The Best Church Media!
Welcome to the Shift Worship blog, where we sit down with Mariah, Dale, and Nathan from the Shift Worship team to discuss their favorite collections, exciting releases from the past year, and a sneak peek into what’s in store for the future.
Top Collection: Easter Risen
This year, the largest holidays for Shift Worship were Easter and Christmas! Our producers created an immense amount of amazing media that many churches used in their services and events. In the video above, our team discusses some of the most popular collections of the year, emphasizing the significance of holiday-themed releases.
Easter Risen by Centerline New Media takes the spotlight, featuring four mini-movies, making it a mega-pack suitable for multiple Sundays or services during the Easter Season. Included in this collection are several pre-designed slides for Easter, Good Friday, Welcomes, closings, and communion. A unique feature of this collection is the different tones of the media included. Several of the designs have a lighter tone to them, representing the hope and love that Jesus created by dying for our sins. The other half of the collection shows darker tones, meant to express the sadness and seriousness of the ultimate sacrifice.
Pro tip: This collection is great for sharing the timeline and story of the crucifixion.
Included in the Easter Risen collection:
- 4 Mini Movies
- 47 Motion Backgrounds
- 47 Still Backgrounds
- 7 Social Media Graphics
- 2 Countdowns
- 4 Sermon Titles
- + Several Editable files for Photoshop & After Effects
Second Top Collection: Silent Night
The Silent Night collection, also by Centerline New Media, is highlighted for its versatility, fitting seamlessly into the Advent and Christmas season. This collection places focus on the night of Jesus’s humble birth. Several backgrounds included the wise men traveling to bless the new baby, a mother’s caress, and parents traveling to safety to give birth to their baby boy. There are also plenty of media with candle-lit elements that make it the perfect media for sermons during the Advent season.
Included in the Silent Night Collection:
- 6 Mini Movies
- 42 Motion Backgrounds
- 42 Still Backgrounds
- 20 Social Media Graphics
- 3 Countdowns
- 1 Sermon Title
- + Several Editable files for Photoshop & After Effects
Best Mini Movies
In the Shift Worship Tips video, Dale introduces the concept of mini movies, short films designed to enhance worship services. The top mini movie of 2023 was This Is Jesus, produced by Shift Worship. Jesus’s life on Earth is a humbling and inspiring story, showcasing the love of God and all that was endured during his time. His birth and sacrifice are beautiful shared in this compelling mini movie. Unique images, splashes of colors, text on screen, momentous music, and a strong voice encompass the journey of Jesus. The Holy Week Paint Collection fits perfectly with this mini movie, and both are great to sow during the Easter season.
Dale also showcases his favorite mini movie, Goodbye, by Hyper Pixels Media. While the title may seem to be an exist video, Goodbye is a welcome video that creatively encourages congregants to leave behind worldly concerns upon entering the church. Begin your service with this uplifting welcome video that will make visitors and members feel a part of the church family and show that with God they will find full forgiveness and peace beyond understanding.
This video video is set with monochrome scenes and colorful words on screen. There is also a voiceover that reads the words on the screen, combined with inspirational background music.
Cathedral Glass: A Favorite
In the video above, Dale kicks off the discussion by sharing his love for the Cathedral Glass collection. Released in the summer, this stained glass-inspired assortment captures the elegance and subtlety needed for a worship setting. Dale highlights the versatility of the motions, making them suitable for both song lyrics and stills. He also introduces a unique trivia countdown related to the Great Escape of the Bible, adding an extra layer of engagement for church services.
Included in the Cathedral Glass Collection:
- 49 Motion Backgrounds
- 49 Still Backgrounds
- 3 Countdowns
- 10 Social Media Graphics
- 7 Sermon Titles
- 3 Bulletins & Postcard
- + Photoshop & After Effect Files
Beautiful Collection: Beautiful Day
Shift Worship Brand Manager, Mariah, then expresses her excitement about the Beautiful Day collection released in spring. As a big fan of calm and light colors, Mariah appreciates the kaleidoscope effect in this collection. The motions and stills in Beautiful Day evoke the calming ambiance of a sunset or sunrise, making it a perfect addition to worship services. She also highlights the inclusivity of the collection, offering three countdowns to cater to various service durations.
