Jess from SteepleMate here! First impressions matter, especially in church. A visitor’s experience from the moment they step through the doors can determine whether they return, engage, and eventually call your church home.
So, how do you make sure every guest feels welcomed, connected, and valued? Here are ten key ingredients to hosting church visitors well.
1. Have a Dedicated Team Ready to Connect with Guests
Your first impressions team should include volunteers or staff who are always on the lookout for new faces.
These team members should be easily identifiable (badges, T-shirts, lanyards).
Their role is to go beyond a simple “hello” by engaging in conversation and making guests feel at home.
2. Prepare Through Prayer
A great welcome starts before guests even arrive - with intentional prayer.
Have your volunteers arrive early to pray together. Ask God to prepare our hearts to serve and connect with visitors. Pray for every person who walks through the doors.
3. Position Volunteers All Around the Church
Visitors don’t just need a friendly face at the front door... they need guidance throughout their experience.
Place greeters at entrances, hallways, kids check-in, and even inside the sanctuary. Assign floating volunteers who can move around, looking for people who might need help. Encourage ushers and worship team members to also be part of the welcoming process.
4. Show and Guide—Don’t Just Point
When visitors ask where something is, don’t just point them in the direction, walk with them!
If they ask, “Where’s the kids' check-in?”, don’t just gesture down the hall—walk them there. Help create a warm and inviting experience by personally guiding them where they need to go. The little extra effort makes a huge impact on feeling cared for.
5. Foster Connections by Knowing Your Congregation
The goal isn’t just to welcome visitors, it’s to help them find community.
Get to know your regular attendees well so you can introduce visitors to the right people. Match new guests with similar interests, life stages, or backgrounds to help build friendships. If visitors make one real connection, they’re far more likely to return and get involved.
6. Find Happy, Friendly People to Introduce Visitors To
Not every connection is a great fit, but happy people make great first impressions.
When introducing visitors, connect them to welcoming, engaged members. If they mention a specific interest (like young families or serving opportunities), introduce them to someone already involved in that area. A warm, friendly introduction goes a long way in helping a visitor feel at home.
7. Be Alert for Unfamiliar Faces & Uncertain Body Language
Some visitors won’t ask for help, so it’s important to look for them proactively.
Keep an eye out for people who look unsure or hesitant. Approach them with a warm greeting and an offer to help. Many first-time guests are just waiting for someone to notice them and make them feel welcome.
8. Be a Friend, Not Just a Greeter
Hospitality isn’t about a checklist, it’s about relationships.
Go beyond “Welcome to church!” and have a real conversation. Find out their name, where they’re from, and what brought them in. Offer next steps - whether that’s a small group, upcoming event, or a casual coffee chat.
9. Be Authentic—Not Scripted
People can sense when a welcome is forced.
Encourage volunteers to greet with authenticity, not a rehearsed line. Teach them to listen, respond, and engage naturally. A genuine, warm interaction makes people feel seen and valued.
10. Follow Up & Keep the Connection Going
The visitor experience doesn’t end when they leave the building.
Send a follow-up email or text thanking them for coming. Offer an easy way for them to get connected, like a newcomer’s event or welcome lunch. Encourage church members to personally invite guests back next week.
Hosting Visitors is More Than a Greeting - It’s an Invitation into Community
A great first-time experience can turn visitors into regular attendees and eventually into deeply connected members.
By being intentional, authentic, and relational, your church can create a welcoming culture where guests feel valued, seen, and excited to return.
Want to make visitor follow-up even easier? SteepleMate helps churches track visitors, send follow-ups, and build meaningful connections - check it out!