Word Count: 329 – Est Reading Time: <2 Minutes
What’s Up:
At most churches, the welcome mat is out … but the back door is wide open. Let’s be clear” Returning church visitors are the exception, not the rule!
So What:
Bringing in first-time visitors isn’t enough. If you’re not converting them into returning guests, you’re spinning your wheels. Growth without retention isn’t growth at all. If you’re tired of attendance stagnation, read on!
The Point Is:
Hospitality That Doesn’t Hurt
Most churches think they’re welcoming … but to a first-timer, it’s either cold, confusing, or cringe-worthy. And believe it or not, friendly greeters don’t fix a broken system.
Follow Up or Fail
If you don’t collect contact info and follow up quickly, your guest has already forgotten you by Tuesday. Relationship starts with initiative.
Preach to the Stranger
If your sermon only speaks to insiders, your visitors check out. Give them a reason to lean in with messages that connect, challenge, and invite change.
Clear Calls to Action
Every sermon should lead to one next step. Real transformation demands movement. No movement, no return. No one’s looking for another Ted Talk … they want (and need!) life transformation.
And … ?
Let’s get real. A study by the ELCA revealed that just 15% of first-time guests return for a second visit. That means 85% are one-and-done. Let that sink in.
Why? Because we ignore the obvious. Confusing rituals. Overwhelming greetings. No real conversations. No clear path forward. Sermons that feel like family reunions for someone besides the guest, not invitations. If your church wants to grow, you can’t just be nice. You have to be intentional.
Start with radical hospitality, not just “friendly” but clear, easy, and dignified. Then grab a name, a number, and address, and an email. Follow up. And preach like a never-been-in-church guest is always in the room. Because they are … or they were.
Action!
Pick up the First-Time to Faithful visitor follow-up system. Seven videos. One workbook. Just $7. https://go.effectivechurch.com/first-time-2-faithful