Included in the Beautiful Day Collection:
- 29 Motion Backgrounds
- 29 Still Backgrounds
- 3 Countdowns
- 10 Social Media Graphics
- 7 Sermon Titles
- 3 Bulletins & Postcards
- + Photoshop & After Effect files
BIG Church Favorite
Special guest, Nathan, also shares his favorite collection, Epiphany Desert. Nathan enjoys that this collection can align with his church’s tradition of following the church calendar. Set to be used during the Epiphany season, this collection stands out for its subtle Earth Tones and quality design. Nathan appreciates the simplicity and meaningful depiction, especially in a key motion featuring the wise men discovering Christ for the first time.
Included in the Epiphany Desert Collection:
- 6 Motions
- 6 Stills
- 1 Countdown
- + Editable Files for Photoshop & After Effects
The Shift Worship team wraps up the discussion by sharing their expectations for the coming year. Dale anticipates more slow drone footage to meet the demand for serene visuals in larger church settings. Nathan looks forward to new releases aligned with the church calendar, from Advent to ordinary time. Mariah adds a personal touch, expressing her desire for natural footage of the Pacific Northwest to grace church slides.
We would like to remind readers that Shift Worship releases a new collection every week, sometimes even two! We also encourage feedback and would like to invite you to try Shift Worship for free with a 30-day trial. Shift Worship is grateful for the ongoing support and we look forward to sharing more inspiring content in the year ahead!
In conclusion, the Shift Worship team’s passion for enhancing worship experiences shines through as they share their favorites and aspirations for the future. Stay tuned for exciting releases and continuous innovation in the world of worship visuals!
How to Setup Your Sermon with Church Media
The best way to set up your sermon is with seeking guidance, immersing oneself in scripture, extracting the eternal message, and researching material. The key is to create a single narrative to enhance the flow and add extra “props” (like the media at Shift Worship) to ensure maximum communication.
Researching Material
Research, as Shift Team member Nathan shares, involves a deep dive into historical contexts, cultural nuances, and various interpretations. It’s important to verify information sources, as well as biblical accuracy.
Crafting a Relatable Narrative:
But it doesn’t stop there. Nathan underlines the importance of weaving these elements into a relatable narrative—one that resonates with the congregation, touching both hearts and minds. Sermon preparation is not merely about speaking; it’s about taking people on a transformative journey through the Gospel story, using jokes, illustrations, and more.
Collaboration and Visual Enhancements:
Collaboration, Nathan suggests in the video, is a powerful tool for refining ideas, bouncing thoughts off fellow pastors and ministry leaders. Nathan also introduced an interesting twist—incorporating slides into the sermon. We loved hearing Nathan share his personal experience of using Shift Worship to enhance his sermons visually, citing an example from a past Christmas sermon.
Transformative Slides and Countdowns:
In the video above, Nathan demonstrates the ease of creating and editing slides using Shift Worship. From scripture references to creative elements, our platform provides a range of options for customization. We have our very own, in-browser, editing software to maximize ease of use. We also offer Photoshop and After Effects files for those who prefer them.
Countdowns are a unique and useful tool to include in your sermon presentation! They provide a calm visual for tracking the time before service begins. It help staff and volunteer finalize adjustments, calls for conversation wrap-ups, and guides focus towards the service to come.
See all our “Countdowns” HERE.
Welcoming and Closing with Impact:
Once you create, or have the main points of the sermon ready-it’s time to spruce it up! Consider the “sandwich” approach—incorporating slides before and after the main sermon points. At Shift Worship, we have plenty of “Welcome” motion or still backgrounds that create a seamless flow into the service. The post-sermon phase, is equally crucial, offering options for prayer or peace. (PS. We have those too!)
See all our “Welcome” backgrounds HERE.
