Churches are always looking for ways to recruit new members and visitors are one source of that recruitment. When someone visits a church, they walk away with impressions of their experience and a Church Visitor Packet plays an important role in that perception.
Churches are called to reach their communities. They do this by developing Christians who can demonstrate Christian principles in their everyday life and hopefully influence those around them.
When members influence their friends and neighbors they have the opportunity to invite them to a church service. This initial visit can determine if someone will return.
Most churches spend time setting the stage for a visitor. They park friendly greeters at the door, welcome them when the service begins and often offer them a Visitor Packet.
This Visitor Packet is used to share information about the church, its beliefs and offers a carrot to get them to come back for a second time.
If done well, visitor packets can be instrumental in encouraging people to visit enough times to make a decision about whether the church is the right fit for their family.
So what do you include in a visitor packet?
The visitor packet should be used as a tool to help convince visitors to come back for a second time. If you think of it this way you will be able to get creative about what to include.
7 Things to Include In a Church Visitor Packet
1. A Simple Thank You
Get some nice note cards and write a simple thank you note. Thank them choosing your church to visit and allowing you to serve them.
Speak from your heart, keep it simple, use a nice pen and hand sign every note.
The Lead or Senior Pastor is typically the best person to do this but you can also keep the note generic and simple sign your church name.
2. Statement of Faith
People who are checking out your church want to know what you believe. Hopefully you have an official statement of faith that explains the belief and doctrine that your church adheres to.
If you don’t have an official statement of faith, now might be a good time to write one.
Spend a few dollars and have your statement of faith printed on nice card stock and include it in the packet.
3. Upcoming Events
Show visitors the exciting things you do outside of church services. Share information about upcoming church events, community outreach or other gatherings of your members.
Include promotional materials to keep them informed.
Nothing will bring a family back like an invitation to an upcoming youth retreat or a kids summer camp.
4. Something With Your Name On It
This visit may be a one time shot so make the most of it. Like any interaction at a trade show, give aways are a must. Get some cool pens, pads of paper or perhaps a bookmark that has your church name and website printed on it.
Spend time and resources on brainstorming the best option and have it professionally designed and printed to show the excellence your church strives for.
5. Kids Coloring Book
If you have a great children’s ministry, order some customized coloring books for kids. Have the coloring book be about a Bible story, a Bible character or a special miracle.
And don’t forget the crayons!
6. Invitation To Tour Facilities
People who are new to your campus may not understand the scope of all that you do. Include a special invitation to take visitors on a tour of your campus.
Train someone to show them around and brag about all of the great things you do every week. Show them some of the behind the scenes and share in the excitement of the church team who put it all together.
Schedule these tours with the visitor’s schedule in mind. Try to be as flexible as possible and accommodate them with a time that works best with their schedule.
7. Free Food Item
Most churches raise money by having some sort of coffee/breakfast bar on Sundays. Print up some fun coupons and include a free drink or food item in the packet when the visitors comes back for a second visit.
Spend time training the volunteers at the coffee bar on how to interact with visitors who use their coupon. This interaction can make a big difference in shaping the visitor’s impression of the church and its members.
Attracting and keeping visitors is one way that helps churches grow. Creating a great experience for their visit is how you can get them to return. A well thought out church visitor packet is one tool you can use to help them get to know your church and the passions you share.
What do you include in your visitor packet?