For churches, Christmas is a time when they get more visitors than normal.
People who might rarely or never attend a local church may give it a try or go with family when asked.
Christmas is a massive holiday around the world and is celebrated through media and entertainment, and when we add in reality, many get time off and gather with family, and churches can be filled with new visitors.
The local church continues to be the primary way to engage believers and new believers in discipleship and spiritual growth, leading to transformation in every part of life. How can these churches with new visitors transfer Christmas visitors into regular attendees?
Here are seven ways Christians can keep Christmas visitors.
1. Engaging Online Presence
In the modern age of social media and the internet, an engaging online presence is a powerful tool for churches seeking to connect with and retain Christmas visitors.
By actively utilizing social media platforms, maintaining an up-to-date website, and crafting compelling digital content, churches can create a welcoming virtual space that extends the warmth of the holiday season.
Most people, especially those 40 and younger, will check out a church online first, usually one of the sermons by the pastor, before setting foot into the building. Provide easy and clear access to online services and messages.
Posting regular updates about Christmas services, events, and community initiatives on social media platforms ensures that potential visitors are well-informed and excited about attending.
Churches can leverage eye-catching visuals, such as festive graphics or short video clips, to capture attention and convey the joyful atmosphere awaiting attendees.
An interactive and user-friendly website serves as a virtual gateway for Christmas visitors, offering detailed information about service times, special programs, and any COVID-19 safety measures.
Engaging with the online community through comments, direct messages, and polls fosters a sense of connection before visitors even set foot in the church.
Sharing inspiring stories, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of holiday preparations can create a personal connection and pique curiosity.
Ultimately, a vibrant online presence not only attracts Christmas visitors but also lays the foundation for ongoing engagement.
2. Visitor Friendly Services
Creating visitor-friendly services is instrumental in retaining Christmas visitors and fostering a sense of belonging within the church community. Active and intentional steps can transform a one-time visitor into a regular attendee.
First, be aware many of those attending Christmas services may be visitors, or perhaps they’ve never attended a church anywhere. Build and organize the service for simplicity of message and inclusion for impact.
Christian language and phrases can exclude people. At the same time, certain traditions are clear and can bring a sense of nostalgia. Candlelight services, singing famous carols, and even communion might be great events to include during a Christmas event or service.
During Christmas services, churches can offer easy-to-follow programs or bulletins that outline the order of events.
Clear communication about the service schedule, hymns, and any special activities allows visitors to fully participate and feel included in the celebration.
Incorporating visitor acknowledgment within the service, such as a welcoming announcement or recognition during a greeting time, personalizes the experience.
Churches can also distribute welcome packets that include relevant information about the church's mission, values, and ways to get involved.
3. Community Events
Hosting inclusive events for the entire community during the Christmas season is a dynamic strategy for churches to retain holiday visitors and forge lasting connections.
By actively engaging with the broader community, churches can create a welcoming atmosphere that extends beyond traditional services.
Organizing festive community events, such as Christmas markets, concerts, or charity drives, invites both church members and visitors to participate in the joyous season.
These events provide opportunities for interaction, fostering a sense of community spirit and shared celebration.
Welcoming individuals of all ages through family-friendly activities ensures that the church environment is accessible and appealing to diverse demographics.
Activities like children's programs, seasonal workshops, or community meals create an inclusive space where visitors can engage with the church in a relaxed setting.
Promoting these events through various channels, including social media, local publications, and community bulletin boards, helps reach a broader audience.
Clear communication about the events, their purpose, and the welcoming atmosphere encourages both newcomers and regular attendees to invite friends and family.
Encouraging church members to actively participate in planning and organizing these community events strengthens the sense of ownership and community involvement.
Volunteers can serve as friendly faces, facilitating connections and making visitors feel valued and embraced.
These community events not only enhance the church’s visibility but also create a positive and memorable experience for Christmas visitors.
By extending the celebration beyond traditional services, churches can build bridges with the wider community, fostering a sense of unity and increasing the likelihood that holiday visitors will become regular attendees throughout the year.
4. Warm Welcome Teams
Establishing dedicated welcome teams is a proactive approach that significantly contributes to retaining Christmas visitors and fostering a sense of belonging within the church community.
These teams play a pivotal role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that visitors feel valued and connected from the moment they arrive.
Warm welcome teams consist of enthusiastic and approachable volunteers stationed at key points, such as entrances and common areas.
Greeting visitors with a friendly smile, offering assistance with directions, and providing informational materials contribute to a positive first impression and set the tone for a welcoming experience.