See all out “Closing” backgrounds HERE.
Presenting to Your Congregation:
To share any media created with your congregation, we recommend utilizing a software system to do this for you! A few various presentation software options are:
In our video segment, Nathan recommends Pro Presenter for its comprehensive features, emphasizing its one-time purchase model. However, he reassures those hesitant about presentation software that Shift Worship‘s content seamlessly integrates with PowerPoint!
Conclusion & Invitation
Here at Shift Worship, we know that your time and attention is valuable. We want to ensure that you have all the church media you could ever need! Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just starting, Shift Worship provides a wealth of resources to elevate your worship experience. Make sure to sign up for a FREE, 30-day trial HERE.
Top Conference for Church Creatives: Shift Worship Takes on SALT
About the SALT 2023 Conference
All church creatives need the proper tools and encouragement to make their visions come to life and be successful. At the SALT conference-this is exactly what they aim to do.
Who is SALT?
“SALT is a community where you can be connected, be equipped, and be inspired in your creative calling.” They place less focus on using creativity for outreach, and more on using it as a way to spread the Kingdom of God. SALT’s goal is to use creativity as an addition to what the church has to offer. From SALT: “We believe that creativity is a seasoning, it’s not the main course or a substantive side dish because creativity has no nutritional value.” (Hence the name)
SALT aims to glorify the name of Jesus Christ, and wants to support others in that mission as well.
Why Attend the Conference?
- Have Top Creative Questions Answered
- Learn About the Top Practices
- Connect and Relate with Fellow Creatives
- Refresh and Gain Inspiration
At the conference there were tons of workshops designed to help church creatives learn about tools, tactics, and technology that help place focus on God. The Goal was for this knowledge to be shared and implemented in the church. The SALT team wanted to make sure that attendees felt rested and refreshed. Hands-on training sessions took place that focused on subjects like worship leading, improving audio, online church strategy, growing social media, service programming, design tips, storytelling, website traffic, filmmaking, and so much more!
Shift Worship Takes on SALT Conference
Shift Worship was fortunate enough to sponsor and attend this conference as a special guest! We appreciate those who stopped by our booth to meet our wonderful team, and learn about our amazing products and services.
Shift Worship’s Favorite Part of the Conference
We had a blast connecting with and getting to know some of our amazing subscribers! Many shared their insights about our site and media-all of which was perfect feedback to continue producing amazing content that glorifies the message of God. Our team also had the privilege of connecting with the other vendors such as Intentional Merch, Gloo, Sermon Shots, The Church Co and so so many more!
Insight & Knowledge Gained
SALT is one of the few times a year that our team has the opportunity to meet our amazing members, as well as make new friends! We loved hearing about how our subscribers use their memberships for services, and how they customize their own media. SALT is also the perfect time to connect with people who have never heard of Shift Worship, and share all the amazing benefits that a subscription offers. We have a blast doing live demos and face-to-face conversations about using digital media to spread the kingdom of God.
Goal For Those Who Attended
Our goal at the SALT Conference was to showcase and educate guests about the many different ways that churches can use visuals in their service. Shift Worship is the perfect for anyone who needs media for services and events. Your focus is the church and/or spreading God’s kingdom-and we want to equip you with the tools to capture the largest audience possible and do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the larger message.
Types & Sizes of Churches That Would Benefit
We suggest that smaller to midsize churches attend this conference, since there are so many new technological exhibitors and breakout sessions to help people with smaller churches and limited resources to get better at their technology!
Shift Worship Wants to Share…
One our favorite moment of the conference was giving away a few free annual memberships! We also enjoyed handing out t-shirts to all of the attendees.
4 Videos to Share During Christmas Services in 2023
Spread the true meaning of Christmas in services this year with top 4 types of videos! Churches all over the world are getting ready to spread the warmth, joy, and reflection that this season brings. One of the best ways to do this is displaying carefully selected videos that highlight the messages of love, hope and goodwill. Keep reading as Shift Worship walks you through what types of videos to play and when! Plus, check out the latest Shift Worship Tips video highlighting a brand-new Christmas video on our site!
