Although reaching and growing people online is important, it is critical that steps are made to move them to attend the local church fellowship.
I. Prosper the Online Ministry
A. Determine Your Ecclesiology
B. Determine to keep permanent online services
C. Determine what ministries to adapt online
II. Plan For Viewer Guests to the Visit the Local Church
A. Encourage viewers to make an in-person visit the local church
B. Enhance your welcome at the church
C. Extend encouragement after the visit
I. Prosper the Online Ministry
A. Determine Your Ecclesiology
- How important is the physical gathering?
- What Biblical basis do you have for meeting only in person?
- What about virtual membership?
- Decide how vital real-time, in-person preaching and teaching is
B. Determine to keep permanent online services
- Keep a personal invitation after your services
- Reference online viewers or guests often during your services as this will help it be personal
- Promote in-person visits to the church
C. Determine what ministries to adapt online
- Evangelize heavily, be persistent
- Have a weekly devotional
- Promote live prayer times
- Schedule a live "Bible question and answer time."
- Have weekly live kids and teen sessions
- Promote a series of messages on important topics such as anxiety, finances, stress, marriage, parenting, faith, security, etc.…
II. Plan For Viewer Guests to the Visit the Local Church
A. Encourage viewers to make an in-person visit the local church
- Speak of the blessings and benefits of attending
- Create a video explaining the Biblical importance
- Plan an online meeting to introduce members to the guest viewers
B. Enhance your welcome at the church
- Prepare more “welcome” signage leading to the building
- Inform and educate your greeters or hospitality team
- Know the names of the viewers ahead of time
- Meet them personally before they leave
C. Extend encouragement after the visit
- Continue to follow-up and keep it personal
- Invite them to fellowships and activities
- Promote church services
- Encourage Bible studies
- Encourage to join other online ministries
- Invite them to a “Viewcomers” fellowship or orientation