4. Share the Gospel.
Hopefully, you don’t need that reminder, but with all the attention on the lights and tinsel, don’t forget to share the most important message of the year. A Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord.
5. Share about the New Year.
Find creative ways to talk about some of the things happening at your church; especially as you head into the new year. Help people understand the value regular church engagement offers them and their family. I always like for the information we hand out to be unique from a regular bulletin. It’s nice if what people receive is big picture information about the church and our ministries at Christmas (and Easter). Visitors are more likely to read what you give them.
Try to anticipate questions they may ask and answer them in what you hand to them.
6. Sing Christmas music.
This was somewhat of a pet-peeve of mine. I’m sure our worship team feels my pressure here. But this is the time to sing Christmas music.
I am not musical and have been told Christmas arrangements can be harder to put together and rehearse. This is not my area of expertise. I do know that culture actually helps us with this one. Where else can people sing Christmas music they know? They may actually sing Christmas carols they have known all their lives louder than any other time of year. Give them the opportunity even if it is simply a Christmas medley of favorites with little or no accompaniment.
7. Plan good follow up.
If someone visits your church and takes time to give you information about them, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. The greatest return for visiting a church is often in the quality of the follow up after the service. People should hear from you.
I personally like to give people options of how they want to be contacted and then obey their wishes. If they want a visit, someone needs to visit. But if they only want an email, then I would comply with their choice. But definitely let them know how much you appreciate them coming to your church.
I pray as you prepare to meet people this Christmas that the joy of Christmas would be in your own heart and family.
Merry Christmas season planning!
This article on Christmas season planning originally appeared here, and is used by permission. Check out Ron’s leadership podcast where he discusses leadership nuggets in a practical way. Plus, check out the other Lifeway Leadership Podcasts.