1. The Nativity Story:
Christmas is more than presents, Santa, trees, and other holiday festivities. The real message comes from the Birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Once a year, the opportunity arises to showcase a humble birth in a barn, that would change the lives of everyone. In the Old Testament, numerous prophesies were told about the coming of a Messiah, a Savior who would bring salvation and reconcile humanity with God.
We recommend sharing this story at the beginning of the Christmas season, and of course, close to the holiday itself. On Shift Worship, you can find plenty of digital media that displays this story, as well as elements that support sermons given about it.
2. Christmas Carols and Worship Videos:
Sermons and notes are not the only resources available to share the meaning of Christmas. With Christmas carols, and worship videos-the entire congregation can come together to raise their voice in praise and gratitude. They are a different avenue to learning and appreciating how Jesus came into the world to save it. These carols and videos are great for including all ages and setting the tone for service.
You can find our videos on the site here.
3. Inspirational Testimonies:
Christmas is the ultimate story of birth and rebirth. It presents a marvelous opportunity to connect with one another about spiritual rebirth. Sharing testimonies or religious journeys is a great way to inspire your congregation and encourage others to explore their faith as well.
4. Advent Reflections:
Advent serves as a way to prepare for the coming of Christ in the weeks before Christmas. The four themes: hope, peace, joy, and love-present a unique way to observe and appreciate the light of Christ. It creates space for deep reflection as well as spiritual preparation.
You can find all of our Advent media on the site here.
Shift Worship Tips
In this Shift Worship Tips session, Mariah, the brand manager at Shift Worship, introduces a brand new Mini Movie called “The Thread of Christmas.” Joined by Dale, they discuss their favorite Christmas songs and the unique features of the new video. The Mini Movie, part of the Silent Night collection by Centerline, draws inspiration from an older video called “Nativity Drawing.” The video is described as a reflective and captivating journey through the night of Christ’s birth, set to the backdrop of “O Holy Night.” Mariah and Dale suggest using it for Christmas Eve services, as an opener for a night of worship, or even to kick off Advent, creating a candlelit and reflective atmosphere. They encourage viewers to explore other collections on the Shift Worship site, offering a 30-day free trial for those interested in accessing a variety of media for their Christmas and New Year’s services. The session concludes with an invitation for feedback and a reminder to join them for more Shift Worship Tips in the following week.
Church Production Highlights Shift Worship
In the ever-evolving world of digital media, one church is stepping boldly into the realm of technology to enhance its outreach and engagement. Say hello to Church Alive! From live-streaming services to amazing social media campaigns, this church is embracing the digital new age in creative and inspiring ways.
Church Alive’s journey into the digital realm begins with the introduction of live-streaming services. They recognize the demand to adapt to the changing times and accommodate the diverse schedules of its members. This church now broadcasts its services in real time! This creative approach allows congregants to participate in worship, sermons, and special events from the comfort of their homes.
Podcasting has become a powerful tool in the church’s digital resources. Sermons and discussions are transformed into insightful podcast episodes, providing a convenient option for on-the-go engagement. These podcasts cover a range of topics relevant to the community, from faith-based teachings to discussions on pressing societal issues. By making these episodes accessible on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, the church ensures that its message reaches a broader audience beyond the confines of the physical church walls.
Venturing further into the digital landscape, Church Alive has embraced interactive social media campaigns to foster community engagement. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have become virtual hubs for congregants to connect, share, and discuss. From virtual prayer chains to online Bible study discussions, the church utilizes features like polls, Q&A sessions, and live video to facilitate real-time interaction. This dynamic online community not only strengthens existing connections but also opens doors for individuals who may not have considered participating in traditional church activities.
A noteworthy aspect of the church’s digital transformation is the introduction of digital small groups and classes. Recognizing the need for flexibility and inclusivity, the church leverages video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to facilitate virtual fellowship and learning. Small groups become hubs of deep connection and spiritual growth, breaking down geographical constraints and ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can be an integral part of the community.
