Since writing the book Fusion I get a lot of questions about assimilation and how to get more first time guests to return to your church and ultimately become members.

One question I get frequently involves the handwritten note and gift that I recommend you send to every first time guest.

There’s nothing like a handwritten note to really show people that you care – in this note, you want to thank them for coming, invite them to come back again (don’t forget this!) and give them a gift.

Generally I recommend including a gift card of some type that fulfills some type of basic need (food, beverage, transportation, etc.).

Often I’m asked whether these gifts should be sent to every single person or each family and I’ve seen it done either way.

At The Journey, we typically send one card & gift to a married couple and then our Children’s Ministry also sends a similar – but age-appropriate – card and gift to any first time children who attend.

You’ll be amazed at the reaction people have to receiving A) a handwritten note (who sends those anymore?) and B) a useful and meaningful gift from the church they just attended on Sunday.

By implementing these tools as part of a comprehensive Assimilation System, you will begin to see an increase in the number of people who return a second time and engage in the life of your church!

PLUS, you’ll be demonstrating Biblical Hospitality AND Generosity from their first experience at your church – a powerful lesson that will come in handy as you seek to help them become fully developing disciples of Christ.

P.S. If you’re ready to implement a complete, step-by-step Assimilation System – one that was designed, refined and is still being used to follow up on the 50+ First Time Guests at The Journey each week, check out The Assimilation Intensive.