How to win a second Sunday

It’s a big thing inviting someone to church, but it’s an even bigger thing getting them to come again. So how do you win a second Sunday—at least until next Christmas? And what stops them from coming again?

I suspect part of the problem is embarrassment.

Years ago I visited Pret a Manger to get lunch. I bought a coffee, a sandwich and an apple and went back to my office only to discover a maggot inside my fruit. I know, gross! I had a dilemma: do I never go back there again or give them a second chance?

Well, such was my hunger, I went back to Pret’s with my apple and maggot intact. I was embarrassed, but the staff totally owned it! The manager not only apologised but gave me a basket telling me to fill it up for free–to the top!

The love didn’t stop there. Three days later I got an email from Pret’s head office saying how deeply sorry they were for my recent experience and attached a £30 gift voucher.

How we welcome people to our church really, really matters. They are not consciously searching for the perfect experience, they are simply hungry and looking for answers, and a place to relate. What’s more, they are often more gracious towards our imperfect churches than we are ourselves, so we need to get over our embarrassment of not always having the perfect talk or worship on tap. Yes, we give our best, but our hospitality is measured in compassion, not in pride. And it’s certainly not a technique for church growth.

Guests may forget what was said, even the bad sermons or odd dodgy apple, but they won’t forget how they are made to feel. This only helps feed their curiosity and make them want to come again–with a little encouragement by the Holy Spirit of course!

‘This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God’ (1 Cor 9:12).