During the Covid-19 pandemic, churches have discovered that the virtual church experience can be a valuable tool to attract visitors.
Many churches have created active and innovative visitors programs that do an outstanding job of helping them solicit new members. They’ve turned the whole process into an artform, making newcomers feel welcome and accepted while offering an invitation that is compelling and highly effective.
But there may be a ceiling on how effective a traditional visitors program can be. Inevitably, there is a cookie cutter aspect to such a program that will not be right for every potential new congregation member.
Much has been made about how online services are changing the church attendance experience. It would seem likely that an online visitors initiative could have the same positive impact, if designed and implemented with thought and care.
Why Virtual Visitors Programs Would Work
There are several reasons why someone may be reluctant to take an in-person visit at a new church:
· Many people are introverted and aren’t comfortable being doted on, guided around, or made the center of attention. They would prefer to check things out on their own, observing from a distance and possibly asking an occasional question here or there.
· Some people would feel guilty about being “unfaithful” to their old church. They might be afraid someone would see them and that word would get back to their current church.
· They might rely on others to drive them to church, which can make it difficult to visit elsewhere. Most visitor’s programs will offer a driver’s service in this situation, but the prospective new member might feel awkward in that type of context (introversion or shyness making itself felt again).
· Some people would like to investigate a new church, but don’t want to be stuck onsite for an hour-and-a-half or more if they don’t like what they see.
· In some instances, there may be one or more family members that want to make a change, while others don’t think they’re ready. This can make it difficult to coordinate an in-person visit.
· Some people may be interested in attending church primarily online. Consequently, the in-person visitors program might not seem relevant to their interests and concerns.
In each instance, it is easy to see the advantages of an online visitor’s package. This could include private monitoring of church services, plus the opportunity to ask questions of virtual guides or greeters who could be consulted as often or as little as the visitor prefers. Chats or video calls after services with pastors or administrators could be included in the package as well.
In general, the more access and interactivity provided, the more effective and popular the online visitors program would likely be.
Better for Churchgoers and Better for Churches, Too
Churches that organize well-crafted online visitors packages will be in a position to meet the needs of all current and future members. What is attractive for those who prefer to visit in person (a strong social element) might be intimidating for others, who might prefer to get to know what a church has to offer from a distance. Remote video visits are a less intensive method for visiting. If they go well, they can always be followed up by an in-person visit later on.
An introverted person who has gotten to know the church and some of its membership or leadership in a virtual environment will be ahead of the game. They will feel more comfortable when they do make that first in-person visit, or attend services onsite for the initial time.
Online visitors programs would be advantageous for churches as well. They would broaden the appeal of a church’s outreach efforts, making them more suitable for a wider range of potential members. Churches would be offering a more customized visitors experience, giving those interested in visiting more of an opportunity to choose the terms of their initial contacts.
How Virtual Growth Leads to Real Growth
In church architecture, flexibility has become the new watchword. Modern churches should be designed in a way that makes them suitable for a wide range of activities, including the transmission of virtual services.
Flexibility is just as ideal for visitors programs. Adding variety and adaptability to such programs will make it possible to accommodate far more new potential members on a single Sunday than ever before.
Few churchgoers, when polled, say they expect to attend church exclusively online. They’ve appreciated having the option during the pandemic. Many will likely take advantage of it in the future on occasion. But ultimately, regardless of how impressed they are by a virtual visit, most new arrivals to a congregation are likely to prefer attending church in-person the majority of the time.
Adopting an online visitors program would not signal a church’s surrender to greater dependence on virtual attendance. It would simply indicate a church’s determination to be more inventive and people-smart in the strategies they use to reach more souls.
Online church services and online visitors programs both add a new element to the churchgoing experience. Nevertheless, expert church architects will continue building structures that are suitable for large turnouts. They know that most churchgoers appreciate the social aspects of in-person attendance and feel more spiritually connected when they can experience the fellowship personally.
When churches are prepared to interact with congregation members and visitors in varied ways, it shows they have the best interests of their membership at heart. This attention to detail will always be much appreciated, as it reveals to both in-person and virtual visitors that they’re attending services at a church that truly cares about their needs and preferences.