How to Bring People Back to In-Person Worship: The Church Playbook

The past few years have changed the way people experience church. Between the pandemic, the rise of streaming services, and the convenience of watching a sermon from home, many congregants have grown comfortable attending church online, and that is devastating. Christianity is supposed to be in-person and together. While digital ministry has its place, there’s no substitute for the transformative power of gathering in person. Churches that are thriving aren’t just reopening doors—they’re creating environments people want to be part of, communities where everyone feels seen, and experiences that inspire people to engage, grow, and serve.

If your goal is to bring people back to in-person worship, you need a strategic, holistic approach.

Let’s break down the key elements every healthy, vibrant church needs to make in-person attendance not just appealing, but irresistible.

1. A Welcoming Environment: The First Step in Retention

When people walk through your doors, the first thing they notice isn’t the sermon or even the music—it’s the atmosphere. A welcoming environment is critical for getting people to not just attend once, but to return consistently. It also makes sense that if we call this the House of God, that His house makes people feel comfortable and welcome.

Why this matters: First impressions determine whether someone returns, there's no getting around this. You may be able to win them over from some other time in the service but the most important time is that first impression. People want to feel valued, safe, and acknowledged the moment they enter your church. They are seeking an environment that feels alive, inclusive, and approachable. A cold or impersonal greeting can undo weeks of marketing, effort, and outreach. Greeters that are stoic or just going through the motions also isn't going to cut it. You need some people who love God and people. Don't put your mean church mother up there to greet or your brother-in-law who looks like a club bouncer. Put friendly faces at that front door; if it has to be your face.

Practical steps for creating a welcoming environment:

• Hospitality teams at the entrance: Train greeters to smile, make eye contact, and engage attendees warmly. Know names when possible. Personal connection goes a long way.

• Clear signage and flow: First-time visitors shouldn’t feel lost. Signage should guide them to parking, entrances, children’s ministry, and restrooms. Confusion equals frustration.

• Comfortable physical space: Seating, temperature, and lighting all contribute to a sense of safety and welcome. Consider small touches like friendly décor or refreshments in the lobby. Also make sure your space smells good. Hit all the senses. Make sure it's a light scent though as to not offend some one with sensitive noses.

• Follow-up: When someone visits for the first time, collect contact info and reach out afterward with a note, text, or call. Show that their presence mattered. Do at least 3 touches in 10 days.
  

The goal is to make people feel like they’ve come home. The moment someone walks in and feels seen and valued, they are far more likely to come back. These are God's people. Make them feel valued, becasue they are.

2. Build a World-Class Children’s Ministry

Families are a key demographic for in-person attendance. Parents often decide which church to attend based on the experience of their children. A strong, engaging, and safe children’s ministry is essential to bring families back to the pews. If you need resources, try Life.Church as they have a great, free Children's Church curriculum.

Why it matters: Parents want to invest their time and energy into a church where their children are not just watched, but spiritually nurtured. A thriving children’s ministry also gives parents the freedom to fully engage in worship, knowing their kids are cared for.

Strategies for an outstanding children’s ministry:

• Age-appropriate learning: Programs should cater to different developmental stages, from toddlers to preteens, with lessons that are engaging, biblical, and practical.

• Interactive activities: Kids retain lessons better when learning is active. Use crafts, games, storytelling, and drama to reinforce biblical truths.

• Safe and secure environment: Safety protocols, trained volunteers, and a secure check-in system are essential. Parents must trust that their children are in good hands.

• Family involvement: Encourage parents to participate occasionally. Special events, family worship Sundays, and parent workshops create unity.
  

When parents see children thriving and enjoying church, they are far more likely to return—and they’ll invite others to experience the same for their families.

3. Music Ministry: Make People Feel God

Worship music is more than background sound—it’s a spiritual gateway. In-person worship allows people to experience music collectively, creating a sense of unity, spiritual engagement, and emotional connection. A strong music ministry is a major draw for those who have been attending online or sporadically.

Why it matters: People want worship that moves their hearts, engages their spirit, and makes them feel connected to God and others. A vibrant music ministry can be the spark that reignites in-person attendance.

Key elements of a strong music ministry:

• Diverse worship experiences: Offer music that resonates with different generations, cultures, and tastes without losing spiritual depth. Balance contemporary worship with powerful hymns or traditional songs.

• Anointed leadership: Worship leaders should be passionate, spiritually grounded, and skilled. Their energy and authenticity inspire the congregation.

• Congregational engagement: Encourage participation through sing-alongs, call-and-response, or moments of reflection. People want to actively engage, not just watch. Don't have songs with too many words and verses. Put lyrics on the screen if you're able to do so.

• Special worship events: Consider monthly or quarterly worship nights, concerts, or themed services that bring excitement and new energy to the church calendar.
  

Music is an invitation—it pulls people in, sets the tone, and creates a memorable spiritual experience that makes them want to return.

4. Digital Presence That Pushes People to Return

While the focus is on in-person attendance, a strong online presence remains a critical tool. Digital engagement shouldn’t replace physical gatherings; it should fuel them. Churches that use online platforms to promote events, share stories, and connect with members are seeing higher return rates. Use social media. Post pictures and videos of your service. If you have a lot of empty seats, edit those out or simply post pictures of people coming in to worship, waving and smiling. It doesn't have to be service shots.

