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For many churches, Christmas services are the most attended of the year! Families who are often hesitant to visit a church may eagerly walk through your doors during the holidays—seeking peace, community, and an encouraging message.
And when these visitors fill out a connection card, they also create a valuable opportunity—one that can lead to life-changing relationships and ongoing ministry.
With so many new faces walking through your doors during the holidays, how can you utilize this momentum in the months ahead and get visitors plugged into your community?
The truth is, this comes down to one thing: a personal touch. Let’s go over twelve practical and effective ways to foster meaningful connection and community after the holidays.
Offering free Bibles or simple faith resources in the month of January makes a big impact—especially for families or individuals who may not own a Bible or who are exploring faith for the first time. With young people leading the revival in the U.S. today, now is the time to offer biblical resources for those are eager to know more.
This gesture not only meets a tangible need but creates a natural follow-up opportunity. Consider reaching out with a message like, “We hope you’re enjoying your Bible from Christmas at [Church Name]. Let us know if you have any questions or want help getting started.” This personal touch may open the door for deeper conversation.
Sending a quick, heartfelt follow-up message within two days of your Christmas services is a great way to help visitors feel seen and valued.
Draft a few follow-up messages in advance so you and your team are not working too hard on Christmas. Many church management solutions even let you schedule emails, texts, and push notifications ahead of time.
Keep your follow-ups brief but heartfelt. Add important information, like your church’s mission, vision, impact, and leadership. Within these messages, consider including:
Whether it’s print or digital, your connection points should provide visitors with key information—like services times, groups, ways to give, and more.
Let the information you collect during the holidays guide your follow-up. For example, if a visitor is a single mother, she may be interested in learning more about small groups for women, parent ministries and workshops, after-school programs, and Sunday school.
Highlighting relevant information is a great way to be intentional and help visitors get plugged in as quickly as possible.
Pro Tip: Tools like Subsplash Workflows are a great way to ensure no person or process falls through the cracks.
January is the perfect time to launch a new sermon series that resonates with both newcomers and regular attendees. With so many new people walking through the door, or tuning in online, many might not be as familiar with your church or Christianity as your congregation.
Keep your Christmas momentum going by revisiting and refreshing your community on the core elements of your church. Consider topics, such as:
By teaching the foundations of the faith in January, you’re avoiding making your visitors feel like “outsiders” to Christianity. Instead, you’re intentionally helping families and the younger generations understand the teachings of Scripture.
And, be sure to let your visitors know about Bible studies, classes, and any other discipleship resources you offer!
One of the most meaningful and personal touchpoints you can provide for visitors is prayer.
When new visitors come to church, they may arrive with burdens, doubts, uncertainties, and fears. By immediately offering a space for them to share a prayer request, it shows that what they’re experiencing matters.
Once they submit a prayer request—in person, online, or in your app—decide how your team follows up. From an anonymous email prayer chain to a prayer team or a personal text from your pastor, make sure to respond in a timely manner.
Scheduling a coffee meetup with visitors is one of the most powerful ways church leaders can make personal connections with visitors.
For visitors who show interest, offer a friendly, low-pressure coffee meetup with a pastor or staff member. Use it as an opportunity to:
A simple cup of coffee can break down barriers, build trust, and give people the confidence that your church is a place where they can belong.
When people feel personally known, they’re far more likely to take their next step and continue exploring your community.
Offer a digital resource hub to your church community as a dedicated, trusted space online for gospel-centered content. This is about more than just “going digital,” it’s about offering intentional, biblical resources in an environment tailored to your church’s vision, mission, and values.
Whether this digital hub lives on your mobile app or church website, be sure to include resources like:
By offering a well-designed, thoughtful digital resource hub, you create a powerful, long-term tool for discipleship, connection, and growth!
While a great Sunday experience draws people in, it’s often community that keeps them coming back.
For many—especially those new to faith or new to your area—relationships are the bridge between curiosity and commitment. That’s why small groups are one of the most effective ways to help visitors move from attendance to deep engagement.
After Christmas, make it easy for newcomers to discover the different groups your church offers. Clearly communicate where these groups meet, what they’re studying, whether childcare is available, and how to get involved.
Ultimately, small groups help your church feel more relational and welcoming. They provide a safe, comfortable place for people to ask questions, build friendships, and take meaningful steps in their faith journey. For Christmas visitors who are unsure of where they fit, a clear path to community makes all the difference!
January is an ideal time to host a next steps class, designed specifically for new church visitors. These gatherings can be relaxed, informative, and welcoming—giving families a chance to hear your church’s mission, learn about your ministries, and meet leaders or volunteers.
By offering a clear, friendly introduction to who you are, you help visitors understand what it looks like to get involved and how they can become part of your church family.
Keep the Christmas momentum going through thoughtful prayer for your community, new visitors, and church growth. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer! Not only is it spiritually meaningful, it also communicates genuine care.
Consider letting visitors know you’re praying for them and sending a thoughtful message to check in: “Thinking of your family this week. How can we be praying for you?”
Your church app, church website, and social media are crucial tools to connect with members and visitors alike.
Use your online platforms to highlight upcoming sermon series, introduce pastors and ministry leaders, share stories of life change, and promote small groups and classes. Post photos and short videos that give visitors a glimpse into your church culture.
Clear, consistent, and welcoming online communication keeps your Christmas momentum going long after the decorations come down, helping newcomers know exactly how to get involved at your church.
Finally, take your follow-up one step further by creating a simple email sequence designed specifically for new visitors. Instead of sending a single thank-you message, consider sending a short series of emails over the course of a few weeks, gently guiding recent visitors toward connection without overwhelming them.
Include a warm welcome from your pastor, an overview of your church’s mission and ministries, an invitation to upcoming events, a highlight of children’s or student programs, and a personal note about how to get plugged into groups or serving opportunities.
The key is to help visitors move from curiosity to connection. A well-written email welcome series extends the warmth of your Christmas services, builds trust, and creates multiple on-ramps for new families to take their next step in your church community.
Now’s the time to turn the excitement and openness of the Christmas season into long-term spiritual growth, deeper community, and meaningful discipleship.
By adding intentional personal touches, following up thoughtfully, and creating clear next steps, your church can transform a single holiday visit into a lasting connection.
Every family who walked through your doors during Christmas represents a story God is writing—and with prayer, preparation, and hospitality, your church can play a beautiful part in that story well into 2026 and beyond.
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