This book contains really practical, easy to implement ideas for welcoming newcomers to church, following them up, and integrating them into church life.
I haven’t come across many books on the practical stages of welcoming and integration, but there’s some books I’ll be exploring on this list (PDF, pages 8-9). I’ve started compiling some thoughts on welcoming here, and would love to continue the discussion.
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Either on your church website, or played at the start of the service, welcome videos can be a useful and powerful method of communicating with newcomers. Here’s thirteen compelling videos in a range of styles, each standing out for a different reason.
Welcome to Cornerstone Community Church
This video is compelling because of Francis Chan’s genuine passion for Jesus name to be honoured, and he clearly articulates why the church was started, and what he desires for the church.
Welcome to Our Church
This video by Floodgate Productions has been used by many different churches. It spells out what the church believes, and challenges the newcomer in a full-on, yet friendly way.
Welcome to Liquid, New Brunswick
Set in the community, this video is well produced, well scripted, and, after watching this video, I wanted to join!
Welcome to OUR place
This video is simple and text-based, and emphasises that all people are welcome at the church.
Welcome to Denver Church
Short, sweet and to the point. A good idea for helping newcomers put faces to names.
Welcome to Bay Community Church
Very short, but conveys some key messages about the purpose of the church.
Need to Know
Not strictly a ‘welcome’ video, this video aims to provide newcomers to church with the information they need to know.
Trinity Fellowship
An inspirational, and very well-produced welcome video.
Oak Leaf
This video is played at the start of the service. I felt a bit dizzy watching it, but it’s not bad otherwise!
Reasons
This isn’t a video for a particular church, but seeks to rebut some of the reasons people give for not going to church.
Mitchelton Presbyterian Church
MPC takes a different approach – using images with a voiceover from the minister, introducing the staff team.
Imperfect People Welcome
Helpful reassurance that it’s not just perfect people who are welcome at church.
Welcome to Dayspring
This video outlines the three values of the church, and why they are important.
UPDATE
We are part of something bigger
Does your church have a welcome video? How is it used – online, or during the service? Feel free to post a link in the comments section below.