In conclusion, Church Alive’s foray into the digital frontier is a testament to its commitment to meeting people where they are. By embracing technology, the congregation is not only enhancing traditional practices but also reaching new audiences and breaking down barriers. The digital pulpit has become a vibrant and inclusive space where the church’s impact resonates far beyond the physical sanctuary, touching hearts and transforming lives in the process.
Special thank to Church Production and Marel Patillo for putting this amazing video together that highlights Shift Worship!
4 Ways to Use Digital Media at Church
Shift Worship would love to share 4 ways in which churches can use digital media. Digital media and its uses are an incredible tool that churches need to capitalize on! We have provided the tools, and now it’s up to you to use them! Plus, check out our latest Shift Worship tips and how to use our amazing media for your benefit.
4 ways to use digital media for church:
- Livestream Services
- Podcasting for Sermons and Discussions
- Social Media Campaigns
- Small Groups and Classes
Let’s jump in!
1. Livestream Services
Reach a larger audience by sharing your services online! Guests may not always be able to attend the in-person gatherings, and streaming makes your setup accessible. Typically churches stream Sunday services, but it does not have to stop there! Stream events, groups, worship services, or anything that a community would benefit from. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live, or other dedicated church websites off accessible and user-friendly options for broadcasting.
2. Podcasting for Sermon and Discussions
Turn your sermons, discussions, and services into Podcasts! It’s a great tool for listeners who want to hear what is being shared while they go about their day-to-day. It’s also a perfect resources for anyone who missed the previous sermon, or those who want to listen again. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts are all great platforms to utilize.
3. Social Media Campaigns
Bring the church to the phone! Social Media as a whole is trending, and is filled with various platforms used to share people’s thoughts, moments, and memories. You can create interactive campaigns that match any content shared during services. Momentum and excitement can be built on these platforms that encourage viewers to attend or tune in. You can also stimulate and encourage spiritual growth by starting prayer chains, Bible study discussions, and sharing testimonies.
PS. Shift Worship has a vast amount of graphics to use on social platforms!
4. Small Groups and Classes
Advertise or conduct classes-the options are endless! Conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are great resources for leading discussions amongst peers. You can expand on lessons taught in service, and provide a community for those who need it. Digital Media allows for the promotion and content of these groups to have a sense of cohesion and professionalism.
Shift Worship Tips Recap
Shift Worship is excited to share the latest insights and updates from the world of Shift Worship, as presented by Mariah, the brand manager, and Dale, who also works on Shift Worship. Let’s dive into the conversation about the upcoming Christmas season and the remarkable resources Shift Worship is offering.
The discussion revolved around a notable announcement that there is a brand-new Christmas collection available of Shift Worship called Christmas Villages! On the Christmas Idea Page there is a “download free collection preview button” that allows users to access a free PSD and JPEG image to get a glimpse of what’s in store for the upcoming Christmas season. We are excited to provide churches with a wealth of resources for their Christmas services.
This new collection features a snowy village backgrounds that could set the perfect ambiance for a Christmas service. Dale highlighted the size of the pack, noting that it contained over 30 motions and stills, far exceeding the norm for our collections. The snow-themed graphics and border effects were especially praised, making it feel like you were living inside a snow globe.
As always, you can select your preferred format and download anything from the collection. They highlighted the “Merry Christmas” title slide and the streaming option for online church services. The darker backgrounds in the collection were appreciated for their readability and accessibility, especially for song lyrics.
The duo also mentioned a valuable resource: a free font that matches the design, which is offered on each collection page. This was hailed as a pro tip for users looking to create cohesive slides.
In conclusion, Mariah and Dale expressed their gratitude to the talented designers behind the collection and eagerly anticipated sharing more resources with their audience. The Christmas season is an exciting time at Shift Worship, with an abundance of resources to enhance church services!
