Church welcome packets are a great marketing tool to put in the hands of your first time visitors, particularly those who stay anonymous.
I recently put this question out some of the networks I am a part of:
What sorts of things do you put in your visitor welcome packet /folder to give to first time church visitors?
Here are some of the answers.
Add your helpful suggestion of ideas for church welcome packets in the comment field below.
What do you put in your Visitor Welcome Packet?
Justin – When we create Welcome Packets for churches we recommend including information about your beliefs, a list of ministries/opportunities your schedule of services, and pictures of your pastor/staff.
Deborah – Hi Chris, We ask for info such as: Are you just visiting or looking for a new home church, or have a prayer request. Basic info, address, phone number etc. Would you like to be contacted by the pastor or home visit. Office hours, service and Sunday School times. Phone numbers etc.
Lawrence – The gospel of John, welcome notes with the pastor’s and church leader’s address and phone numbers to contact in case of needs, the church activities and motto. A gift token and hope to see you again note with Jesus love you.
Matthew – When I was at one church we made a DVD that had people if church talking about the missions vision and values of the church. We also showed pictures and videos of other things we did in the community.
Christopher – Tracts, a contact information sheet, and a church events schedule for the current month.
Nodela – We give our first time visitors gift bags that contain: visitors card to fill out and return, ministry brochure, church administrator business card, pen, pad, candy, monthly calendar, a thank you and invitation note card, prayer card written by my Bishop, a sermon CD and one of my Bishop’s books. On the outside of the bag I place a portion of our mission statement. I then follow up with more information about our ministry and then a “hello” note card for those that do not have a church home. Many have been receptive of this method and pleasantly surprised to receive it. Some have come back and purchased additional CDs or DVDs.
Richard – I’m partial to the Pocket Testament League’s Gospels of John which have the plan of salvation on the first few pages. They’re especially good for New believers Packets.
John – We used to put in a magnet with the church’s name and address and church times for the fridge. Some good candies (Wurthers), a $5 gift card to Tim Horton’s ( or Starbucks for some of you), and a church pen (only use good quality), and a simple short relevant tract.
Nick – I wish churches would include the pastor’s theological positions so you can determine at the front end if you’re a good fit.
Tom – Our packet includes the Folded Cover with Welcome on front, Church Name & Location, Inside: Information card for visitor to fill out and a Thank you card is mailed later for visit. Also, card inviting them to a Daily Telephone Scripture Message, A Bic Clic Stic pen. Many churches give imprinted pens to their visitors.
Lisa – From the perspective of someone who has visited many churches, I appreciate when the packet includes a current church newsletter (so I’m aware of events), a statement of the policies of the church, a bulletin, a name tag, and a snack (one church I went to, Sts. Martha and Mary Episcopal Church in Eagan, MN, offered a snack of M & M’s, perhaps a play on its initials).
Michael – Besides the usual items describing the church, CD of the message and some fun things like coffee mugs and pens with the church logo and some goodies one church includes a $5.00 visa card so the visitor could buy gas for a return visit. This church also hand delivered the welcome packet to the home the next day after the first visit
Your Turn
What sorts of things do you put in your church visitor welcome packet? Add your comments or ideas for church welcome packets below in the comment field.
Personal Evangelism in the Course of Life
Our Welcome Packet consists of a small green handbag (our hospitality colors are gold and green). On the bag we have a gold label that has a Welcome Sign and the church’s name and our Pastor’s picture (she is pretty). Inside we have a personalized pen; a flyer that contains our church’s name, address, phone number, email & website, pastor’s name, a short history of this local church, a list of ministries, office hours and worship times. We also have a small script on biblical hospitality and the various parts of it here at Greater Zion, which include Parking Attendants; Door Greeters, Special assistants and support specialists; an invitation to our Welcome Center and one to return and visit or join us anytime. We also have a business card from the Pastor.
Sometimes we include a sweetgrass rose when our donor gives us some.
I searched my notes and can’t find the source of the image. . . I’ll have to fix that.