I am fascinated with church growth and more specifically growing a healthy church.
In light of this, I have been running a 3 min church growth evaluation quiz for church leaders over the last few months.
It’s produced interesting results and a few surprises.
I think church leaders could adopt a few things from these surprises.
The Church Visitor Journey
I think it’s crucial for churches to understand their visitors’ journey.
From the first contact to their departure, every step should be planned carefully.
Yet 73% of respondents in our recent 3 min quiz haven’t clearly mapped out every step on their visitors’ journey.
Most churches may be missing chances to improve visitors’ experience and ultimately church growth.
Why map out the visitor journey?
Primarily it reveals roadblocks that hinder a visitor’s experience.
Addressing these issues improves satisfaction and boosts the chance of a return visit.
Mapping the journey also helps you understand visitors’ needs. By tracking actions and behaviour, you gather valuable data informing your strategies.
How do churches map that visitor journey?
List every interaction from your website and social media to in-person interactions and follow-ups.
Then analyse it from the visitor’s perspective.
Are there pain points causing confusion or frustration?
Address those issues and make changes.
Finally, revisit and reassess the visitor journey regularly. As your church grows, so will visitor needs and preferences.
By staying proactive and adaptable, you provide an exceptional experience and grow a healthy church.
A small struggling church can engage with the journey of its visitors and thus improve it at every step.
If you haven’t yet taken our Church Growth Evaluation quiz jump in today.
It’s only 3 mins and will help you see how well you’re doing with a visitor’s journey and other key areas.
Don’t miss the chance to improve your visitor’s experience today.
Pastor, is your church positioned for growth?
Evaluate your growth potential with a simple 3 min quiz
Get personalized results with actionable solutions
What’s the Best Church Growth Goal?
Setting clear goals is a key to church growth.
However, you can focus on the wrong goals.
Growth goals have never worked for me.
I doubt they work for 99% of pastors who are working to grow a small struggling church.
I think the best goal for churches is an annual visitor’s goal.
Yet our recent 3 min quiz found 83% of churches lack a visitor goal.
Goals measure outcomes.
Without one, it’s tough to know if you’re achieving your aims.
I’ve found a healthy goal motivates and aligns the church while boosting a sense of mission.
Simply setting a goal isn’t enough though.
You need a plan to achieve it: improving your website, creating engaging social media, hosting events.
How do you set a visitor goal?
First, assess our average Sunday attendance.
This number is also the number of first-time visitors you should aim to have each year.
Secondly, set the goal at 80% of this number. It’s best to under-project and over-achieve with your goal.
Third, tell your church or at least all your leaders the goal. Make it a group project.
Fourth, assess your goal achievement every quarter and update your church or leaders.
Always remember while a visitor goal helps, it’s not the only success measure.
Ultimately, your goal should be a welcoming, inclusive community focused on serving others and sharing Christ’s love.
Take our 3 min Church Growth Evaluation quiz.
It’ll assess your current growth potential and recommend improvements.
Acting on those recommendations can create a more thriving and hospitable community.
Pastor, is your church positioned for growth?
Evaluate your growth potential with a simple 3 min quiz
Get personalized results with actionable solutions
What’s on your church website’s front page?
A website is essential for your church, providing an online presence to attract and inform members.
But simply having a website isn’t enough if you are trying to grow a church.
It must be visitor-friendly, informative, and up-to-date.
One crucial feature is a Google map link.
Yet only 29% display a map without scrolling, according to our Church Growth Potential quiz.
Most churches miss out on this simple addition to their website.
A map link makes your church easier for visitors to find and attend services. It builds trust by showing you’re legitimate and accessible.
Yet why are so many churches missing this critical feature? Perhaps they’re unaware of its importance or don’t know how to add one.
Beyond a map link, every church website should have:
• Service times
• Contact info
• An “About Us” section
It must also stay up to date with events and information.
If your church website lacks a map link or other features, it’s time to take action.
Consider reaching out to a web designer for help or follow online resources to create an informative, user-friendly website.
Take the Church Growth Evaluation quiz to see how your church measures up. The quiz offers insights and tips to help your church grow and reach more people.
Pastor, is your church positioned for growth?
Evaluate your growth potential with a simple 3 min quiz
Get personalized results with actionable solutions
Follow Up Visitors via Text
If you are endeavouring to grow a small struggling church effective communication is key.
And in today’s digital age, text messaging is one of the most effective communication channels that many churches aren’t yet maximising.
According to our recent quiz, 73% of respondents said they send a follow-up text when visitors give them contact information.
While this is a good start, the other 27% may be missing opportunities to connect with potential new members and grow their church.
Of course, there are reasons some churches don’t send follow-up texts.
Phone calls or emails can feel more personal. Or maybe they simply lack the resources.
But the reality is that texting has become the preferred communication method for many, especially younger generations.
So, if your church isn’t currently sending follow-up texts, it’s worth considering.
Not only is it convenient, but texts can help build stronger relationships and ultimately create a healthier church.
Texts show visitors you are thinking of them.
You can share an upcoming event, ask how they’re doing, or simply thank them for visiting. Any of these small gestures can make an impact.
Guests who receive a follow-up text are more likely to return and get involved. It makes them feel noticed, welcomed, and part of a community.
If texts seem “impersonal,” think of them as an opportunity. A chance to begin forming meaningful connections which lead new people into a deeper relationship with Christ within your church.
The results of The Church Growth Evaluation quiz show following up with visitors is a common practice among churches.
By building relationships with visitors, churches can attract new members and grow.
Why not give follow-up texts a try?
You may be surprised by the impact a simple text message can make.
If you trying to grow a church think about sending a text or two every week to visitors and boost your connection with them.
Take the Quiz
Have you taken The Church Growth Evaluation quiz?
It’s only 3 mins and gives you a personalised report.
Click below to get started.
