HOW TO RETAIN VISITORS IN CHURCH

Title: HOW TO RETAIN VISITORS IN CHURCH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 13:2
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

Supporting Texts:
Matthew 25:35-40
Romans 15:7
1 Peter 4:9
Colossians 4:5-6
Luke 14:23

INTRODUCTION:
Church growth involves not just attracting visitors but retaining them. Retaining visitors is essential for building a strong, vibrant, and expanding church community. It requires intentional effort, genuine love, and a welcoming atmosphere where people feel valued and supported. This Bible study will explore key strategies to ensure visitors feel welcomed, engaged, and encouraged to become regular members of the church.

1. CREATING A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE

A warm and friendly environment is critical in making visitors feel comfortable and valued.

a) Greet Visitors with Warmth: From the moment they enter, visitors should feel welcomed. A friendly greeting at the door or before the service sets a positive tone (Romans 15:7).

b) Ensure a Clean and Inviting Space: The church premises should be well-maintained and clean, ensuring visitors feel comfortable and relaxed in a well-kept environment (1 Peter 4:9).

c) Welcome Signs and Information: Providing clear signage and welcoming materials will help visitors feel more at ease in an unfamiliar setting (Luke 14:23).

d) Encourage Personal Interaction: Ensure that church members engage with visitors during the service and after, making personal connections and inviting them to fellowship (Colossians 4:5-6).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus demonstrated the power of hospitality, welcoming people into His ministry, and showing them the love of God (Matthew 25:35-40).

2. FOSTERING A SPIRIT OF INCLUSION
Visitors should never feel like outsiders but should be included in the life of the church.

a) Invite Visitors to Fellowship and Events: Invite visitors to church events, gatherings, and social activities where they can build relationships with others in the church community (Romans 12:13).

b) Engage in Small Groups: Offering small group meetings such as Bible studies, prayer meetings, or community groups will provide visitors with a more personal way to connect (Acts 2:42-47).

c) Make Introduction a Priority: Ensure that visitors are introduced to key members and leaders in the church, helping them feel like part of the family (Matthew 18:20).

d) Avoid Cliques: Church members should be encouraged to interact with visitors from all backgrounds, avoiding isolation or cliques that make newcomers feel excluded (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).

e) Biblical Example: The early church was known for their fellowship and inclusivity, where no one was left out (Acts 2:44-45).

3. PROVIDING CLEAR COMMUNICATION
Clear and open communication is essential for keeping visitors informed and engaged in the life of the church.

a) Follow Up After Visits: Always follow up with visitors after they attend a service through calls, messages, or emails to express gratitude for their visit and invite them back (Philippians 1:3).

b) Share Information About the Church: Visitors should be informed about the church’s mission, values, programs, and ministries so they can better understand the church’s vision and how they can get involved (Romans 15:7).

c) Provide Next Steps for Engagement: Offer clear next steps for involvement, such as joining a newcomers’ class, volunteering in a ministry, or attending a church event (Ephesians 4:16).

d) Offer Opportunities for Questions: Visitors should feel free to ask questions about the church and its beliefs, and they should receive helpful, informative answers (1 Peter 3:15).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus made efforts to teach the crowds about His mission and the Kingdom of God, providing clarity and understanding to those who followed Him (Luke 8:1-3).

4. EXHIBITING GENUINE LOVE AND CARE
Visitors will be more likely to return if they feel genuinely cared for and loved.

a) Show Interest in Their Lives: Take the time to learn about visitors’ backgrounds and interests, showing care for their individual lives and concerns (Philippians 2:4).

b) Offer Prayer Support: Encourage visitors to share their prayer requests and offer to pray for them, demonstrating spiritual care (James 5:16).

c) Be Available for Counseling and Support: Offer resources and guidance for spiritual growth, counseling, or any personal needs they may have (Galatians 6:2).

d) Actively Address Their Needs: Whether it’s providing directions, offering information, or helping them with church-related matters, address any concerns they may have promptly and kindly (Romans 12:13).

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul continually expressed his love and care for the churches, often praying for them and offering encouragement (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

5. PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT

Engagement through active participation helps visitors feel more connected and invested in the church.

a) Invite Visitors to Serve: One of the best ways to make visitors feel at home is by inviting them to serve in a ministry or participate in church activities (1 Peter 4:10).

b) Offer Newcomer Classes: Classes that introduce the church’s vision, mission, and ways to get involved can help visitors better understand where they can serve and how they can grow (Ephesians 4:11-12).

c) Provide Leadership Development Opportunities: Offer visitors a chance to grow in leadership roles through training programs, Bible studies, or mentoring (2 Timothy 2:2).

d) Foster a Culture of Welcome: Ensure that all ministries and leaders are encouraging and inclusive, making sure visitors know they are valued and encouraged to get involved (Matthew 28:19-20).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus called His disciples to follow Him and join in His mission, giving them clear opportunities for involvement in the Kingdom (Matthew 4:19).

6. CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT OF EXCELLENCE

Excellence in church services and activities is attractive and reflects God's glory, which draws people back.

a) Offer High-Quality Worship: Ensure that worship services are conducted with excellence, honouring God through quality music, preaching, and prayer (Psalm 33:3).

b) Prepare Well for Services: Services should be well-planned and organized, with clear communication and smooth transitions, to make the experience enjoyable and impactful (1 Corinthians 14:40).

c) Be Consistent in Excellence: Excellence should be the norm, not the exception, ensuring that every area of ministry is done to the best of our ability (Colossians 3:23).

d) Be Authentic in Worship and Ministry: People are drawn to authenticity. Ministry should be genuine, focused on serving and uplifting others in Christ (Romans 12:9).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus performed miracles and spoke with authority, which drew many people to Him. His life and ministry exemplified excellence and authenticity (Matthew 7:28-29).

CONCLUSION:
Retaining visitors in the church requires intentional effort in creating a welcoming atmosphere, providing clear communication, and showing genuine love and care. When visitors experience warmth, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, they are more likely to return and become part of the church family. By fostering a culture of excellence and engagement, the church will grow, and visitors will become long-term members of the body of Christ.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help us to create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to feel comfortable and valued.

2. Father, empower us to engage visitors with genuine love and care.

3. Lord, help us to follow up effectively with visitors and encourage their continued involvement in the church.

4. Father, raise up members who are passionate about showing hospitality and kindness to newcomers.

5. Lord, give us wisdom in providing clear communication about the church’s vision and opportunities for involvement.

6. Father, help us to create a church environment where visitors feel like they belong.

7. Lord, let our services reflect Your excellence and draw people to You.

8. Father, guide us to develop programs that will engage visitors and help them grow in faith.

9. Lord, fill our church with a spirit of inclusivity, where no one feels like an outsider.

10. Father, help us to retain visitors by nurturing their spiritual needs and encouraging them in their walk with You.