21 Tips on How to Grow Church Membership & Build Community

The number one rule to growing your church membership? 

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It all comes down to two key factors: 

1. Attracting new members
2. Keeping the ones you already have. 

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That's why we've divided our tips into two sections—one focused on bringing in fresh faces and the other on strengthening the bonds with your current congregation. 

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Whether you're looking to expand your church family or deepen the connection with existing members, we've got strategies that work for both. Let's dive in!

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Attracting New Members

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Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

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How do you make someone feel at home in your church? 

It starts with a warm smile and a simple, “We’re glad you’re here!” Having a dedicated welcome team at the entrance can work wonders in making newcomers feel comfortable. Consider offering 

• visitor cards 
• or small welcome gifts

- think of bookmarks with 

• inspirational quotes 
• or church event calendars.

Example Idea: Imagine creating a “Welcome Sunday” where first-time visitors are invited for coffee and snacks after the service. This simple gesture helps make them feel part of the community, laying the foundation for growth.

Launch an Active Social Media Presence

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Want to know how to grow church membership? Meet people where they are—online. Share your church’s story, post weekly encouragement, and livestream services to engage both members and potential visito1rs. Don’t just post announcements;

• ask questions, 
• host polls, 
• and spark conversations

 to create a sense of belonging even before someone walks through your doors.

And here's a bonus: Catch young people where they are—on social media. Post engaging content, create shareable moments, and show the authentic side of your church community. From Instagram stories to TikTok videos, use these platforms to create a connection with younger generations who are always scrolling. Keep it light, real, and relatable to build engagement with your future members.

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Simplify Membership Onboarding

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Let’s be real—joining a church shouldn’t feel like applying for a mortgage! 

Simplify the process by using a digital church membership database or offering an example of a church membership form online. 

Make expectations clear with a church membership agreement and welcome new members during service with a personalized certificate for church membership.

Example Idea: Consider using "Join It", a church membership software, to streamline sign-ups. After someone joins, send them a follow-up email with a welcome guide and a link to your church community page for easy access to upcoming events.

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Offer Personalized Church Membership Certificates

Who doesn’t love a certificate to commemorate a milestone? Presenting a church membership certificate during service not only celebrates the new member but also shows the congregation your commitment to fostering belonging. Add a personal touch by including the member’s favorite verse or prayer.

Example Idea: Create a custom-designed membership certificate for new members and present it during the Sunday service. You could even take a group photo with the new members to commemorate the moment, sharing it on social media for others to see.

‍Plus, here are free custom church certificates from Join It to help you get started!

1. Click the link above.
2. Create a Canva account (Note: we do not promote Canva or any other third-party services).
3. Click "File" in the top menu.
4. Select "Make a Copy." Now the certificates will be copied to your account.
5. You can now use the certificates however you want!

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Host Community-Centered Events

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Community events aren’t just fun—they’re magnets for new faces. 

Think outdoor movie nights, family picnics, or even a local service project. Hosting these events outside of Sunday service lets people engage with your church without pressure, offering a welcoming first step into your congregation.

Example Idea: Host a “Community Day” with free food trucks, games, and live worship music. These events can attract new visitors who are curious about your church and what you stand for.

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Develop an Accessible Website

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Your church’s website is its digital front door, so make sure it’s inviting and functional. Include key information like service times, contact details, and a clear section on how to grow church membership with your congregation. A downloadable example of a church membership form can also make the joining process hassle-free.

Example Idea: Consider adding a “Plan Your Visit” page that includes information about parking, childcare, and a welcoming message. This helps new visitors feel at ease before stepping foot inside the church.

And here’s some good news: With Join It, you don’t need to create a website from scratch. You can use our ready-made platform to manage members, plan your events, handle communication, and send emails—all in one place!

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Provide Digital Ways to Connect

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Not everyone can attend every Sunday. Offer online options like livestreaming services or hosting virtual Bible studies. You can also use church membership software to keep everyone connected through newsletters and event updates.

Example Idea: Create a digital bulletin board where members can easily find church announcements, prayer requests, and upcoming events. This keeps everyone informed and engaged throughout the week, ensuring your congregation feels connected even outside of service.

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Promote a “Bring a Friend” Sunday

Growing a church from 50 to 100 members can be as simple as encouraging your members to invite friends. 

Dedicate a Sunday where everyone brings someone new, and make the service extra special with a fun theme or free refreshments.

Example Idea: Create a “Bring a Friend BBQ Sunday,” where visitors get free meals and a chance to meet other members. It can be a laid-back, inviting way to introduce new people to your congregation.

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Showcase Member Stories

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People connect with stories. Share testimonies of how your church has impacted lives during services, in newsletters, or on social media. This not only inspires your current congregation but also shows potential members the value of being part of your church family.

