For most churches, Easter is the biggest Sunday of the year, bringing in many first-time guests. A great experience can encourage them to return, and preparation is key.
One way to get ahead is by using a pre-registration form to collect guest information before Easter morning. This helps streamline check-ins and ensures families feel welcomed right away.
The Power of Pre-Enrollment
To best serve new guests on Easter morning, you can set up an Easter Pre-Enrollment Registration Form to streamline the check-in process. This allows parents to fill out key details ahead of time, reducing wait times and making the morning less stressful.
The form should capture the most needed information:
- Child’s name and grade (so they can be assigned to the correct group)
- Allergy and medical information
- Emergency contact details
With TouchPoint, children can be pre-assigned to the right classes or groups, making check-in on Easter morning quick and efficient. Parents will appreciate the organized process, and kids will feel welcomed into their age-appropriate groups without delay.
By taking this step in advance, your church can provide a stress-free and organized experience—one that leaves a positive impression on first-time guests and increases the likelihood of their return.
Why Engaging First-Time Guests Before Their First Service Matters
Many people visiting your church on Easter may be looking for a faith community to call home. If they feel welcomed, known, and cared for, they will be more likely to return.
That is why engagement should start before they even arrive. When guests pre-register, it creates an opportunity to connect with them beforehand. A simple follow-up message can make a huge difference in making them feel seen and valued.
Ideas For Welcoming First-Time Guests Before They Arrive
Once a family has registered for Easter service or any service, don’t let the connection stop there. Here are a few simple ways to follow through and make their visit memorable:
- Send a personalized welcome email – Send an automated but personal email thanking them for registering, providing service details, and letting them know what to expect on Easter morning. A friendly email can ease any nerves and set the stage for a great experience.
- Text message reminder with service times – A simple text a day or two before Easter with service times, parking details, or special children’s activities reinforces that their visit matters.
- Short welcome video from the pastor – A quick video introducing the church and personally inviting them to service can help first-time visitors feel connected before they even arrive. This can be shared via email, text, or posted on your church mobile app.
Follow Up After Easter
A guest’s first visit shouldn’t be their last interaction with your church. After Easter, continue building the relationship by:
- Sending a personalized thank-you email or card expressing how glad you were to have them and providing ways to stay connected.
- Invite them back with a text that includes a link to upcoming events or small groups.
Easter is a great chance to connect with new people, but it shouldn’t stop there. By leveraging the church technology in TouchPoint–utilizing Process Builder, Task & Notes, Registrations, along with Check-In, you can automate these actions while still making first-time guests feel welcome.
