Far too often, church guests share with me that no one spoke to them. How sad! The churches I served did not want this to be said about us, so we developed seven “touches.” A touch is any meaningful interaction that communicates, “We noticed you, we value you, and we would love to see you again.” Below is a seven-touch strategy I have used for welcoming and following up with guests:
Offer a warm welcome.
Guests begin forming an impression of the church before the service ever begins. Greeters, leaders, and members should intentionally move through the entrances, aisles, and gathering areas. A sincere look, a warm smile, a friendly word, and an appropriate touch can help people feel welcomed rather than overlooked.
Introduce guests to the pastor and staff.
Provide a convenient place after the service where first-time guests can meet the pastor and staff (if the church has multiple staff). Keep the conversation relaxed and personal, and offer a small gift from the church as an expression of appreciation for their visit.
Deliver a same-day thank-you.
If guests provide their contact information, leave a door hanger or small gift at their home that Sunday. Our guest team left as soon as the service ended so they could deliver the door hanger thanking guests for their visit before they returned home. On this hanger, we included church information.
Make a Sunday-afternoon phone call.
Call guests to thank them for attending and ask whether they have any prayer needs. I learned this practice from Jay Wolf at First Baptist Church in Montgomery, who regularly called guests on Sunday afternoons. These calls can be shared among the pastor, staff, and trained volunteers. The purpose is not to pressure guests but to express genuine care. We also had teams make personal visits on Sunday afternoons.
Mail a personal note from the pastor.
On Monday morning, I signed prepared letters and added a brief personal note. The letter usually arrived by Wednesday, providing another reminder of our gratitude for their visit.
Send a handwritten note from a church member.
On Wednesday, a group of church members gathered to write personal notes using a simple template. Many of our senior adults enjoyed participating in this ministry. By Friday or Saturday, guests received a handwritten message from someone other than the pastor or staff.
Extend a personal invitation to return.
On Saturday, send a text or email inviting the guest to return the next day. We offered to meet the guest at the door, help them find their class, or even provide transportation if needed. This final touch made returning feel easier and more personal.
You may be thinking, “Isn’t this overkill?” Perhaps it sounds that way, but every church I served that consistently went the extra mile experienced significant growth. More importantly, guests discovered a church that genuinely cared about them. Let’s make sure they know we are grateful they came and would love for them to return.