When people experience dramatic life changes, such as a move or the birth of a child, they need extra assistance and empathy. A caring church can be that center of hospitality. Consider sending a welcome letter to people who move into your community, acknowledging the stress that can accompany a move and offering to ease the transition through your support and the development of new friendships. List meeting times and place of small groups, such as neighborhood study or prayer groups, and invite them to attend. Also give the address of your church and times of services. Including a map and phone number will be helpful to them. Also, send along a recent church bulletin with details of upcoming activities. If you follow up with a second invitation, people will be more likely to respond. Try hosting a Friend Day as a special time for inviting newcomers and people who live near the church to experience the warmth of your fellowship. In today’s culture friendship evangelism is one of the best ways to grow our churches.

After new people have attended your church a few times, invite them to a Friendship Dinner hosted by a regular member. The host also invites the pastor(s) and an elder, and lets the newcomers know that they have the ear of the church leaders. To help guests feel more comfortable, invite more new people than established members. Ask guests for input on questions like: What drew you to this church? What brought you back again? What is important to you? What are your needs?

Reprinted from the Quick Start Guide for Deacons and Deaconesses