Example Idea: Start a “Why I Joined” video series featuring different members telling their stories. Share these videos on social media or in your church’s newsletter. It’s a great way to inspire others to join while creating a sense of community.

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Get Involved in Local Outreach

Want to increase church membership? Get active in your local community. Organize food drives, volunteer at shelters, or partner with schools to show your church cares beyond its walls. This not only builds trust but also opens the door for new connections.

Example Idea: Partner with a local school for a backpack drive, providing supplies for children in need. Many parents will visit your church afterward, curious about the community behind such generous actions.

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Retaining Existing Members

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Celebrate New Membership Anniversaries

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Celebrating milestones like membership anniversaries makes members feel appreciated and valued. A thoughtful way to recognize anniversaries is by sending personalized notes or acknowledging their dedication during a church service. This simple gesture helps deepen members’ sense of connection to the church.

Example Idea: Send out a personal email or card on each member’s anniversary, acknowledging their commitment and thanking them for being part of the community. It strengthens their connection with the church and shows you care.

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Deepen Commitment Through Church Membership Agreements

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A membership agreement helps clarify the expectations for both the church and its members, ensuring that everyone is aligned. It allows members to feel more involved and committed, knowing what’s expected of them and how they can contribute to the church's mission.

Example Idea: Offer an online version of the membership agreement where members can quickly review and sign, making it simple to set the stage for an ongoing, committed relationship.

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Offer Personalized Spiritual Growth Plans

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Every member is on a unique spiritual journey, and offering personalized growth plans shows your church’s commitment to supporting their development. Whether it's through individual counseling or group studies, providing specific guidance helps your members feel spiritually nurtured and supported.

Example Idea: Create a spiritual roadmap for members that includes reading plans, prayer suggestions, and participation in church activities, all tailored to their faith journey.

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Present Membership Certificates as Milestones

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Membership certificates are an excellent way to commemorate important moments in your members’ spiritual journeys. Whether it's a year of consistent attendance or the completion of a course, a certificate shows appreciation and motivates continued engagement.

Example Idea: Design certificates that highlight specific achievements, such as "One Year of Service" or "Bible Study Completion," to celebrate members’ spiritual growth.

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Encourage Small Group Participation

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Small groups are key to creating strong, supportive relationships within the church. Encouraging members to participate in these groups allows them to grow deeper in their faith and form meaningful connections. Small groups help build a stronger sense of community.

Example Idea: Host a “Small Group Signup Sunday” to encourage members to sign up for a group that fits their interests or needs. These groups foster closer relationships and a sense of belonging.

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Create Opportunities for Volunteerism

Volunteering is one of the best ways to keep members involved and invested in the church. Offering various volunteer opportunities gives members a chance to serve others and become more deeply connected to the mission of the church.

Example Idea: Launch a volunteer recognition program where members who dedicate time to serve are publicly thanked, helping them feel appreciated and more engaged.

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Communicate Consistently

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Regular and clear communication keeps members informed and engaged with what’s happening in the church. Whether through newsletters, text messages, or church apps, consistent updates help members stay connected and involved.

Example Idea: Set up a weekly church newsletter that includes upcoming events, member highlights, and community news. This keeps everyone in the loop and builds anticipation for church activities.

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Host Member Appreciation Events

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Hosting events dedicated to appreciating your members creates a sense of belonging and celebration. Recognize the hard work, commitment, and contributions of your members through a special event or small thank-you gifts.

Example Idea: Plan an annual “Thank You” dinner to honor the volunteers and long-term members who make a difference in the church. Publicly thanking them boosts morale and reinforces their sense of purpose.

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Actively Listen and Adapt to Member Feedback

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Listening to feedback is essential to understanding your members’ needs and improving the church’s offerings. Whether through surveys or informal conversations, staying open to suggestions shows members that their opinions matter and will be acted upon.

Example Idea: Distribute an annual feedback form asking for suggestions on service times, new programs, or areas for improvement. Use the feedback to adjust church activities or offer new opportunities.

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Show Gratitude for Longtime Members

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Long-term members are the backbone of your church, so it's important to recognize their loyalty and commitment. Showing gratitude for their continued support can strengthen their connection with the church and motivate others to stay engaged.

Example Idea: Feature longtime members in the church bulletin or website as “Member Spotlights,” telling their stories and recognizing their contributions to the community.

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Simplify Operations with Church Membership Software

Managing a growing church can be complex, but Join It makes church membership management easy. 

With Join It, you can keep track of member data, manage attendance, and streamline communications—all in one place. Simplifying administrative tasks frees up time to focus on what matters: growing your congregation.

Example Idea: Imagine using "Join It" to automatically send birthday greetings, event reminders, or membership renewal notices to your members. By simplifying these tasks, you can focus more on building relationships and strengthening your church’s community.

Check out our other related article: 60 Tested Member Engagement Ideas

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