4 Simple Ways to Have People Walk in the Door - by Mike Chipman
This past Sunday, I looked out into the sanctuary and saw a growing group of believers. They were enjoying one another’s company. They were talking about the Sunday school lesson or the sermon. They were telling stories about life and laughing together. It was a great thing to see. I started thinking, “What brought that person here?” as I looked at each family. Many things help someone to walk through the doors of your church building for the first time. As an introverted over-thinker, I can worry about walking into a hardware store for several days before I finally do it. How much more difficult is it for someone to come to a church full of strangers for the first time? Over the past 6 years of church planting, I’ve discovered a few simple things that will help folks to break down those barriers before they even walk in the door. It’s no-brainer stuff, but sadly, we often bonk on the no-brainers.
Create a Church Website
“We don’t have anyone who can build a website.” That may be true, but you have someone in your church who has time to learn how. You might have a church staff person who spends an inordinate amount of time on Facebook. You likely have someone in your congregation watching way too much Netflix. My point is this: we do the things we are passionate about. If you are passionate about getting your church noticed, a website is a simple way to do that. Rather than spending an hour on Facebook, spend that hour watching a tutorial on how to build a website for about $100/year. (that’s what I did) If you don’t want to do that, some companies walk you through the process. There is probably someone in your church that even knows how to do it, and would love to serve the church in that way. When many of our members/regular attendees walked in for the first time, I asked them, “How did you find us?” they replied, “I searched ‘reformed church Murray, KY.” We are the first entry. People are looking for truth and churches that rightly handle the Word of God. Choosing not to have a website in 2021 is choosing to keep your church a secret. If that’s your goal, reread Acts.
Establish a Social Media Presence
This goes along with the last one - but this one serves another purpose. People spend a ton of time on Facebook (and other social media). When they are looking for a church, they will try to find it there. Facebook in particular gives them the option to then message that church with questions. I’ve answered questions on service times, and I’ve also answered questions on my views on the regulative principle of worship. Either way, it allows that person a way to break down a barrier early. They don’t have to wonder anymore, and they didn’t have to ask you in person. I realize that in-person communication is much better. I also agree that it’s sad that our society is getting further away from it. However, digital communication is not sinful, so the church should learn how to do it, and be the best at it. Why wouldn’t you?
Take the Lead in Inviting
The work helping people through the front door happens when you invite them to the front door. When you invite someone, they have more assurance when it comes to showing up in the first place. They think, “I’m supposed to be here.” When they show, it won’t be a surprise. Many studies have been done showing that when people are invited, they are much more likely to come. While standing in line at the grocery may not be the best place for a gospel conversation, it isn’t a bad place at all to invite someone to church. One small-talk tool every person has is the “What do you do for a living?” question. It’s like 4 sentences away from, “You should come sometime.” And it’s 5 away from, “Check out our website.” (see what I did there) They’ll probably even pull it up while you wait. And that’s every day “random” encounters. If you aren’t inviting your unchurched friends and family, why not? Do your people see you as taking the lead in inviting? When they do, they’ll follow suit. When they get people through the door, it allows you as the pastor to show them Jesus.
Preach the Gospel
I bang this drum a lot because it often gets a back seat to programs and other less important things. Every single person that has come to Redeemer (including the founding core group) came because they longed for a church that kept the gospel central and preached the plain Word of God every week. Every week I have a conversation with someone who is bothered that their church doesn’t preach God’s Word (much less the gospel!). If you aren’t being faithful to God’s Word, and if you aren’t offering Jesus every week, please move along and sell insurance. We need men in pulpits who are faithful to God’s Word and who don’t shy away from the plain and free offer of the gospel. I’ve written of this elsewhere, and it’s something I say often to whoever will listen. Not only will wayward sheep find rest in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, but God will use it to bring about the conversion of the lost. It’s the only thing he uses.
If you have questions on where to look to get started with the website and Facebook page, send me a message. I don’t have time to do that for you, but I do have time to point you in the right direction. These things are simple and in 2021, no church should be skipping these simple things.