Turn Your New Visitors Into Church Members for 2025

Christmas Eve is the most attended church service of the year, bringing new faces and families through your doors. While the service is a powerful moment, the real opportunity lies in what comes next: inviting those guests to return. Without a follow-up plan, many visitors may not come back—but with texting and Gloo+ workflows, you can easily stay connected and encourage them to start 2025 with your church.

The Importance of Following Up: Why Texting Is The Undefeated Champ

Christmas Eve services create a unique opportunity to grow your church community and welcome new people into faith. But without intentional follow-up, the likelihood of them returning drops significantly. First impressions matter, and a thoughtful follow-up plan ensures new visitors feel seen, valued, and genuinely invited back.

So, what’s the best way to follow up? In 2024, it’s texting. With high open rates and nearly everyone carrying a smartphone, texting ensures your message is delivered and noticed. It’s not just efficient—it’s personal. A well-timed text can thank guests for attending, invite them to engage further, and even ask how you can pray for them. Plus, texting offers convenience for guests to respond on their own time, creating a meaningful connection without pressure.

By leveraging texting, your follow-up becomes more than a gesture—it’s a bridge that encourages new visitors to become returning members of your church family.

How to Craft a Great Follow-Up Plan & Impact

A great follow-up plan turns a one-time visit into the start of a meaningful relationship. By reaching out in the days and weeks after Christmas Eve, you show guests that your church is more than a service—it’s a community where they belong. Here are the key principles for crafting an effective follow-up plan:

• Be timely. Connect with guests while the experience of the service is still fresh in their minds. A quick thank-you message or an invitation to take the next step makes all the difference.
• Be personal. Use their name, reference their visit, and make your message feel like it’s coming from a real person who cares about them.
• Be intentional. Don’t just thank them—invite them. Whether it’s a small group, an event, or even a chance to submit a prayer request, give them a clear way to engage further.

When done well, follow-up can have a lasting impact on your church. You’ll see more return visits, more people plugging into small groups and events, and an overall stronger sense of community. Guests won’t just feel welcomed; they’ll feel like they’re part of something bigger.

For churches looking to simplify the process, Gloo+ workflows provide a powerful example of how to structure follow-up communication. Automated messaging ensures no one falls through the cracks while maintaining a personal touch. With workflows, you can send timely texts that thank guests, offer prayer support, and invite them into the next steps of their faith journey—all without adding to your team’s workload.

Why Workflows Matter & How to Get Started

A well-structured workflow is key to ensuring your follow-up plan is effective, timely, and personal. With Gloo+ workflows, you can automate communication while still making each message feel thoughtful and intentional. Let’s break down the steps of the Christmas New Guest Follow-Up workflow and see how it works in action:

Step 1: Immediate Welcome Text

The first message is sent right after the service—while the warmth of the evening is still fresh. This text is your chance to express gratitude and offer a simple next step:

"Hi! 👋 We’re so happy you celebrated with us tonight at [Church Name]. 🎄 It was wonderful having you! 🎉 If you’d like to learn more about our church family or get connected, fill out this quick form: [Link]. Have a joyful season! - [PASTOR NAME]" 

This message is warm and inviting, making it clear that your church values their presence and wants to stay connected.

Step 2: Prayer Invitation and Happy Holidays

A few days later, after the holiday festivities have calmed, this thoughtful message will be sent out through the workflow. Show that your church is not just about services—it’s about community and care:

"Hi [First Name], we hope you had a wonderful Christmas! As we head into the New Year, how can we pray for you? Reply to this message with ways we can pray."

This step deepens the connection by asking guests to share their needs and showing that your church is here for them during the busy holiday season.

Step 3: New Year Inspiration

The New Year is a time for fresh starts and new rhythms, making it the perfect moment to invite guests to engage further. Whether it’s joining a small group or attending a January event, this text encourages them to take the next step:

"Happy New Year, [First Name]! 🎉 With a new year ahead, what better time to start new rhythms? Small Groups are a great way to connect to community. Let me know if you want to learn more. 😊 We’re here if you need anything!"

This message prompts your new visitors to stay involved with your church, right at the start of 2025. It’s a great way to link their church attendance with new beginnings and the new year!

Why Automation is a Game-Changer

The time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest seasons for church leaders. It’s filled with celebrations, planning, and preparing for the year ahead. By using Gloo+ workflows, you can take the pressure off while still keeping communication flowing. Automation ensures that every guest receives timely and personalized messages without adding to your to-do list. It’s an easy-going way to stay in touch and nurture relationships during this hectic season.

Take Hold of the Opportunity

Christmas Eve is more than a beautiful service—it’s a gateway to meaningful relationships with new guests. By following up thoughtfully, you ensure those who walked through your doors feel seen, valued, and invited into a community where they can grow in faith. Starting 2025 with strong connections to your church not only helps new visitors on their journey but also strengthens your church family as a whole.

With Gloo+ workflows, creating a consistent and personal follow-up plan has never been easier. From sending timely messages to guiding guests toward next steps, workflows take the stress out of communication while keeping the connection alive. Don’t let the holiday momentum fade—use Gloo+ to make sure your guests know they’re welcome back anytime, and start the New Year with a thriving, engaged community.