, experience God’s love, and get connected with a supportive community.
About the Author
Emma Tarp is a writer and worship leader based in Minneapolis, MN. On her best days, she's highlighter-deep in a good book or teaching herself to sew. On her other best days, she's helping passionate folks and inspired businesses put words to their work. Find out more at emmatarp.com.