As a church community, welcoming new families to Sunday gatherings is an important aspect of building a strong, vibrant and inclusive faith community. In South Africa, there are a variety of unique cultural, social, and economic factors that can impact the way a church approaches outreach and welcoming. However, no matter the specific context, there are some fundamental strategies that can be effective in inviting and welcoming new families to Sunday services. In this blog post, we will explore three such strategies that churches in South Africa can use to create a welcoming environment for new families. Whether your church is just starting out or has been established for many years, these strategies can help build a strong foundation for growth and community building.
Personal invitations
- Personal Invitations: One of the most effective ways to welcome new families to church is through personal invitations from existing members. Encourage members to invite their friends, neighbors, and co-workers to attend Sunday services and make them feel welcomed.
When extending an invitation, it’s important to be friendly and approachable, and to clearly explain what the church is all about. Providing information about the services, programs, and activities that the church offers can help new families understand what to expect when they arrive.
Personal invitations can also be combined with other outreach efforts, such as community events or door-to-door visits, to help build relationships with people in the community. When people feel that they have a personal connection to someone in the church, they are more likely to attend and feel welcome.
Additionally, it’s important to follow up with new families after they attend Sunday services. Having a designated person or team responsible for welcoming and connecting with new families can help ensure that they feel valued and included in the church community.
Community Outreach
- Community Outreach: Churches can organize community events such as picnics, festivals, and neighborhood clean-up days to build relationships with people in the community. This creates opportunities to share the church’s message and invite people to Sunday services.
Examples of community outreach activities could include neighborhood clean-up days, picnics, festivals, or sporting events. These events provide opportunities for people to connect with members of the church and learn more about what the church has to offer. They can also help to break down barriers and create a welcoming atmosphere for new families.
When organizing community outreach events, it’s important to consider the needs and interests of the community. For example, if the community is made up of many families with young children, organizing a family-friendly picnic or festival might be a good option. If the community is home to many seniors, a health fair or senior fitness day might be a better fit.
By connecting with people in the community and demonstrating the church’s commitment to serving others, churches can create a positive image and encourage more people to attend Sunday services. Community outreach activities can also help to build trust and establish the church as a valuable resource for the community.
Newcomer Orientation
- Newcomer Orientation: Establish a welcoming process for new families by having a designated person or team responsible for welcoming and orienting them. This person or team can provide information about the church, answer questions, and help new families get connected to others in the church community. A newcomer orientation could also include a tour of the facility and an introduction to key staff members and ministry leaders.
A newcomer orientation can include a tour of the facility, an introduction to key staff members and ministry leaders, and information about the church’s services, programs, and activities. It’s important to provide new families with clear and concise information about what to expect on Sunday mornings and how to get involved in the church community.
In addition to a formal newcomer orientation, it’s also important to have a welcoming atmosphere in the church on Sunday mornings. This can include having greeters at the door, providing information about the church and its services in the bulletin or program, and having a designated area for newcomers to gather and connect with others.
Finally, it’s important to follow up with new families after they attend Sunday services. This can include a phone call or email to thank them for attending and to answer any questions they may have. Providing new families with opportunities to get involved in the church, such as volunteer opportunities or small groups, can also help to make them feel included and valued in the church community.
Overall, a newcomer orientation process can help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for new families and encourage them to return to Sunday services. By making new families feel valued and included, churches can build a strong foundation for growth and community building.
Where to from here?
I believe that, welcoming new families to Sunday gatherings is a vitally important aspect of building a strong and inclusive church community in South Africa. By using personal invitations, community outreach, and newcomer orientation, churches can create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage more people to attend Sunday services.
Each of these strategies provides opportunities to build relationships with people in the community, demonstrate the church’s commitment to serving others, and provide new families with clear and concise information about what to expect when they attend Sunday services.
By implementing these strategies, churches in South Africa can create a positive image and establish themselves as valuable resources for the community. By welcoming new families and making them feel valued and included, churches can build a strong foundation for growth and community building, and create a vibrant and thriving faith community.