By actively engaging with visitors, welcome teams create a sense of community and genuine hospitality.
Personalized interactions, such as learning visitors' names and expressing gratitude for their attendance, convey a sincere interest in their well-being and make them feel like valued guests.
These teams also serve a practical role by helping newcomers navigate the church environment. Offering information about service times, explaining any special holiday events, and guiding visitors to amenities like restrooms or childcare facilities enhance the overall experience and reduce potential confusion.
To further extend the connection beyond the initial visit, welcome teams may collect contact information and provide details about upcoming events or church activities.
5. Visitor Gifts and Church Information
Integrating thoughtful visitor gifts and informative materials into the church’s approach during the Christmas season serves as a proactive strategy to enhance the overall visitor experience and encourage lasting engagement.
These initiatives create a tangible expression of hospitality, making visitors feel not only welcomed but also valued.
Visitor gifts, such as festive welcome bags or small tokens, provide a personal touch that communicates appreciation for attendees' presence.
These gifts, distributed by friendly volunteers or designated welcome teams, can include seasonal treats, informational brochures, and a heartfelt note expressing gratitude for choosing to celebrate the holiday season with the church.
Accompanying these gifts with comprehensive church information is key. Well-designed welcome packets or pamphlets can offer insights into the church's mission, values, and various ministries.
Clear details about upcoming events, service schedules, and ways to get involved provide visitors with a roadmap for continued engagement.
Utilizing digital channels, such as QR codes or links to online resources, enhances accessibility and allows visitors to explore more information at their convenience.
This approach not only caters to diverse preferences but also demonstrates the church's commitment to staying current and accessible in the digital age.
6. Charity Opportunities
Leveraging community charity opportunities represents a dynamic strategy for churches aiming to retain Christmas visitors and instill a sense of shared purpose within the congregation.
Christmas stories and movies focus on helping those in need, and people are especially open to participating in charitable events during this season.
By actively engaging in charitable endeavors during the holiday season, churches not only contribute to the well-being of the community but also create a meaningful connection that resonates with visitors.
Organizing charity drives, such as food or toy collections, allows both church members and visitors to participate in acts of kindness that embody the spirit of Christmas.
The tangible impact of these efforts fosters a sense of community involvement and shared values, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the church's commitment to making a positive difference.
Actively promoting these charity opportunities through various channels, including social media, local news outlets, and community bulletin boards, helps raise awareness and encourages broad participation.
By showcasing the church’s dedication to serving the community, potential visitors are more likely to see the church as a place of compassion and social responsibility.
Incorporating volunteer opportunities for both church members and visitors further strengthens the bonds within the community.
Joint participation in charitable activities creates shared experiences that go beyond the confines of traditional church services, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that extends throughout the year.
7. Strategic Follow-Up
Now that the church has gathered information from visitors, implementing strategic follow-up is a proactive approach that significantly contributes to building lasting connections and retaining individuals within the church community, transforming initial interest into continued involvement.
Prompt and personalized communication, such as a thank-you email or card expressing gratitude for attendance and conveying a warm welcome, is a crucial first step.
This immediate follow-up not only reinforces positive impressions but also communicates the church's genuine appreciation for each visitor's presence.
Including information about upcoming events, programs, or sermon series in follow-up messages keeps visitors informed and demonstrates the church's commitment to ongoing engagement.
Clear communication about regular service times, community activities, and ways to get involved offers a roadmap for visitors interested in deepening their connection with the church.
Utilizing various communication channels, such as email, phone calls, or even text messages, accommodates diverse preferences and ensures that follow-up efforts reach a broad audience.
A thoughtful and consistent approach demonstrates the church's dedication to maintaining an open line of communication.
Encouraging personal connections, such as assigning a designated point of contact or connecting visitors with small groups or mentors, fosters a sense of community and belonging.
This intentional outreach helps visitors transition from being guests to active participants within the church family.
As we can see, these should all be used as a holistic effort to take advantage of the amazing season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior.
People in our communities are more open to hearing about Jesus, the gospel, church services, and charitable activities.
Each of these is part of a whole, showing visitors how the church lives the gospel in the community and for the members. Learn names and stories, making people feel welcome and valued because Jesus loves them and seeks to change their lives in real ways.
Peace.
For further reading:
5 Ways to Stay Focused on the Reason for the Season
7 Pieces of Advice for New Christians Looking for a Church
Should Christians Really Celebrate Christmas?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Winyuu