Shift Worship Tips: Quick Editor
Out of all the options for digital media, Shift Worship stands out as a go-to resource for churches with leaders and creatives looking to boost their visual services. In this segment, on Shift Worship Tips, Mariah and Dale are excited to expand on one of their favorite features – the Quick Editor. This tool is used and loved by so many people who want to take their service to a new level with customizable media! Jason, one of Shift Worship‘s designers, walks Mariah and Dale through his thought process while using Quick Editor!
Jason Demonstrates Quick Editor
Jason kicks off the demo with an exciting concept that he has been considering called – “Forward.” To bring this idea to fruition, he decides to use the vibrant and visually captivating Colorful Cosmos collection. To get started, Jason heads to the collection’s page and clicks the “Quick Editor” button. In a flash, he is ready to use the customization tool. With the option to choose the size and format of the design, Jason decides to go with a motion title, an amazing feature that Quick Editor offers.
Choosing the Perfect Text and Font
Quick Editor lets you choose from a variety of backgrounds and pre-designed titles (motion and stills). Jason begins with a blank background and clicks on the text option, and changes it to say “Forward.” If you’re not happy with the default font, don’t sweat it – the Quick Editor has the option for you to select from a range of fonts. (Pro tip: Upload your own font to make it better) Jason then switches to the “Summer Loving” font that he has already uploaded from his computer, and then gives his text a fresh and unique look. A quick change of color to white, a font size adjustment, and some centering, and his title is ready for the next step.
Creating Depth and Style
Jason knows that adding depth (simple colors) to your text can make it stand out even more. He duplicates the text layer and changes the color to a vibrant color, creating a stunning drop shadow effect. This simple yet effective technique adds a layer of sophistication to the design. With a few adjustments, he achieves the perfect look.
Fine-Tuning the Subtitle
With the title complete, Jason moves on to the subtitle: “Always Moving.” He demonstrates how easy it is to adjust the text layout for a two-line effect and fine-tunes the font size and letter spacing. A change of color to a bright blue gives the subtitle a retro 80s vibe, adding a unique touch to the design.
Adding Decorative Elements
Jason takes the design up a notch by introducing elements. Quick Editor offers a wide range of built-in elements that you can incorporate seamlessly. Jason selects transparent triangles and skillfully positions them, achieving a captivating effect. Duplicating and fine-tuning the triangles on both sides of the title brings balance and symmetry to the composition. An adjustment of opacity blending further enhances the overall look.
Customizing with Personal Elements
For a final touch, Jason showcases how you can upload your own elements into Quick Editor. This feature expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to tailor your design to your unique vision. This is a great feature to incorporating a church logo into your slides. In this case, Jason adds an arrow graphic to accentuate the message of moving forward. The result is a striking and dynamic design that perfectly complements the sermon series concept.
Exploring Motion Backgrounds
But Jason’s not done yet. He realizes that the design could work equally well as a motion title. With a few clicks, he explores various motion backgrounds available in Quick Editor. The options are diverse and visually captivating, offering a broad range of choices. It is also very simple to switch from background styles, without having to restart your work. Jason settles on a dynamic background that beautifully complements the design.
Rendering the Final Creation
Once satisfied with the design, it’s time to bring it to life. A simple click on the “Render” button sends the project to the renderer, where it’s transformed into a stunning motion background. Shift Worship sends you an email once the render is ready for download. With Quick Editor, you have the power to create custom-made sermon titles, social media graphics, announcement slides, and much more with ease and creativity.
Available to Everyone
The best part is that Quick Editor is available to all Shift Worship users, including those on the free trial. You can explore its full potential with both the Media Plan and the Pro Plan. What’s more? Every collection on the Shift Worship site is Quick Editor-compatible, providing endless possibilities for your creative projects.
In Conclusion
The Shift Worship Quick Editor is a game-changer for churches and creative individuals looking to take their services to the next level. With its easy-to-use interface, a large library of elements, and the ability to upload your own, Quick Editor empowers you to design with ease and precision. Jason’s demonstration shows just a small amount of the tool’s potential, and with a little exploration, you’ll discover its countless creative possibilities.
