Church events can be valuable tools for outreach, but events by themselves rarely move people into consistent worship and community. The issue is not effort or intent—it’s often what happens during and after the event. If an event is not intentionally designed to move people toward relationship and discipleship, it becomes a moment rather than a movement.
1. We are often not prepared to show intentional care during the event.
Too often, churches focus on logistics rather than people. The tendency is to manage the event well but move away from mission rather than toward it. When guests feel unnoticed or unimportant, they leave without connection.
People don’t return because of how impressive the event was, but because of how personally they were treated.
2. There is no clear next step immediately following the event.
An event should never be the end—it should be the beginning. Hosting an outdoor worship service immediately after the event, whether on-site or nearby, provides a natural and non-threatening next step for guests who are already present.
Momentum fades quickly without an immediate invitation to something meaningful.
3. Outreach teams are not trained to engage spiritually and relationally.
Friendly volunteers are good, but trained outreach teams are better. Teams should know how to initiate conversation, listen well, and gently point people toward connection without pressure.
Untrained friendliness welcomes people; trained intentionality connects them.
4. We fail to intentionally gather contact information.
If contact information is not gathered, follow-up cannot happen. This must be done naturally and respectfully, with a clear reason communicated to the guest.
If we do not know their name or story, we should not be surprised when we cannot follow up.
5. There is no organized and personal follow-up process.
Follow-up must be timely, personal, and relational. Creating a follow-up team that records notes, reaches out personally, and invites guests to coffee or a simple connection meeting builds trust and familiarity.
People return to places where they feel remembered, not processed.
6. Churches often fail to go above and beyond in memorable ways.
Chick-fil-A stands out because they do what others don’t—small acts of care, kindness, and excellence. Churches should aim to surprise guests with genuine hospitality and thoughtful touches that give people a reason to talk about their experience.
Memorable care creates conversations that marketing never can.
7. We underestimate the power of genuine relationships.
Most people are not looking for a program—they are looking for real friendships. Events must be designed to foster conversation, connection, and ongoing relationships, not just attendance.
People stay where they feel known, valued, and connected.
Events are not ineffective—but they are incomplete without intentional connection, follow-up, and relationship-building. When churches move from hosting events to cultivating relationships, events become doors rather than destinations. The goal is not simply to attract people to an event, but to lovingly walk with them into community, worship, and life together in Christ.