How to Welcome New Church Members
Make a good first impression., Send a welcome letter., Remember to greet them properly., Ask about their interests., Invite new members to social events., Make the service welcoming and appealing., Communicate with new members.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make a good first impression.
New members may be unsure of themselves when they first come to church.
Make sure there are plenty of signs that direct people to where they need to go for services, offices, childcare and parking.
Keep the grounds and the buildings clean and presentable. -
Step 2: Send a welcome letter.
When a new member joins the church, a letter from the pastor or a welcoming committee is a good way to make them feel supported and welcomed.
The letter can express the church's gratitude that they have joined, and provide helpful information on who to contact for which needs, service times, special events and other announcements. , Always be intentional about saying hello and goodbye when new members come to services or events.
Greeters and ushers should wear name tags and be prepared to help or answer questions.
Escort them to where they need to go the first couple of times, rather than simply pointing out places or giving verbal directions.
That personal and attentive touch will make a difference to new members. , Becoming involved will help new members feel welcome.
Find out about interests and secular activities, and offer to match them with different church groups and ministries. , Be sure your newcomers are familiar with the social calendar at your church.
Fill them in on the regular get-togethers as well as special occasions.
Let them know when childcare is provided so they do not feel prohibited from joining events if they have kids. , Keeping the worship service easy for a new member to follow will help them feel welcome.
Print the words to all songs and prayers, and verbally welcome new members and visitors at the beginning or end of the service. , Contact your new church members a few days after they join to find out if there is anything they need.
Use the contact information they provided the church to call them or send them an email.
If they did not provide a phone number or email address, send a letter.
Ask for feedback on the service, the pastors, and their first impressions of the church.
Some people are more comfortable providing truthful information anonymously, so consider using a survey and asking them to complete it. -
Step 3: Remember to greet them properly.
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Step 4: Ask about their interests.
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Step 5: Invite new members to social events.
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Step 6: Make the service welcoming and appealing.
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Step 7: Communicate with new members.
Detailed Guide
New members may be unsure of themselves when they first come to church.
Make sure there are plenty of signs that direct people to where they need to go for services, offices, childcare and parking.
Keep the grounds and the buildings clean and presentable.
When a new member joins the church, a letter from the pastor or a welcoming committee is a good way to make them feel supported and welcomed.
The letter can express the church's gratitude that they have joined, and provide helpful information on who to contact for which needs, service times, special events and other announcements. , Always be intentional about saying hello and goodbye when new members come to services or events.
Greeters and ushers should wear name tags and be prepared to help or answer questions.
Escort them to where they need to go the first couple of times, rather than simply pointing out places or giving verbal directions.
That personal and attentive touch will make a difference to new members. , Becoming involved will help new members feel welcome.
Find out about interests and secular activities, and offer to match them with different church groups and ministries. , Be sure your newcomers are familiar with the social calendar at your church.
Fill them in on the regular get-togethers as well as special occasions.
Let them know when childcare is provided so they do not feel prohibited from joining events if they have kids. , Keeping the worship service easy for a new member to follow will help them feel welcome.
Print the words to all songs and prayers, and verbally welcome new members and visitors at the beginning or end of the service. , Contact your new church members a few days after they join to find out if there is anything they need.
Use the contact information they provided the church to call them or send them an email.
If they did not provide a phone number or email address, send a letter.
Ask for feedback on the service, the pastors, and their first impressions of the church.
Some people are more comfortable providing truthful information anonymously, so consider using a survey and asking them to complete it.
About the Author
Lisa Ramos
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in pet care and beyond.
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