We hope you’re as excited as we are about the Quick Editor. As Jason said, the possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you create with it. Stay tuned for more Shift Worship Tips, where we’ll explore more collections and features. Thank you for joining us, and special thanks to Jason for his enlightening demo. Until next time, stay creative and inspired!
7 Strategies to Increase Church Attendance
7 Strategies to Increase Church Attendance
In today's culture of high productivity, and long "to-do" lists, churches are facing the challenge of maintaining and increasing attendance. There are several ways in which the church can use well-known resources to its advantage. Follow along as we discuss how to boost church attendance as well as create a welcoming and educational faith-based community.
1. Utilize Digital Outreach
With the increase of technology, the room for audience growth is huge! Create and use media that can be used across platforms, and social media allows churches to reach potential new attendees, as well as communicate with current members. Digital media is a fascinating tool that allows the word of God to be shared on a whole new level. Not only does it serve as a way to highlight God's word, it can be a main source of knowledge. With live-streaming or podcasts, churches can reach their current congregation, along with those who may not be able to attend in person. Social Media can reach widespread audiences, and be utilized as a free outreach tool to connect with younger generations. Churches can use these platforms to highlight why people enjoy attending!
Examples of social posts:
- Summary of the sermon - perfect for lesson retention
- Schedule of service times and locations
- Events happening each season or month
- Special announcements (birthdays, weddings, celebrations of life, etc.)
- Class or small groups offered
2. Enhance Your Worship Experience
It's no secret that a Church's worship experience can be very influential for attendance and the level of engagement for the sermon. The worship experience remains a large reason as to why members return, and why new guests want to stay. By investing in this portion of the service, churches can see an increase in congregation attendance. What would this entail exactly? The first would be to provide music that the congregation as a whole can relate to. From there, churches can make sure they have amazing volunteer or staff members to lead the congregation during this time, and to ensure that the music ties into the sermon to come. Another factor for enhancing the experience is the level of technology used. If sound systems are used, then it is crucial to make sure these are up to date-and working as correctly as possible. Lastly, any screens or lyrics should be displayed in the best possible format. Any lyrics that are displayed should be readable on screens with interesting and unique media backgrounds.
3. Reach Out to the Community
Meet people halfway by exploring your community for guests! Whether it be through goof drives, clothing giveaways, or community service projects-there are tons of events that the church can host to highlight the acts of God, while keeping a causal environment.
4. Focus on Youth and Family Ministries
Youth and families are a huge part of the church! Families usually attend church together, and can have unique needs that the church should be prepared to meet. Childcare, accessible parking, and youth groups are some fantastic way to make attending church easy and fun for everyone in the family.
5. Curate a Visitor Friendly Culture
First impressions are crucial for churches looking to grow their congregation. It is very important for first-time guests to feel welcome, and picture themselves as part of the church. Create a warm welcome with this awesome strategies:
- Have a Welcome Team established to great and guide first-time guests.
- Set up a refreshment station for people to mingle over.
- Create a center point to welcome guests and provide more information about the church (ex: a Welcome Table)
- Gather guest information to follow up with them after the service.
6. Small Group Connections
Having multiple small groups, each with different focuses can an unique tool to retain first-time guests, along with current members. Small groups are a great place to create connections, expand on sermons, foster community and provide supports. For individuals that may not feel comfortable in large congregations, small groups provide a gateway into their involvement in the church.
Small Groups can exist of:
- Marriage Counseling & Connection
- Young Adults
- College Students
- Grief & Loss Sharing
- Financial Advising
7. Optimize Your Church Building
Church is more than just a place to hear a sermon. It can be a place of community, fun, connection, and education. Churches can create these feelings by using what they have! Depending on the layout of your building, you can have special events, booths, meeting places, ect.
What else can you do?
- Utilize lawn space with yard games the the whole family can play
- Have youth ministries draw Biblical images on sidewalks/pathways
- Spruce up windows by with special paint to decorate or share announcements
- Pull out tables and chairs into a courtyard to encourage