Welcoming Visitors at Christmas: Key Considerations for Festive Church Services

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Robert E. Kasper, Rev. Galan Walther & Rev. Dr. Richard J. Wolfram Assistants to the President Congregation Mission & Ministries, Michigan District, LCMS December 7, 2016

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Anticipate that visitors will be present! o Extended family members o Inactive congregation members o Former members o Random guests from the community

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Anticipate the Why of their attendance: o Grandma s Christmas wish o Home for the holidays expectation o Trying to impress potential in-laws o Family tradition o Wanting to make a new start o Honestly searching for God

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Framing the service of worship and the message: o Familiarity at holidays does not breed contempt! Hymn/song selection General flow of the service (Printed or screens) Appointed Gospel readings

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Framing the service of worship and the message: o Everyone is expecting us to preach on Christmas at Christmas! It s ok. (The same at Easter!) Try to speak to just one person about the blessing of trusting in this Jesus we worship as reigning King. Use specific elements from the text and specific elements from today s news that address this individual s hopes, dreams, and/or frustrations in life.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Framing the service of worship and the message: o Everyone is expecting us to preach on Christmas at Christmas! It s ok. (The same at Easter!) Emphasize that this Good News is not only for the world, but FOR YOU! When you preach with the guest in mind, the faithful member will be blessed also.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Framing the service of worship and the message: o Make the whole worship experience as inclusive as possible. Time Special gift for guests? Special fellowship eats/drinks?

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Framing the service of worship and the message: o Make the whole worship experience as inclusive as possible. What about the Sacrament of the Altar Do you offer it knowing that there are many guests? If you do offer it, make a verbal rather than printed explanation of your policy. Make it as affirming of them as valued worshippers as it is of the Sacrament s value.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider when planning festival worship services: Framing the service of worship and the message: o Make the whole worship experience as inclusive as possible. Thank everyone for attending .never assume that people are going to show up to hear you preach. Get everyone s name and contact information.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas 5 Critical Attitudes to Instill in Your Greeters, Ushers, and Regular Attenders: 1. An attitude of WELCOME is different than friendly . 2. Assume nobody knows where the restrooms are. 3. Risk by introducing yourself before asking who they are. 4. Be willing to sit with them and guide them through the service if needed. 5. Introduce them to at least one or two other individuals or families. (Introducing them to the pastor doesn t count.)

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider for consistent and effective follow-up with guests and inactive members: Have a printed take-away. o Regular worship times. o Next sermon series designed to focus on something referenced in the sermon they just heard. o Special events/programs scheduled to meet potential needs.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider for consistent and effective follow-up with guests and inactive members: Have a printed take-away. o Future plans for general use: Ex. VBS, School registration, Membership Classes. o Mission/servant events in which they might want to participate. o Congregation s website address.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider for consistent and effective follow-up with guests and inactive members: Pastor, follow-up with a personal phone call within a week. o Thank them for attending. o Invite their comments and listen like a learner. o Ask how they came to choose your congregation to worship. o Ask how you might serve them/their family. o Ask if you may have their email address in order to invite them for upcoming events at your congregation.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Items to consider for consistent and effective follow-up with guests and inactive members: Continually update your invitation list of guests and use it. o Not more than once a month contact o But have monthly contact about something! o Another phone call when initiating your next Membership class. o When some need is shared, seek to fine the best person to contact them to meet that need. (Often it s just a need for information.)

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Potential Resources: Download this Power Point. Other webinars related to Elder ministry and evangelism on the Michigan District website archive.

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas Question and Answer

Welcoming Those Who Visit Church at Christmas A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Robert E. Kasper, Rev. Galan Walther & Rev. Dr. Richard J. Wolfram Assistants to the President Congregation Mission & Ministries, Michigan District, LCMS December 7, 2016