The Christmas season is a wonderful time to welcome new faces to your church. Many people are more open to attending services during the holidays, making it a prime opportunity to connect with visitors and make them feel at home. Here are some tips to help you create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your Christmas visitors, along with personal stories from church members who have experienced the joy of connecting with newcomers.

1.        Prepare Your Greeters

Your greeters are the first point of contact for visitors. Ensure they are friendly, approachable, and ready to assist with any questions. Equip them with information about the service, church facilities, and upcoming events. A warm smile and a genuine greeting can make a big difference.

Personal Story: “I remember my first Christmas service at this church. The welcome team was so kind and helpful. They made me feel like I belonged right away. Now, as a member of the welcome team myself, I strive to make every visitor feel the same way.” – Sarah

2.        Create a Festive Atmosphere

Decorate your church to reflect the joy and celebration of the season. Use lights, wreaths, and a nativity scene to create a festive environment. This will enhance the worship experience and make visitors feel the holiday spirit as soon as they walk in. 

Personal Story: “The decorations at our church are always so beautiful during Christmas. Last year, my kids were in awe of the nativity scene. It really set the tone for a meaningful service.” – John

3.        Offer Special Programs for Families and Children

Christmas is family-oriented, so consider offering special programs for children and families. This could include a Christmas pageant, a children's choir performance, or a family-friendly service. Providing activities for kids can help parents feel more comfortable and engaged.

Personal Story: “Our Christmas pageant is a highlight for my family. My daughter loves participating, and it's a great way for us to invite our neighbors to church. They always enjoy the performance and the sense of community.” – Emily

4.        Provide Clear Information

Make sure visitors know what to expect. Provide clear signage for parking, restrooms, and nursery facilities. Consider creating a welcome packet with information about your church, service times, and upcoming events. This can help visitors feel more at ease and informed.

Personal Story: “When I first visited, I was a bit nervous about finding my way around. The clear signs and friendly greeters made it so much easier. I felt comfortable and could focus on the service.” – Mark

5.        Follow Up After the Service

Don't let the connection end when the service does. Collect contact information from visitors and follow up with a friendly email or phone call. Thank them for attending and invite them to future services or events. This shows that you value their presence and are interested in building Relationships.

Personal Story: “After my first visit, I received a lovely email from the pastor thanking me for coming. It was such a nice touch and made me feel valued. It encouraged me to come back and get more involved.” – Lisa

6.        Encourage Congregation Involvement

Encourage your regular attendees to be on the lookout for new faces and to introduce themselves. A personal invitation to join a small group or attend a church event can make visitors feel more connected and welcomed.

Personal Story: “One of the members invited me to their small group after the Christmas service. It was a wonderful way to meet people and feel part of the community. Now, I do the same for new visitors.” – Tom

7.        Share the Message of Christmas

Ensure that your service's message is clear and resonates with both regular attendees and visitors. Focus on the reason for the birth of Jesus, the hope, love, and joy that the Christ child brings. A meaningful and relatable message can leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Personal Story: “The Christmas message at our church always touches my heart. It's a reminder of the true meaning of the season and why we celebrate. It's something I look forward to every year.” – Rachel

8.        Offer Refreshments and Fellowship Time

After the service, provide a time for fellowship with refreshments. This allows visitors to mingle and get to know the church community in a relaxed setting. It's a great way to build connections and make them feel part of the family.

Personal Story: “The fellowship time after the service is one of my favorite parts. It's a chance to chat with new people and catch up with friends. The cookies and hot cocoa are a nice bonus!” – Mike

9.        Highlight Upcoming Events

Use the opportunity to inform visitors about upcoming events and services. Whether it's a New Year's service, a community outreach program, or a Bible study group, letting visitors know what's happening next can encourage them to return.

Personal Story: “I first learned about the church's community outreach program during a Christmas service. It inspired me to get involved, and now I volunteer regularly. It's been a rewarding experience.” – Anna

10.  Pray for Your Visitors

Finally, pray for the visitors who come through your doors. Ask God to bless them and guide them in their spiritual journey. Prayer is a powerful way to show care and concern for those new to your church.

Personal Story: “Knowing that the church prayed for me when I was a visitor meant a lot. It showed me that they genuinely cared about my well-being and spiritual Growth.” – David.

By taking these steps and sharing personal stories, you can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages visitors to return and become part of your church community. Remember, the goal is to make every visitor feel valued and loved, reflecting the true outreach spirit of Christmas.

Originally Published on https://www.becomingbridgebuilders.org/blog

Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney

Rev. Dr. Byrene Haney is a dedicated and experienced pastor with over 31 years of service in multi-ethnic urban congregations. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. And a Doctorate of Education from Concordia Univerisity, Irvine, CA. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including Senior Pastor at Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI, and Mission Facilitator for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.

Currently, Rev. Dr. Haney serves as Assistant to the President in the Iowa District West, where he assists congregations with strategic planning, visioning, outreach, and fostering a culture of generosity and human care. His commitment to connecting faith with community needs and crises has significantly impacted the congregations he serves.