We all come from different tribes, denominations, styles of music and sizes small to large.
The one thing churches of all kinds have in common on a day as huge as Easter is wanting to turn first-time guests into second-time guests. How do you do that?
One tool that I’ve used well over the years and highly recommend is having some sort of response card, info card, communication card or connection card – whatever you want to call it.
You can put these in the seats, in the bulletin or hand them out as people walk in. You can collect them in a variety of ways: Have the guests put them in the offering plate, text a number, scan a QR code, or have the guests take them to a connection or collection area – like a Next Steps desk or kiosk where they can receive a gift, for example.
You can see a higher response rate by offering a free gift for people that turn them in at the designated area. Some churches give away books, some t-shirts, and some give away coffee mugs. I have a PDF on unconventional gift ideas you can browse through in my First Impressions Bundle HERE.
The point is to collect as many responses and connection cards as you can. Please have a circle or box that they can check off that reads “First-time Guest.” Also, good to ask is, “How did you hear about us?” Also, have boxes for people to check off if they made a decision for Christ. Many churches include a space for people to share prayer requests.
What you do with the card once it’s turned in (what you do post-Easter) is key. As I’ve said before, “Assimilation is an often overlooked or under-appreciated part of church ministry.”
You can read all about how I did assimilation at a church where I was a pastor at HERE.
Don’t have a Connection Card? Don’t know where to start? I created this sample pack (which has editable files) for you and your church.
Go HERE to download this resource for free!
I hope you guys have an incredible and productive week and may you see much fruit this Easter season!