032. Revival Ready: Preparing Your Church for Growth

Today's episode focuses on one of the fundamental aspects of church readiness – creating a welcoming environment for new families. Picture this: three new families walk into your church simultaneously. Are you prepared to welcome them with open arms? Let's dive in!

A few weeks ago, as I sat across from a future podcast guest, I was reminded of the very reason I started this journey in the first place. They asked me, "What is your goal with having a podcast?" It took me back to the beginning, before the beginning, when I envisioned helping churches get ready, be prepared, and expect revival. I've encountered countless churches that struggled to handle an influx of new families. Today, we'll explore how to make our churches more inviting and ready to embrace new members.

We will discuss key elements to make your church more inviting to newcomers. From the moment they step through the doors, we want them to feel valued and at home. 

Picture this scenario: three new families walk into your church simultaneously. Are you ready for them? Let's consider a few key aspects that can make all the difference in welcoming new faces into your church. 

Nursery and Childcare:

Having a clean and inviting nursery can ease the worries of parents with young children. If you already have a nursery, ensure it's well-maintained and stocked with sanitized toys. If not, consider creating a portable nursery kit with toys and a rocking chair, and place it in a designated area. Don't forget to have volunteers ready to assist in the nursery when needed.

Hospitality:

Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere starts with friendly faces at the entrance. Designate volunteers to greet newcomers and make them feel at home. Episode 19 with Wanda Littrell offers great tips on hospitality that can help enhance your welcoming efforts.

Clean and Accessible Facilities:

Having clean and easily accessible restrooms is crucial. Ensure they are clearly marked or have greeters inform visitors about their location. First impressions matter, and clean facilities convey a sense of care and respect for visitors.

Connecting with Newcomers:

Not all new families will be alike, so it's important to cater to various demographics. For instance, if you have retired couples visiting, provide them with information about ways to connect and get involved. Consider creating postcards with details about Bible study groups, men or women's events, and other fellowship opportunities.

Worship Experience:

Creating a vibrant and engaging worship experience can leave a lasting impression on newcomers. Ensure your worship team is well-prepared, the songs are meaningful, and the atmosphere is conducive to worship. Invite new families to participate and encourage them to feel comfortable expressing their faith.

Follow-Up and Connection:

Following up with new families after their visit is crucial for building lasting connections. Assign volunteers to reach out to them, thank them for coming, and provide any additional information they may need. Consider sending a welcome package or a personalized email to express your gratitude and make them feel valued.

Clear Communication:

Communication is key in any community, and your church is no exception. Ensure that your church's events, schedules, and important information are clearly communicated through multiple channels, such as bulletins, website, social media, and announcements during services.

Diversity in Community:

Embrace diversity your church community. Make sure your church is welcoming to people of different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for everyone to share their perspectives and experiences.

Empowerment and Involvement:

Encourage new families to get involved and contribute their unique gifts and talents to the church. Provide opportunities for them to volunteer and join different ministries. When people feel empowered and connected, they are more likely to invest in the church community.

Continuous Improvement:

Revival is not a one-time event; it's a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Seek feedback from new and long-standing members alike to identify areas for growth and improvement. Emphasize the importance of continuous improvement in creating a welcoming and prepared environment.

Conclusion:

Creating a welcoming and prepared environment in your church involves various aspects that go beyond the physical space. From the worship experience to following up with newcomers, every step matters in fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Remember, revival is not a one-time event; it's a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Let's pray, believe, expect, and prepare for God's great work in our churches. 

Creating a welcoming church environment sets the foundation for growth and revival. By taking action and making our churches places where new families feel embraced, valued, and empowered, we can set the stage for a powerful revival in our communities. 

YOUR church can become a beacon of hope for new families seeking a spiritual home. Thank you for joining us on this journey of preparation and expectation!

Remember, together, we can make our churches revival ready! God bless you all.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will be discussing the Grace God gives you in Your Calling. 

 

Other Episodes Mentioned:

Episode 19: Tips of Creating an Effective Hospitality Team in the Church

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This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode032