Friends, it’s an exciting time to be leading churches! Research is showing us that emerging generations are more interested than ever in a relationship with Jesus, while some of our people also need to be re-engaged. Together, we share a common desire: to grow – not just in numbers, but in our capacity to welcome guests, make disciples, and have an impact in our communities.
To do this effectively, we need to talk about Entry Points.
- 3 MIN READ
- Key Takeaways
- Why Entry Points create low-barrier pathways for new and returning guests
- How intentional events bridge the gap between stranger and active member
- Simple audit questions to evaluate your church’s connection strategy
What Exactly is an Entry Point?
An Entry Point is any intentional event, program, or opportunity that serves as a low-barrier, clear on-ramp for people to connect with your church. These aren’t just events or programs though; Entry Points serve as the bridge between being a stranger and becoming an active part of your community.
Entry Points are designed to accomplish two key things:
- Welcome the Non & Nominally Religious in Your Community: These are the very first steps for someone who has never been to your church – or perhaps any
- Facilitate Re-Engagement: These are also a pathway for those who were connected in the past but have drifted away. Maybe life got busy, or they got comfortable online. These are also for people who have moved to your community and are looking for a new church home!
Why Entry Points Are Crucial
We often talk about inviting people to “come to church,” often in a way that suggests if they simply show up, everything will take care of itself. But the reality is the gap between a first-time visitor and a deeply committed Christian (and member of your church) is a vast, complex landscape. People come to us from all different places:
- The skeptic who only came for the free dinner.
- The young adult who hasn’t been to church since high school.
- The new-to-town neighbor searching for a sense of belonging.
- The person experiencing a crisis who walked through your doors looking for hope.
Creating intentional Entry Points recognizes that we must meet people where they are and provide scaffolding for what can become a transformative spiritual journey. Here are key considerations for your planning:
- Lower the Barrier to Connection
A Sunday morning worship service or long-term group can be high-pressure for a first timer. They don’t know the songs, the routines, or anyone in the room. An Entry Point, such as a one-time interesting speaker, a short-term group on a relevant topic, or an attractional event, is a much softer, less intimidating way to dip their toes in the water.
- Provide a Clear Next Step
People often fall through the cracks when they don’t know what to do next. An Entry Point should take the guesswork out of engagement. Once someone has attended an Entry Point event, the next logical step might be a short-term class, entry level program, or worship. Someone who attends a Women’s Conference might then join a mom’s group and might then begin attending worship. These simple, clear steps keep momentum going.
- Reflect the Heart of the Gospel
Jesus didn’t wait for people to clean up their lives and come to him. He went to them – to a well, to a tax collector’s house, to a fishing boat. Intentional Entry Points are simply a practical, programmatic expression of this outward-focused, inviting heart. They demonstrate to your community that you see them, you value them, and you are ready to welcome them, no matter their background or past experience.
Taking Action: A Simple Check-Up
Take a moment this week to audit your current programs and ask yourself these two questions:
- What are our three clearest, lowest-barrier Entry Points for someone who has never been to church before?
- What is the immediate next step we offer someone after they attend one of those Entry Points?
By creating clear, intentional Entry Points, we don’t just hope for new guests – we intentionally prepare a path for them.
What’s one new Entry Point event you’re considering this year?
Written By:
Lauren Cook
Director of Online Engagement and Entry Points
Bio
Lauren Cook is Resurrection’s Director of Online Engagement and Entry Points. She has a heart for helping the curious find a home in faith. She is also mom to a sassy seven-year-old, Carolina, and wife to a rock star husband, Austin. The Cook family loves a good evening watching The Great British Baking Show and eating dessert together!