Why it matters: Many people first encounter your church online. Even existing members rely on digital reminders and engagement to commit to attending in person.

Strategies for leveraging online presence:

• Social media teasers: Share clips of worship, sermons, or testimonies that give people a taste of what they’ll experience in person. Short, shareable content can generate excitement and curiosity.

• Email and text campaigns: Send personal invites to upcoming services, events, or community outreach. Remind people why they should be back this week.

• Online RSVP systems: Make attending easy by allowing members to reserve seats, sign up for children’s programs, or join special events online.

• Storytelling and impact updates: Post about lives changed, outreach successes, or community events. People want to see that their presence contributes to a living, breathing ministry.
  

Your online presence should be less about broadcasting sermons and more about creating a sense of anticipation and belonging that draws people into the building.

5. Community Events and Outreach: Churches That Make a Difference

People are drawn to churches that live their faith outside the walls. Community events and outreach programs create opportunities for connection, impact, and visibility. When your church is making a tangible difference, people want to be part of it—and being present in person is the easiest way to engage.

Why it matters: Churches that are active in the community build trust, relevance, and loyalty. Members feel proud to be part of something larger than themselves, and visitors are naturally attracted to a church that is visibly making an impact.

Ideas for impactful outreach and community events:

• Local partnerships: Collaborate with schools, shelters, and community centers for mentorship programs, food drives, or educational initiatives.

• Service projects: Organize volunteer days, clean-ups, or renovation projects where members can physically serve alongside the church staff.

• Health and wellness programs: Host free fitness classes, mental health workshops, or family health fairs. These initiatives demonstrate practical care for your community.

• Cultural and social events: Celebrate community milestones, host concerts, family festivals, or art exhibitions that attract new people to the church while fostering connection.

Community outreach is more than good PR—it’s an invitation for people to connect in meaningful ways and see the church as a place of purpose and impact.

6. Social Events Ministry: Fun, Fellowship, and Connection

While worship and outreach are critical, people also crave fellowship and social connection. A dedicated social events ministry can make the church feel like a family, not just a building with programs. Now, this is new school thinking but think about it, people are lonely now-a-days and they're finding out that social media isn't enough. They need to get out and "touch some grass," as the young people are saying. Your church can be the "grass" they touch when they come out to your game night, movie outing or bowling game sponsored by your church.

Why it matters: Churches that foster meaningful relationships retain members longer. People come back not only for spiritual growth but also for community, belonging, and friendship.

How to build a strong social events ministry:

• Regular social gatherings: Coffee socials, game nights, potlucks, game nights, bowling and mixers create casual opportunities for members to connect.

• Small groups and interest clubs: Encourage connections around shared interests—book clubs, sports teams, service groups, or hobby-based gatherings.

• Celebratory events: Recognize birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones as a church family. Small gestures build strong loyalty.

• Integration with other ministries: Social events should tie into worship, outreach, and children's programs. For example, family movie nights can support children’s ministry while parents connect.
  

A church that is fun, relational, and connected outside of Sunday service is a church people actively choose to be part of.

7. Bringing It All Together: The Return Strategy

Getting people back to in-person worship requires intentionality across multiple areas. It’s not enough to just reopen the doors and hope people come. Every touchpoint—from first impressions and online presence to music, children’s programs, and social events—must work together to create a holistic experience.

Here’s a practical checklist for churches aiming to boost in-person attendance:

1. Welcome first impressions: Greeters, signage, lobby atmosphere, and follow-ups.

2. Children’s ministry: Engaging, safe, age-appropriate programming that empowers parents to participate fully.

3. Music ministry: Dynamic, inclusive worship experiences that inspire, uplift, and engage spiritually.

4. Digital strategy: Social media, email, and text campaigns that encourage physical attendance.

5. Community outreach: Meaningful events and service initiatives that make people proud to be associated with your church.

6. Social events ministry: Fun, relational gatherings that foster connection, belonging, and family-like culture.
   

By focusing on these areas, churches can create environments where attending in person is not just a habit, but a desire.

Church Playbook

This is the season of opportunity for churches. People are ready to return—they just need a reason to come back consistently. Churches that embrace hospitality, invest in children and families, prioritize worship, maintain an active online presence, engage in community outreach, and foster social connection are the churches that will thrive.

In-person worship isn’t just about numbers—it’s about transformation, community, and the visible presence of God’s love in action. When you create a church that is welcoming, vibrant, relational, and mission-driven, people won’t just return—they’ll bring others with them.

The opportunity is here. The doors are open. Now it’s time to invite people back into the life-changing experience of in-person worship. We Need Them.

Grab the free playbook with actionable steps, presented by Healthy Church Below.

-Brandon
@OfficialDBrandonCampbell on all socials

Brandon is a ministry leader, bestselling author, radio personality and Christian Thought Leader. You can catch him every weekday morning on MY1065WJCR.com until 10am Nationwide. His books are available on Amazon, and can be found by searching D. Brandon Campbell.

@OfficialDBrandonCampbell on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok.

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It's Time To Get People Back In The Building. Here's How To Do It.