GOAL 1-INCREASE ATTENDANCE

Increase Attendance: Aim to grow attendance at worship services and other church events by implementing inviting outreach strategies, fostering a welcoming environment, and offering compelling programs that meet the needs of the community.

STRATEGY – 1 – INVITING STRATEGY

An inviting strategy is a plan or approach designed to encourage and attract individuals to participate in a particular event, activity, or community. In the context of a church, an inviting strategy aims to create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and appealing to both members of the congregation and newcomers. Here are some components of inviting activities for a church:

1. Warm Welcome: Ensure that all attendees, whether regular members or newcomers feel genuinely welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive at the church. Greeters and ushers can play a crucial role in offering friendly greetings, providing directions, and assisting with any needs.
2. Clear Communication: Provide clear and concise information about church services, events, and activities through various communication channels, such as the church website, social media, newsletters, and bulletin boards. Make sure that important details, such as service times, location, and contact information, are readily available and easy to find.
3. Personal Invitations: Encourage members of the congregation to personally invite their friends, family members, neighbours, and coworkers to church events and services. Personal invitations can be highly effective in encouraging attendance and fostering a sense of belonging.
4. Compelling Worship Services: Create worship services that are engaging, inspiring, and relevant to people’s lives. Incorporate elements such as uplifting music, meaningful prayers, relevant preaching, and interactive activities that resonate with both regular attendees and newcomers.
5. Community Engagement: Actively engage with the local community through outreach and cell group initiatives, service projects, and partnerships with other organizations. By demonstrating a commitment to serving others and making a positive difference in the community, the church can attract individuals who are passionate about social justice and community involvement.
6. Hospitality: Foster a culture of hospitality within the church community by organizing social events, fellowship opportunities, and small group gatherings where people can connect, build relationships, and experience a sense of belonging.
7. Follow-Up: Follow up with newcomers after their initial visit to express gratitude for their attendance, answer any questions they may have, and provide information about upcoming events and opportunities for further engagement. Personalized follow-up can help newcomers feel valued and encourage them to return.
8. Feedback and Evaluation: Regularly solicit feedback from attendees, both new and existing, to assess the effectiveness of the inviting strategy and identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine and adjust the strategy to better meet the needs and preferences of the church community.

By implementing these components and continually refining the inviting strategy based on feedback and evaluation, our churches can create a welcoming and inviting environment that attracts and retains members of the congregation while also reaching out to newcomers and visitors.